7 Awesome Things To Do In Jaisalmer: The Golden City

Best things to do in Jaisalmer

In this blog post, I’ll share all of the incredible activities and things to do in Jaisalmer. You can explore the ‘Golden City’ on your own or join walking tours, camel safari’s and unique experiences by booking online in advance.

The Jaisalmer Fort

Visiting Jaisalmer Fort, an iconic symbol of Jaisalmer, is akin to stepping back in time. Perched on Trikuta Hill, the fort’s majestic yellow sandstone walls glow brilliantly under the sun, earning it the name ‘Sonar Quila’ or the Golden Fort. As you step through the imposing gates, you’re greeted by a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes lined with intricately carved havelis, temples, and shops. The Private Heritage City Tour is great value, not too expensive and takes you to all of the iconic spots in Jaisalmer including the fort.

A fascinating blend of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, the fort showcases delicate jharokhas (balconies), stunning jaalis (stone lattices), and ornate chhatris (pavilions). As one of the few ‘living forts’ in the world, it houses nearly a quarter of the city’s population within its ancient walls. Exploring the fort’s rich history, marvelling at its architectural grandeur, and absorbing the vibrant buzz of everyday life within its walls is an experience that encapsulates the true essence of Jaisalmer.

 Jain Temple

Inside the Jaisalmer Fort resides a group of beautiful Jain Temples, a testament to the religious diversity and architectural brilliance of the region. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, these temples are carved out of the same golden-yellow sandstone as the fort itself, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of intricate carvings, sculptures, and domes. From the main Paraswanath Temple to the smaller, equally stunning Rishabhnath and Sambhavanth Temples, each temple stands as a splendid example of Dilwara style architecture. The Private Heritage City Tour includes a visit to the Jain Temple along with many other points of interest.

The walls of the temples are adorned with scenes from Jain mythology, bringing spiritual narratives to life in an incredible display of craftsmanship. Despite being centuries old, the temples remain active places of worship. The tranquility that envelops these sacred spaces, particularly during the morning prayers, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the fort’s bustling streets, making a visit to these Jain Temples a must-do when exploring Jaisalmer Fort.

Bada Bagh

We rented a motorbike and set off towards Bada Bagh from the city center. It only took us about 15 minutes driving towards the huge wind turbines to find the temple site. Bada Bagh translates to ‘big garden’.

The entrance fee was 100 rupees and not a single tourist was at the site when we arrived in mid-morning. Essentially Bada Bagh is a cemetery. Years ago the founder of Jaisalmer commissioned a dam to create a water tank to be built at the site, which meant it was the only green area in the region at times during the year. It is also the reason why there is a lake next to Bada Bagh, seemingly in the middle of a huge desert. This is how it earnt the name Bada Bagh or ‘Big Garden’.

The Maharajah had a cenotaph built for his father atop the hill and many more cenotaphs more followed after for important figures. A cenotaph is a small temple or tribute statue for a deceased relative. This was one of the most unique things to do in Jaisalmer.

Gadi Sagar Lake

Gadisar Lake is an enchanting man-made reservoir on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. Built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer, this serene waterbody was once the lifeline of the city, providing much-needed water in the arid desert environment. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the lake. Surrounded by beautiful temples, shrines, and ghats, the lake offers a mesmerizing reflection of the architectural beauty of Jaisalmer.

Temples sit out in the water, almost as if they were floating and the sound of traffic from the city is too far to break the serenity. Visiting Gadi Sagar Lake would be rated as one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer for sunrise in my opinion. Hanging out on the walls of the fort for sunrise could be epic also.

Enjoy a Meal at a Rooftop Cafe

There are many to choose from. In fact, it is harder to find a cafe inside of a building than to enjoy the views from on top. Our accommodation, Hotel Pleasant Haveli, had an awesome setup with comfy, colorful couches and a good array of food. Having dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants is a must-do activity in Jaisalmer.

My other favorite was Cafe the Kaku, which had stunning views and a perfect spot for a drone launch.

Haveli Hunting

The havelis in Jaisalmer are magnificent examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage. These grand mansions, mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries by wealthy merchants, are renowned for their intricate yellow sandstone carvings and unique design. The most famous among these is the Patwon Ki Haveli, a collection of five havelis standing close to one another. Each haveli, with its intricately latticed windows, elaborately carved pillars, and stunning murals, is a testament to the skill of the local craftsmen.

The ornate balconies or ‘jharokhas’ offer a glimpse into the affluence of the erstwhile merchants. These havelis, with their labyrinth of rooms, hidden staircases, and exquisite detailing, reflect a harmonious blend of Rajasthani and Islamic architectural styles. Walking through these havelis is like stepping back in time, offering an immersive experience of Jaisalmer’s glorious past and intricate artistry.

Walking the streets of Jaisalmer, you are bound to come across some beautiful Haveli’s.