Visiting Jaisalmer: A travel guide to exploring the jewel of Thar's Desert

One of the most diverse and stunning states in India is Rajasthan. Home to many scenic and touristy cities, Jaisalmer, or the Golden City, is a hidden gem. Situated in the heart of the Thar desert, this city is beautiful and home to many tourist attractions. Of course, the best attraction in Jaisalmer is the Thar Desert itself. Stay at the best luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer to witness the magical sunrise or stunning sunset. Riding a camel or jeep here is the best way to experience the vast Thar desert. Apart from this, Jaisalmer has so much to offer in terms of Havelis, shopping, food, and warmth. It is a travel guide to exploring the jewel of Thar’s desert. In this, we will list the must-visit places and give a few helpful tips for all tourists coming from all over the globe.

A travel guide to exploring the jewel of Thar's desert

Jaisalmer Fort- A livable Fort

Jaisalmer’s skyline is dominated by the stunning structure of Sonar Quila. The Golden Fort, built in 1156 AD by the founder of the city, Rao Jaisal, stands on Trikuta Hills. It is made of yellow sandstone and is the only livable fort in India. When the sun sets, there is a golden glow on the haveli, which is simply mesmerizing. It has intricate decor and designs, mixing well with the desert. There are many things to see in the fort, like Jain temples. There are seven Jain temples inside the fort with exquisite designs. The temples have designs of animal and human figures. The first temple is Chandraprabhu, an ode to Tirthankar; on the right is the Rikhabdev temple; and behind Chandraprabhu is the majestic Parasnath. These are the main three Jain temples. All seven of the temples are worth visiting. Afterward, do shop around the fort; it is worth doing so.

Visit all the havelis.

Havelis, or palaces, are a significant part of Jaisalmer. Here are a few havelis you should undoubtedly visit while touring Jaisalmer.

Patwon ki Haveli: This is the most famous house in Jaisalmer. It's also the biggest one in the city, made up of five buildings. A rich jewelry trader named Guman Chand Patwa had it built for his five sons, so each son got their floor.
Nathmalji ki Haveli: This house was the home of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. Two brothers built it, and they were a bit competitive. They started building from opposite ends, and it ended up looking a bit irregular because they had trouble making it all uniform.
Salim Singh ki Haveli: This one is called the Peacock House. It's 300 years old and was built on top of an even older house. Someone from the original owner's family still lives there today.

The Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is one of the most anticipated tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. People from all over the world come to witness the beauty that the Thar desert beholds. You can stay at the best luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer’s Thar desert and witness the magic unfold.

Desert safari

Jeep Safari

In Jeep Safari, you will be riding a 4x4 Jeep over the dunes. Pick either the morning safari or the evening one. On your Jeep safari, you will come across many exotic desert ecosystems and villages that survived the harsh climate and thrived.

Camel safari

The Sam Sand Dunes camel safari in Jaisalmer is a must-try. Riding the ship in the desert’ is one of the best feelings ever. Ride the camel and watch the breathtaking sunset—a glorious moment in the desert. The sunset gives you plenty of time to soak up the orange sky as the sun dips below the horizon. Take up this opportunity to mingle with other travelers or nomads.

The desert camp

When in Jaisalmer, it is worth spending a night at the best luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer. Here are a few things you will do in the camp:

Cultural performance: The local artist performs folk dance and sings folk music to give you an enchanting performance.
Eat Rajasthani cuisine: Enjoy a delicious and elaborate spread of Rajasthani food surrounded by a bonfire. The authentic food includes dal baati churma, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi.
Watch the celestial masterpiece: During the night, you can lay near your camp and watch the night sky full of twinkling stars. Watching the constellations and stars without pollution is a moment you will cherish forever.