Welcome to Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India. Known for its stunning yellow sandstone architecture, vibrant culture, and fascinating history, Jaisalmer is a traveler’s dream come true. My personal favorites in Jaisalmer were the camel safari in the sand dunes and wandering the incredible lanes and stairs of the Jaisalmer Fort. It’s time to embark on a mesmerizing journey as we uncover the 5 best things to do in Jaisalmer.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Within the fort we tried Gaji’s Restaurant and Kuku Cafe, both had great views and good coffee. The friendly staff is a constant in Jaisalmer so you can expect a friendly smile no matter which rooftop you end up on. Finding a good view each night isn’t a hard feat and one of the fun things to do in Jaisalmer each day.
