Jaisalmer is among the most beautiful destinations to visit in Rajasthan, especially in the winters. The place, with its golden forts, sand dunes and vibrant markets, is picturesque and filled with heritage and will make you feel closer to India’s culture. So, if you’re in the city for just 48 hours, this guide to the places to visit in Jaisalmer, where to stay, what to do and where to eat will be all you need for a fulfilling, pleasant and memorable trip. Jaisalmer is one city that will make you really feel like you’re in the part of Rajasthan that’s more often showcased in movies. Golden sand within an hour’s distance, massive forts complete with markets full of colourful wares, and hotels that feature intricate carvings and local cuisine that will blow your mind are just a part of the overall experience. Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to Thar Desert. Its name comes from the use of the yellow sandstone in the construction of the fort and its houses, as well as the desert’s sand that lends it a golden hue. These reasons make it a major tourist attraction, along with the fact that it houses one of the few living forts across the world, aka the Jaisalmer Fort. Best places to visit in Jaisalmer in 48 hoursDay 1 Once you’ve reached Jaisalmer, check in to your hotel and freshen up for a bit. Then, after lunch, hit the road and begin your travels. Jaisalmer Government Museum After lunch, you probably will not have a lot of time on hand to explore the city throughout the day. So, we suggest visiting the Jaisalmer Government Museum. The place has been established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums and houses artefacts from the seventh and ninth centuries AD. A major attraction here is the trophy of the state bird Godawan, beautiful household items from the era, jewellery, crockery and more.Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (Friday closed)
Entry Fee: INR 10 (for Indians); INR 50 (for international visitors)
Kuldhara Village
From the museum, head to Kuldhara, a village just a few kilometres from Jaisalmer and is among the places to visit in the region. The , and thus is also called the abandoned village. Legend has it that the villagers abandoned the place overnight in the 1800s, with no one having any idea where they went. Supposedly, there were about 85 villages here that were full of people, and even to date, there’s no information on where they all went. Today, the place attracts history enthusiasts and keen photographers because of its golden-hued homes and an eerie, quaint charm. Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry Fee: INR 10 per person; INR 50 per person (with a car) Sam Village and Desert National Parkrom Kuldhara, head to Desert and experience how the wildlife in the sand exists. There are jeep safaris that will take you to places within the park where you can see local wildlife such as the state bird of Rajasthan (Godawan or the Great Indian Bustard), eagles, falcons, desert fox, chinkaras and the desert cat. Sunset views here are also magnificent and will make your journey worth the while. Spend the night at one of the safari camps at Sam village and experience the magic of the desert along with sand dunes. If not, you can simply enjoy the sunset and head back to your hotel for the night. Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Entry Fee: INR 100 per person; INR 100 per person for a jeep safari; INR 200 for a guide Day 2 We suggest waking up a bit early to soak in the morning fragrance that covers the city, as you sip on some tea or coffee. After a hearty breakfast, it’ll be time to head to the main city, which houses its marvellous fort, mesmerising havelis and colourful wares. Jaisalmer Fort The UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the six hill forts of Rajasthan that share this coveted tag. One of the oldest living forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort (also called Sonar Killa or Sonar Qila) has housed generations of people. This is among the many factors that make it one of the places you must visit in Jaisalmer. It takes around four hours to complete the fort tour and you’ll be wowed by the markets, bylanes and homes that rest inside its walls. You can also pick up vibrant umbrellas and dupattas from here as souvenirs. But, remember to bargain well. Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry Fee: INR 50 (for Indians); INR 250 (for international visitors) Patwon Ki HaveliLocated barely half a kilometre from Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon (or Patwaon) Ki Haveli is one of the must-visit places in the city. The five-storey structure is one of the largest in Jaisalmer and features , paintings and mirror work that has been used as decoration for its inside walls. Along with Patwon Ki Haveli, visit Salim Singh Ki Haveli as well as Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, both hardly a five-minute walk from here. Each of these havelis have their own history which makes them unique. Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Patwon Ki Haveli); 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Salim Singh Ki Haveli); 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli) Entry Fee: INR 100, INR 50 for camera and INR 100 for a video camera (Patwon Ki Haveli); INR 10-50 per person for Indians and INR 100 for international visitors, INR 50 for camera and INR 100 for video camera (Salim Singh Ki Haveli); No entry fee for Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli Gadisar LakeOnce you’re done walking around the havelis, it’ll be time to witness the golden . And the place we suggest for this is the Gadisar (or Gadsisar) Lake. Built by Rawal Jaisal (and then by Gadi Singh), the lake was once the sole water reservoir in the city. Here, you can enjoy activities such as boating, as well as a Laser Water Show, something you must witness. Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Entry Fee: No entry fee. However, boat rides and other activities are chargeable When to explore Jaisalmer for the best weather The best time to visit Jaisalmer is winter and early spring, from November to February. How to reach Jaisalmer By Air Jaisalmer Airport is connected to cities such as Delhi and Mumbai By Rail Jaisalmer Railway Station is well-connected via trains to the rest of the country By Road Jaisalmer has a good road network, and can easily be reached from all major cities, especially in the north What to eat in Jaisalmer Some of the dishes you must sample in Jaisalmer are Dal Baati Churma, Pyaaz Ki Kachori, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Makhania Lassi and Mirchi Pakoda. What to shop in Jaisalmer Look for leather goods, stoles and scarves, silver jewellery, home decor, and puppets (katputli) to bring back with you. Cre: travelandleisureasia