Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort: people still live inside its walls. Spend a day among the havelis, then head into the dunes for sunset and a night at a desert camp.
Highlights
- Jaisalmer Fort (a living fort)
- Patwon ki Haveli and other carved mansions
- Gadisar Lake at sunrise
- Sunset in the dunes and a desert camp night
- Kuldhara abandoned village
What to eat
- Ker sangri
- Dal baati
- Ghotua laddoo
Where to stay
Inside or near the fort for atmosphere; desert camps near the dunes for one night.
Getting there
Trains and roads from Jodhpur (about 5 hours); seasonal flights in winter.
Tips
- Desert nights are cold in winter: pack a warm layer.
- Quieter dunes beyond the main Sam dunes are worth asking about.
- The Desert Festival is held in winter (usually February).
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.
Places to see in and around Jaisalmer
5 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Jaisalmer Fort Fort, 0 km
- Gadisar Lake Lake, 1 km
- Jaisalmer War Museum Museum, 12 km
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum Museum, 1 km
- Akal Wood Fossil Park Garden, 16 km
Food to try in and around Jaisalmer
Rajasthan favourites to look out for.
- Dal baati churma
- Laal maas
- Ghevar
- Gatte
- Panchkuta
- Mirchi bada
- Pyaaz kachori
- Bikaneri bhujia
- Safed maas
- Rabdi
- Bikaneri Bhujia GI: speciality
The full food passport, state by state.
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