Golden sands, historic forts, and quiet desert nights—Jaisalmer offers a travel experience rooted in real places and stories. It is known for its old-world charm and steady pace, earning it the nickname "Golden City" due to its yellow sandstone architecture.
Tourists come here for more than just sightseeing. The narrow lanes of the fort, the silence of the dunes, and the local cuisine all leave an unforgettable impression. Jaisalmer tour packages are ideal for both families and individuals.
In this blog, you'll find practical travel tips, must-visit places, and local experiences that make Jaisalmer worth your time.
Why Choose Jaisalmer for Your Next Holiday?
Jaisalmer is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the usual hill stations or busy cities. It has a unique mix of history, culture, and peaceful charm, and it is in the middle of the Thar Desert. This is why Jaisalmer might be the best place for your next vacation.
A Desert Setting That Feels Peaceful
The desert surrounding Jaisalmer is part of the experience. With Jaisalmer tour packages, you can go on a camel safari at sunset, ride a jeep across the dunes, or spend the night in a desert camp under the stars.
Forts and Havelis That Tell Real Stories
Jaisalmer Fort, made from yellow sandstone, is still home to shops, homes, and temples. Many Jaisalmer trip packages include time to explore the fort on foot and soak in its lived-in atmosphere. You can also visit finely carved havelis like Patwon Ki Haveli, which offer a glimpse into how wealthy traders lived centuries ago.
Rajasthani Culture
Culture is a big part of everyday life here, from folk music performances to Rajasthani thalis served in restaurants in the courtyard. In the market, you might see people dressed in traditional clothes or see a puppet show. It is these little things that make the trip feel genuine and grounded. Families and couples often prefer Jaisalmer trip packages as they balance sightseeing with relaxed time in the desert.
Something for Every Type of Traveller
Jaisalmer tour packages let you choose whether you want to see historical sites, do something exciting like dune bashing, or just chill out in a hotel with a view of the desert. It is great for families, couples, or solo travellers looking for something slower-paced but still interesting.
Top 10 Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is best experienced slowly. The city isn’t about rushing from one place to another. It’s about walking through old streets, sitting quietly by the desert, and taking in places that still feel real. These ten places show you everything the city has to offer, from how people live in a fort to views of the open desert.
1. Jaisalmer Fort – Life Inside a Historic Fort
The city's centre is Jaisalmer Fort. It was built more than 800 years ago and still has shops, temples, and small hotels. People can be seen going about their daily lives as you walk through the narrow lanes. This makes the fort feel less like a monument and more like a neighbourhood where people live. From the upper sections, you get clear views of the city below and the desert stretching into the distance.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli – Fine Craftsmanship and Old Wealth
Patwon Ki Haveli is a group of five havelis that were built by a wealthy merchant family. Each surface is embellished with small carvings. These designs showcase the craftsmanship of local artisans. A visit provides a clear picture of merchant life and how trade shaped Jaisalmer.
3. Sam Sand Dunes – Open Desert and Sunset Views
Many Jaisalmer trip packages include a visit to Sam Sand Dunes. The Dunes offer the most direct way to experience the Thar Desert. Once there, you can take a camel ride or a jeep safari. The main highlight is sunset, when the sand changes colour and the area feels calm and open. In the evening, desert camps host folk music, dance performances, and traditional meals, making it a complete desert outing.
4. Gadisar Lake – Calm Water and City History
Jaisalmer's main source of water used to be Gadisar Lake. It is now a peaceful retreat for both residents and visitors. You can walk around the edge, sit on the ghats, or take a quick boat ride. The lake is surrounded by small temples and stone structures, which contribute to its ambience. Early morning and evening visits are ideal because the light is soft and the atmosphere is relaxing.
5. Nathmal Ki Haveli – Uneven Design with Character
This haveli was built by two brothers working independently on opposite sides, so it isn't perfectly symmetrical. That difference adds to its charm. The exterior carvings include animals, flowers, and everyday scenes. It’s not very large inside, but the outside alone makes it worth stopping by. It’s a good example of how personal skill shaped architecture in the past.
6. Kuldhara Village – Silence and Abandoned Homes
Jaisalmer trip packages often include a trip to Kuldhara. It is an abandoned village located just outside the city. According to local legends, the villagers fled overnight centuries ago and have never returned. Today, you can walk through abandoned houses, crumbling walls, and dusty roads. There's no noise, shops, or crowds. The silence gives you an idea of how communities once lived in this harsh environment.
7. Desert National Park: A Different Way to Look at the Desert
Plants, animals, and birds in the Desert National Park have learnt to live in the dry climate. If you go with a guide, you might see rare birds like the Great Indian Bustard, gazelles, and desert foxes. The landscape looks wild and untouched, which is a nice break from the usual tourist spots.
8. Salim Singh Ki Haveli: Bold Design, Strong Identity
This haveli is notable for its unusual shape and is included in Jaisalmer holiday packages. The roof curves like a peacock's tail. The building has numerous small balconies, each with a distinct design. It reflects the power and personality of former Minister Salim Singh. While the interior is modest, the exterior design distinguishes it from other havelis in the city.
9. Bada Bagh: Royal Monuments in an Open Space
Bada Bagh is a collection of cenotaphs built in memory of Jaisalmer's rulers. The area is open and quiet, and it is located just outside the city. You can freely walk among the stone structures, taking in the expansive desert views. Sunset is the best time to visit because the light is soft on the sandstone and the atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried.
10. Jain Temples – Detailed Stonework and Quiet Space
The Jain temples, which are located within Jaisalmer Fort, are well-known for their fine carvings and peaceful interiors. They were constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries and feature exceptional stone craftsmanship. The temples continue to welcome visitors and serve as places of worship. It's a good place to get away from the crowds and explore another aspect of the city's history.
Top Activities to Do in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer tour packages are not just about visiting landmarks. Some experiences are slow and personal, while others provide a deeper understanding of desert life. Here is a list of activities that will make your time in Jaisalmer more meaningful, especially if you want to do more than just sightseeing.
1. Stay Overnight in a Desert Camp
A night in the desert is an important part of the Jaisalmer tour packages experience. Most camps provide camel rides, local music, and dinners around a bonfire. Some are simple, while others are more comfortable. What stays with you, however, is the sense of being out in the open—quiet, dark skies, and stars everywhere.
2. Try Local Rajasthani Food
Instead of going to the usual chain restaurants, look for places that serve traditional food. Get a dal baati churma, ker sangri, or gatte ki sabzi. Many guesthouses also serve home-style food, which is often simpler but more flavourful. If you’re curious, ask what’s in season—the desert cuisine changes with what’s available.
3. Watch a Live Folk Music or Puppet Show
Jaisalmer tour packages are known for their folk culture. Small shows are held at desert camps, hotels, and cultural centres. You'll see traditional instruments, dances, and puppetry passed down through families. It's a simple way to connect with the region's creative community.
4. Shop for Local Crafts in the Old City
The lanes surrounding the fort are lined with textiles, leather goods, silver jewellery, and hand-embroidered items. Many shops are run by long-time business owners. Even if you don't purchase anything, browsing these small shops is part of the experience.
5. Take a Guided Walking Tour
Instead of reading signs or rushing through sites, walk with a local guide on your Jaisalmer tour packages. Many of them know stories about old families, buildings, and local customs that aren't on the internet. It shows the city through the eyes of a local, not a tourist.
6. Wake Up Early for a Camel Ride at Sunrise
Most people ride camels after sunset, but mornings are quieter and cooler. The desert feels unique due to the soft light and empty dunes. It's also slower, giving you more time to appreciate the scenery without the crowds.
7. Visit a Local Village Nearby
If you have a few hours to spare, add a visit to a village such as Khuri or Kanoi to your Jaisalmer tour packages. These locations show how people live in the desert, with mud houses, small temples, livestock, and basic daily routines. Some tours include a meal with a local family, which adds to the experience.
8. Relax at a Rooftop Café with a Fort View
Jaisalmer has plenty of rooftop cafés that look straight out at the fort. Order a chai or a cold drink and sit for a while. No pressure to do anything—just take in the view as the fort changes colour with the light. It’s one of the easiest ways to slow down and enjoy where you are.
9. Explore the Fort at Night
After sunset, the fort becomes quieter. The shops start closing, and the crowds leave. If you’re staying nearby, take a short walk inside the fort after dark. The lighting is soft, the air is cooler, and the whole place feels more personal. It’s a good way to see the fort in a different mood.
10. Photograph the City’s Changing Light
Jaisalmer holiday packages take you to sandstone buildings that change colour with the sun. Morning light is soft and golden, midday brings out sharp contrast, and evenings give the whole city a warm glow. You don’t need a professional camera—just slow down, look around, and capture the small moments.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is when the weather is cooler. This is when the heat of the desert is bearable, and outdoor activities are fun. The city is warm most of the year. During the hot summer months, the city is seen with winter festivals and markets.
Here's a brief overview to help you plan your Jaisalmer tour packages:
| Season | Months | Weather | Travel Experience |
| Winter (Best) |
October to March |
10°C to 28°C, dry and pleasant |
Ideal for desert safaris, sightseeing, and festivals |
| Summer (Avoid) |
April to June |
30°C to 45°C, extremely hot |
Too hot for outdoor activities, low tourist activity |
| Monsoon (Low) |
July to September |
Slightly humid, rare light showers |
Off-season, fewer crowds, limited desert experiences |
Food to Try in Jaisalmer
Dry climate and local traditions shape Jaisalmer's cuisine. Most vegetarian dishes use millets, pulses, and dried vegetables.
| Dishes | Veg/Non-Veg | Description |
| Dal Baati Churma |
Vegetarian |
Lentils, baked wheat balls, and sweet churma—a Rajasthani meal. |
| Ker Sangri |
Vegetarian |
A dry sabzi made from desert beans and berries, cooked with spices and curd |
| Gatte Ki Sabzi |
Vegetarian |
Besan (gram flour) dumplings in a spicy yoghurt-based curry |
| Bajra Roti & Lasan Chutney |
Vegetarian |
Pearl millet flatbread served with spicy garlic chutney |
| Pyaaz Kachori |
Vegetarian |
Fried pastry filled with spiced onion mix; popular snack |
| Makhania Lassi |
Vegetarian |
Thick sweet yoghurt drink topped with saffron and cream |
| Ghotua Ladoo |
Vegetarian |
Traditional sweet made with gram flour, ghee, and cardamom |
| Kachari Curry |
Vegetarian |
Curry made with wild desert cucumber; sour and spicy |
| Laal Maas |
Non-Vegetarian |
Spicy red mutton curry made with dried red chillies and garlic |
| Murg-e-Sabz |
Non-Vegetarian |
Chicken cooked with green vegetables and local herbs |
What to Pack for Your Jaisalmer Trip Packages
The desert climate in Jaisalmer means hot days, cool nights, and lots of outdoor time. Packing light but smart will make your Jaisalmer holiday packages easier and more comfortable.
Essentials to bring:
- Light cotton clothes
- Tops/shirts with long sleeves
- Light jacket or shawl
- Walking shoes that are comfy
- Shoes or sandals
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Duppatta or scarf
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic medicine
- Charging cables, power bank
- ID and travel documents
- Space-filled camera or phone
Plan Smart, Travel Light: Your Jaisalmer Trip Made Easy
Packing properly sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. With the appropriate clothing and necessities, you'll be ready to make the most of your time in the Golden City.
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