Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila)
A living fort: people still live and run shops inside its walls. Walk the lanes, see the Jain temples and look out over the city from the ramparts. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Hill Forts of Rajasthan”.
RAJASTHAN · TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Jaisalmer & where to stay. A local guide to the Golden City.
Jaisalmer rises out of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, built almost entirely of yellow sandstone. Here is what to see, how long to stay, where to sleep — and how to book desert safaris directly with local owners.
GHUMNE · THINGS TO DO
Things to do in Jaisalmer
Patwon ki Haveli
A group of five connected merchant havelis with finely carved sandstone balconies and facades, a short walk from the fort.
Gadisar Lake
A man-made lake with temples and ghats, best early in the morning or at sunset. Boats are usually available.
Sam sand dunes
The most famous dunes, roughly 40 km west of the city. Go for sunset, a camel ride or a jeep safari, and stay the night in a desert camp.
Khuri dunes
Quieter dunes south-west of Jaisalmer with village-style camps — a good choice if you want fewer crowds.
Kuldhara
An abandoned village on the way to Sam, with old stone houses and many local legends.
Bada Bagh
Royal cenotaphs on a low hill north of the city, beautiful at sunset.
DESERT SAFARIS
Desert safaris & camps — book direct with a local owner
Real Desert Man Safari Jaisalmer is run by owner Sawai Dan. Prices are set by the owner; you pay him directly and THE FOODIES takes no commission.
Half-day desert safari
A few hours in the dunes with jeep and camel rides. From INR 2,500 per person.
Sunset cultural desert safari
Dunes at sunset with a cultural programme. From INR 3,000 per person.
Overnight camel safari
A night in the desert with a camel safari. From INR 2,500 per person.
Luxury overnight camping
A night in a comfortable desert camp. From INR 3,500 per person.
STAY · WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay in Jaisalmer
Inside or near the fort
Stay in or right next to the fort for the old-town atmosphere, rooftop views and walking distance to the havelis.
Near Gadisar Lake
A calmer base close to the lake, still a short ride from the fort and markets.
A desert camp
Spend at least one night in a desert camp near Sam or Khuri — sunset on the dunes, dinner and a sky full of stars.
Village homestay near Jodhpur
Travelling on to Jodhpur (about 5–6 hours by road)? Stay with a family in Salawas village at Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay: mud-architecture huts, home cooking and a Bishnoi village safari.
TRAVEL · PLAN YOUR TRIP
Planning your Jaisalmer trip
How long to stay
Two days is enough for most travellers: one day for the fort, havelis and Gadisar Lake, and one afternoon and night in the dunes.
Best time to visit
October to March is the best time. April to June is very hot. December and January nights in the desert can be cold.
How to reach
Jaisalmer has a railway station with trains from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Delhi, and a small airport with seasonal flights. Many visitors come by car with driver as part of a Rajasthan circuit.
Flights, hotels & transfers
Compare flights, hotels, taxis and eSIMs with live prices in our Trip Builder.
LOCAL BUSINESS IN JAISALMER?
Get your free booking page.
Safari, camp, guide, driver or homestay: your own page, your prices in INR, booking requests straight to you. 0% commission.
JAISALMER TRAVEL
Common questions
How many days do I need in Jaisalmer?
Two days is enough for most travellers: one day for the fort, havelis and Gadisar Lake, and one afternoon and night in the dunes at Sam or Khuri. Add a day if you want a slower camel safari or a visit to Kuldhara.
What is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?
October to March, when days are warm and nights are cool. April to June is very hot. Desert nights in December and January can be cold, so carry a warm layer.
Where should I stay in Jaisalmer?
Stay inside or near the fort for the old-town atmosphere, near Gadisar Lake for a quieter base, or spend a night in a desert camp near Sam or Khuri to see the sunset and the stars in the dunes.
How far are the Sam sand dunes from Jaisalmer?
Sam is roughly 40 km west of Jaisalmer, about an hour by road. Most desert safaris include the transfer from the city.
How do I book a desert safari with a local owner?
Open a local partner's page on THE FOODIES, choose a safari and send a booking request. The owner confirms the price and you pay them directly — 0% commission.