Famous Historical Monuments in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination, the “Golden City”, was established in the mid-12th century by Rawal Jaisal, and today with many artistic structures, monuments of local historical importance, and abandoned villages have emerged as a slice of royal heritage from incredible Rajasthan. So get ready to give yourself visual treats and feed your mind with the stories by visiting the popular historical monuments of Jaisalmer.

Best Season to Visit Jaisalmer

In Winter (October – March)

In India, the winter season starts in October and ends in March.

Average Maximum Temperature – 25 Degrees C
Average Minimum Temperature – 10 Degrees C

In Summer (April – July)

In India, the summer season starts in March and ends by June or July.

Average Maximum Temperature – 35 Degrees C
Average Minimum Temperature – 25 Degrees C

In Monsoon (August – September)

Average Maximum Temperature – 33 Degrees C
Average Minimum Temperature – 25 Degrees C

Jaisalmer Historical Places That You Should Visit

Jaisalmer is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to a number of forts and old monuments. There are numerous historical monuments of Jaisalmer that one should definitely pay a visit to, but the main attraction is the Thar Desert. When you visit Jaisalmer never forget to go for a camel safari in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is the best place to experience the desert, history, and architectural style of Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is also renowned by the name Sonar Qila the Golden Fort. The golden-yellow Jaisalmer stone when dazzling under the bright sunshine gives a perfect golden color to the fort, thus the name Sonar Qila is perfectly apt for the fort. It is the second oldest fort and one of the most eminent monuments in Jaisalmer that illustrates the ancient culture and the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort is the most popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan that allures thousands of visitors from across the globe.

Location: Near Gopa Chowk, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: November – March
Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 50, Foreigners – Rs 250
Camera Fee: Still Camera – Rs 50, Video Camera – Rs 100
Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (April – October), 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (November – March)

Patwon-Ki-Haveli

The magnificent Patwon-ki-haveli symbolizes the classical and architectural era of Rajasthan. The Haveli also known as the ‘mansion of brocade merchants’ depicts the best craftsmanship in the area. It is a huddle of 5 appealing Havelis that flaunts the royal paintings and the intricate carvings. Also, the mirror artwork adorns the walls of this glorious mansion. The majestic architecture and the stunning design is an incredible feature that draws the attention of visitors to Jaisalmer.

Location: No. 3129, Near Chura Para, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 30, Foreigners – Rs 100,
Camera Fee: Rs 50
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, All Days of the week

Nathmal Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ki Haveli is renowned worldwide for its embellished exterior carvings & eccentric architecture. The haveli in its unique architecture blends the design of the Rajputs and the Mughals which turns out to be a splendid structure. The facades of the palace are adorned by magnificent carvings and elaborative artworks that act as the center of attraction for many historians and art lovers.

Location: Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: November – February
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, All days of the week

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

The distinctive Salim Singh Ki Haveli in the most culturally rich city of Jaisalmer is a popular tourist attraction that allures millions of people to Rajasthan. This tricentennial haveli is an architectural wonder which was proudly ahead of its time for its unique and intricating structure. It has emerged as the most favored destination for culture enthusiasts that always get something new to explore.

Location: Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – February
Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 10, Foreigners – Rs 15, Camera – Rs 50, Camcoder – Rs 100
Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is one of the most remarkable artefact of the country’s cultural history. It contributes to the presence of various cenotaphs marking the significant relics of the ancient rulers. Initially, Bada Bagh was a big beautiful lush green garden which over time has now vanished, still, the place is quite pleasant and peaceful with golden cenotaphs encircling it.

Location: Ramgarh Road | 6 Km North of Jaisalmer on the road to Ramgarh, Jaisalmer
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 50, Foreigners – Rs 100
Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week

Gadsisar Lake

Gadsisar lake is the most important artificial lake in Jaisalmer. The riverfront encompasses numerous graciously carved Chatteris, Temples, Shrines, and Ghats. The lake holds gracious importance for the people in ancient times as it was the only source of water in the olden days that provided water to the entire city. The serenity of this picturesque lake compels people to come and visit this divine lake from all over the world.

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Boat Ride Fee (For 30 mins): Row Boat – Rs 10, Paddle Boat – Rs 50, Shikara – Rs 100
Timings: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, All days of the week

Sam Sand Dunes

The glorious Sam Sand Dunes are mesmerizing to watch when the golden rays of the sun strike the scintillating desert. Apparently, the adventurous camel ride is the best match to admire the marvelous beauty of the sand dunes. Tourists from all over the world gathered for the 3-day Desert Festival in the month of February which showcases cultural programs, musical nights, folk dance, and Parasailing. Watching the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the divine sand dunes is a heavenly experience for the visitors.

Location: Sam Sand, dunes, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee, Camel Safari: Rs 20 – Rs 200, Jeep Safari: Rs 500 – Rs 1500
Timings: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm, All days of the week

The Thar Heritage Museum

The Thar Heritage Museum is renowned for exhibiting a unique and extensive collection of historical and ancient artifacts. It acts as the historical reservoir that displays the profuse culture, heritage, folk art, and affluent architectural style of Rajasthan. The imperial paintings, musical instruments, fossils, and kitchen equipment are some of the items of the prehistoric era that holds significant importance for this as well as coming generations.

Location: Near Main road, Artist Colony, Malka Pol, Jaisalmer
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 40, Foreigners – Rs 70
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, All days of the week

Kuldhara

Kuldhara is infamously known for being the “Haunted” village in Rajasthan. Once home to the affluent, the villages have now been abandoned for more than a century. Despite having so many myths circulated about the village being inhabited by ghosts, historians and archaeological enthusiasts still love to visit this place.

Location: En route Sam Sand Dunes and Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: Rs 10, Car Fee – Rs 50
Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Mon-Sat), 12:00 am – 11:59 pm (Sun)

Jain Temples

The golden city of Jaisalmer is also renowned for encompassing 7 Jain temples in its close vicinity. The incredible Jain Temples are among one the astonishing treasures of the desert city. Beautifully constructed with yellow sandstone, the magnificent architecture and intricate carvings spellbound visitors with its beauty. One of the popular folk tales tells the story of a snake coming out every evening from a hole in the temple to drink milk offerings. As per popular belief, the sight of this snake is a blessing.

Location: Complex of Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When To Go: October – March
Entry Fee: Indians – Free, Foreigners – Rs 10, Still Camera – Rs 50, Camcoder – Rs 100
Timings: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm, All days of the week

How to reach Jaisalmer

Reaching Jaisalmer is not a problem as this beautiful city is well-connected with the rest of India by air, road, and rail.

How to reach Jaisalmer By air:

The Jodhpur Airport is the nearest aerodrome, serving the Golden City of Jaisalmer. About 280 km away from the city, the airport enjoys good connectivity with Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Flights of Air India and Jet Airways provide their services from all these cities. However, people do not consider air as the best mode of traveling to Jaisalmer owing to the long distance between the airport and the city. After reaching the airport, travelers can easily avail of taxi and bus services from outside to reach Jaisalmer.

How to reach Jaisalmer By train:

The Jaisalmer Railway Station has good connectivity with major Indian cities through a broad network of trains. From major cities such as Delhi and Jaipur, there are direct trains available for Jaisalmer. Some of the prominent trains that operate from Delhi are Jaisalmer Express and Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express. Visitors can easily get rickshaws and autos from outside the station to enjoy the historical monuments of Jaisalmer.

How to reach Jaisalmer By road:

Jaisalmer enjoys excellent connectivity with several cities in Gujarat and Rajasthan via several well-maintained state and private buses. There are two major bus stands in Jaisalmer, namely Golden Bus Terminal and Roadways main bus stand. All the major buses operate from here only.

Also See: Most Popular Historical Monuments of Rajasthan