Jaisalmer is the farthest city towards the peak on the western dunes of Thar. It is a popular city in Rajasthan famous for Sam Sand Dunes to watch the sunset and stars appear on the distant horizon.
While one may argue that the city is only renowned for its camel safaris, the magnificent fort is a highlighted sight to sigh over.
The Jaisalmer Fort is a city within a city. It may take some visitors to Jordan for its dusky appeal, colourful carpet display, glassware decorations and shops that line up through the alleyway.
A weekend is more than enough to spend a luxurious stay in some of the best hotels in Jaisalmer. And complete the popular activities too. So, if you are a first-time visitor wanting to find the best things and places to visit in Jaisalmer, scroll through this blog.
Day 1: Saturday
You arrive in Jaisalmer at their only airport or railway station. Chances of finding flights may be easier than trains since only one train runs through the line. But if you choose a bus, make sure you leave Delhi on Friday via an overnight bus.
After you land in the city, head to the hotel and rest because you will need it for the activities you’ll do. Later, go to one of the famous attractions in Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli. It is one of the largest palaces having a cluster of five old city mansions.
Next, you can go to the Jaisalmer Fort. what is so fascinating about this fort is that it is a fort city which still exists today. Several locals have their homes inside the fort. While some have opened their homes to the traveller in the form of hotel/hostel or homestay. Some have converted a section of their house into cafes or restaurants.
This 19th-century fort captures the attention of visitors who love architecture and history. The century-old columns and detailed carvings are still seen in some of the parts of the fort.
As the day comes to an end, head to the picturesque reservoir nearby Gadi Sagar. It is a popular place for boating in Jaisalmer and watching the sunset. You can return to the hotel when the night falls en route do some food-focused walking tour and soak in the Rajasthani food culture. You can even savour some delicacies before turning yourself in for the night.
Day 2: Sunday
Wake up to a beautiful Jaisalmer sunrise and go for a Camel Safari. Now, you can pre-book the desert activity for a full/half-day or overnight where you will be provided with tents and meals. It is a beautiful experience sleeping under the stars in a desert.
If you choose the latter, the safaris will begin in the evening with a camel ride to the Thar and into your campsites where dance, food and drinks will be served. But if you choose a full/half-day camel safari then the activity may begin in the morning.
After the full/half-day camel safari, return to the hotel to freshen up and head to Vyas Chhatri Sunset Point. This series of Rajasthani-style sandstone cenotaphs may provide an excellent view of the fort in the distance. It’s distant from the city and the solitary site will give you a sense of beauty in solitary. You can spend an evening here, admire the fort and watch the sunset for the last time in Jaisalmer.
As the day comes to an end, head to the station and catch the next ride to your desired destination. There are daily overnight buses in Rajasthan to neighbouring cities like Udaipur. And day buses to Jodhpur and Bikaner. Or you can return to Delhi.
