Places to Visit Near Jaisalmer

JAISALMER FORT (2 kms from Jaisalmer Railway Station)

Proudly known as the Golden Fort of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is of historic significance as it dates back to 1156 AD. Ranked among the largest forts in the world, the Jaisalmer Fort is a real sight at night with its 99 turrets in place.

GADSISAR LAKE (2 kms from Jaisalmer Railway Station)

Initially constructed as a reservoir by Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh, in 1400 AD, Gadsisar Lake attracts flocks of visitors from India as well as foreign countries. The lake is an ideal place for birdwatching as during the winters, it is flocked by exotic species of migratory birds.

TANOT MATA TEMPLE (40 Kms from Jaisalmer Sam Sand Dunes)

Situated at the Longewala border, Tanot Mata Temple assumes great significance and is a must visit place in Jaisalmer. It is believed that it was the faith of the devotees and the miracle of local deity Tanot Mata that aided the Indian soldiers to defeat the Pakistanis in 1965 and 1971 wars. Situated at a distance of 150 kms from Jaisalmer City, Tanot is flocked by numerous visitors who are eager to learn more about the heroics of Indian Army and the miraculous deity Tanot Mata. Since the win in 1965, BSF has established a post inside the temple premises, and till date, it is handled by the BSF. BSF jawans and officials do even the Pooja ceremony of the deity. After the 1971 victory, a Vijay Stambha was built in the temple along with a museum, which displays the unexploded bomb short at the Indian Army. Every year on December 16, a celebration is organized to commemorate the great victory over Pakistan in 1971. The temple has also been featured in the famous Bollywood movie, Border.

PATWON KI HAVELI (1.5kms from Jaisalmer Railway Station)

Built in the 19th Century, Patwon Ki Haveli is an architectural marvel located within the city of Jaisalmer. A combination of 5 havelis in single premises, it encompasses as museum of rare artefacts, mirrors, paintings and antique furniture.

DESERT NATIONAL PARK (11kms from Jaisalmer City)

This park will give an exposure to the flora and fauna found in the aridness of Thar Desert. You can spot animals like wolves, blackbuck and desert cats. The park is abode of the Great Indian Bustard, which is the state-bird of Rajasthan. The sanctuary is spread over 3100 square kilometres, housing exotic species of birds and animals like desert wolves, blue-bull (nilgai) and spotted eagles.

BADA BAGH (6kms from Jaisalmer City)

Literally meant as Huge Garden, Bada Bagh is isolated and offers a stunning view when visited during sunrise and sunset. You can also visit the cenotaphs and tombs of the members of royal families, taking you back to the historic age of Maharajas and foundation of the city.

KULDHARA VILLAGE (20kms West of the Desert Town in Jaisalmer)

This abandoned, spooky town named Kuldhara, was once a prosperous town populated by Paliwal Brahmins. The village, as the stories are told, was abandoned by the residents in just one night. The curiosity around this history and the ruins of the houses standing the ground as skeletons, make visit to Kuldhara Village a scary yet thrilling experience.