Jaisalmer travel guide
Golden desert city
Jaisalmer is a historic desert city known for its golden sandstone architecture and cultural heritage.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer
Nov–Feb is the best time: dry, sunny, cool nights. Mar and Oct are warm. Apr–Sep is hot, and May–Jun is extreme, with highs above 40 °C.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | best | 9–23 °C | 0 mm | high | Cold nights, sunny days; good for dunes and the fort |
| February | best | 12–27 °C | 5 mm | high | Mild and dry; Desert Festival season |
| March | good | 18–33 °C | 5 mm | medium | Warm, dry days; visit the fort early |
| April | mixed | 24–39 °C | 5 mm | low | Hot and dry; afternoons are tiring |
| May | avoid | 26–42 °C | 15 mm | low | Extreme heat; desert trips are uncomfortable |
| June | avoid | 28–41 °C | 35 mm | low | Extreme heat and dust; very few visitors |
| July | mixed | 27–38 °C | 60 mm | low | Hot, with little rain and short showers |
| August | mixed | 26–37 °C | 80 mm | low | Hot and humid; scattered showers |
| September | mixed | 25–37 °C | 35 mm | low | Hot days, nights easing; few visitors |
| October | good | 22–36 °C | 5 mm | medium | Warm days, cooler evenings; the season picks up |
| November | best | 16–31 °C | 0 mm | high | Dry and pleasant; the high season begins |
| December | best | 11–26 °C | 0 mm | high | Cool and dry; very busy at Christmas and New Year |
How many days to spend in Jaisalmer
Two days cover Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake; a third adds Bada Bagh, Kuldhara or a desert safari.
How to reach Jaisalmer
- By air: Jaisalmer (JSA) — 7 km, about 15–30 min by road. Limited flights; Jodhpur (JDH) is the bigger airport
- By train: Jaisalmer (JSM) — 3 km, about 5–15 min by road. Terminus of the line from Jodhpur
- By road: From Jodhpur — 280 km, about 4–5.5 h
Getting around
The old city and fort are easy on foot or by rented bicycle; autos and cabs reach Bada Bagh, Kuldhara and the war museum, 5–13 km out.
Things to do in Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort — Majestic hill fort (3 h · Free entry)
- Kothari's Patwon Ki Haveli / Patwa Haveli — Intricate haveli complex (1.5 h · INR 20)
- Gadisar Lake — Scenic manmade lake (1.5 h · Free entry)
- BADA BAGH — Royal cenotaphs (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Kuldhara village — Abandoned ghost village (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal) — Unique arched haveli (1 h · ₹20)
- Nathmal Ki Haveli — Twin architect haveli (45 min · Free entry)
- Desert National Park — Desert wildlife park (4 h · Paid entry)
- Chandraprabhu Jain Temple - Jaisalmer — Ancient temples (1 h)
- The Thar Heritage Museum — Folk museum (1 h · Paid entry)
- Vyas Chhatri — Sunset cenotaph spot (1 h)
- Khaba Fort — Ruined fort site (1 h)
- Desert Cultural Centre (puppet show) — Folk show center (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Jaisalmer War Museum — Military history (1.5 h · Paid entry)
- Amar Sagar — Serene lake (1 h · Free entry)
Food to try in Jaisalmer
- Ker sangri — Thar desert dish of dried berries and beans, often eaten with bajra roti
- Gatte ki sabzi — Gram-flour dumplings in a spiced curd gravy, common in Thar kitchens
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?
Nov–Feb is the best time: dry, sunny, cool nights. Mar and Oct are warm. Apr–Sep is hot, and May–Jun is extreme, with highs above 40 °C.
How many days are enough for Jaisalmer?
2–3 days. Two days cover Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake; a third adds Bada Bagh, Kuldhara or a desert safari.
How do I reach Jaisalmer?
By air: Jaisalmer (JSA) — 7 km, about 15–30 min by road. Limited flights; Jodhpur (JDH) is the bigger airport. By train: Jaisalmer (JSM) — 3 km, about 5–15 min by road. Terminus of the line from Jodhpur. By road: From Jodhpur — 280 km, about 4–5.5 h.
What are the top things to do in Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer Fort, Kothari's Patwon Ki Haveli / Patwa Haveli, Gadisar Lake, BADA BAGH, Kuldhara village, Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal).
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.