Explore Jaisalmer with proper knowledge (without agent) + Map

Jaisalmer is the golden city or Golden Architecture of Rajasthan. The buildings of Jaisalmer glow at sunset due to the yellow sandstone. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the world’s living forts and is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place also offers a crucial desert adventure(Sam dunes, cultural activity and Camel safari), rich culture,  and a magical blend of history. 

How will you get there : 

Via Train, Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) is the best railway station to reach Jaisalmer. There are several direct trains from several cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc) to Jaisalmer. 

Via Bus,  Jaisalmer Bus Stand is a good option to reach Jaisalmer city. This bus stand is near Hanuman Circle and Air Force Circle. 

Via Air, in my personal opinion, and other travellers try to avoid air travel. The reason is limited commercial flights and Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) about 13 kilometres from the city. 

Quick Facts :

• Flight: Skyscanner and MakeMyTrip
• Train: IRCTC (Reservation Ticket Book), UTS (Unreserved Ticket Book), and Where is my train (check train schedule).
• Bus: MakeMyTrip*, Redbus
• Cab: Uber (Website and app for Android and iPhone)* and Ola (Website, app for Android and iPhone).

Quick facts (Rental vehicle company)

•  Self-drive rental car: Zoomcar, Revv, Myles and Avis India.
• With a driver rental car: Savaari Car Rentals.
• Two-wheeler vehicle for short distances: Bounce.
• Two-wheeler vehicles for daily, weekly and Monthly: Royal Brothers, ONN Bikes, RenTrip.
• SIM card: Airtel and Jio. (Best operator in India)

Accommodation : 

There are different options to select accommodation in Jaisalmer. Below are some hostels, hotels and guest houses given positive reviews from other visitors. 

Luxury and Unlimited comfort:

Some luxury and unlimited comfort are Killa Bhawan, Jaisalmer Marriott,  Hotel Oasis Haveli, Sonaar Haveli, Suryagarh, Taj Gorbandh Palace, Grand Khalifa and Shahi Palace Hotel. 

If you are interested in unique desert camps which are adventurous and comfortable. Some are The Mama’s Resort & Camp, Golden Heaven Desert Camp and Sangram Desert Camp. These camps offer you cultural immersion, amenities and are perfect for desert safaris. 

Some tips 

• If you are interested in the history and view of the fort, then you can choose to stay at Oasis Haveli or  Killa Bhawan.
• For world-class service for accommodation, choose Marriott and Suryagarh. 
• Some reputable camp providers are Desert Dream Royal Camp (Location), Royal Golden Camp (Location), Helsinki Desert Camp (Location), Queen of Thar Desert Camp (Location), The Mama’s Desert Camp (Location), and Garh Rajputana Camp (Location). They offer cultural shows, camel safari and amenities like meals and campfires. 

Budget Accommodation: 

• Some hostels: Moustache Jaisalmer, Hostel Fort Side, Zostel Jaisalmer and Wonbin Safari Hotel. 
• Some Hotels: Hotel Oasis Haveli Jaisalmer, Hotel Lal Garh Fort and Palace. 
• Some guest Houses: Sagar Guest House and Heritage Haveli, Jaisalmer. 

Best season or month  to visit : 

The best month to explore Jaisalmer is November to March. The temperature ranges between these months are 20-28 degrees during the day and 5-10 degrees at night. 

Temperature range in different month, December 10-23 degree, January 9-21 degree, February 13-29 degree, March 17-30 degree, April 24-38 degree, May 26-40 degree, June 29-42 degree, July 27-40 degree, August 26-35 degree, September 27-38 degree, October 23-35 degree and November 17-28 degree.

Off-season in Jaisalmer

April to July (Summer season) is the off-season to explore in Jaisalmer. During this month, the temperature is so high. The monsoon season is from July to October. This season, it is less comfortable for the desert safari. Humidity is also high in this period of time.

List for Visiting places:

Click here for a basic plan to explore Jaisalmer. 

One of the most famous places to explore in Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer fort. This fort is also known as the Golden Fort. Some other attractive spots in Jaisalmer are Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and Bada Bagh. 

1. Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila)
2. Patwon Ki Haveli
3. Gadisar Lake
4. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
5. Sam Sand Dunes
6. Bada Bagh (Big Garden)
7. Kuldhara Village (Hunted Village). 

Jaisalmer Fort Visit : 

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the Massive living forts in Jaisalmer. This fort is made of Yellow sandstone on the Trikuta Hill. King Rawal Jaisal made this massive fort in 1156AD. Another nickname of the fort is the Golden Fort or Sonar Qila. It is recognised as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site”. There are four main gates of this fort. They are Hawa Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and  Akshaya Pol. The design of this is based on Clever drainage systems and meditative engineering of reflecting advanced bastions. 

• You can purchase a ticket directly from the fort’s entrance. 
• Ticket cost: Indians 50 rupees and foreigners 250 rupees, Camera 50 rupees and video camera 100 rupees. 
• Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM. 

Patwon ki Haveli Visit: 

Patwon Ki Haveli is famous for its yellow sandstone carvings, rich history, the five mansions’ stunning complex and ornate balconies. It is the largest and first haveli building in Jaisalmer. This Haveli is inspired by Mughal and Rajput style architecture. Visitors are interested in visiting its courtyards, patterned floor, history of Jaisalmer and murals. 

• You can collect a ticket directly from the fort’s entrance.
• Ticket cost: Indian 20 rupees, foreigner 100 rupees and camera 50 rupees (Additional). 
• Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM. 
• Try to carry a water bottle, and you need to remove your shoes in some areas (for an hour or more than an hour), so be prepared. 

Salim Singh Ki Haveli Visit : 

Salim Singh Ki Haveli is an architectural marvel. This Haveli is also known as the peacock-inspired roof because it is designed like a “dancing peacock with carved brackets. There are 35 balconies, and intricate carving exists in this attractive haveli. This haveli also offers a dance hall of Moti Mahal. It is one of the popular tourist spots which offer historical insights. 

•  Timing of exploring Salim Singh Ki Haveli, 8 AM to 5 PM (daily). 
• Entry fees for Indian nationals are 20 rupees, and for foreign nationals, 100 rupees, but the price fluctuates based on time. 
• The additional cost for a still camera is 50 rupees, and for a video camera is 100 rupees.
• If you want to know in depth, then you can book a guide. You get them inside and at the entrance. The Guide costs 300 to 500 rupees per hour. 
• You can cover this spot for 45 to 60 minutes. 

Gadisar Lake visit : 

Gadisar Lake is famous for its “yellow sandstone Gateway”, which is surrounded by the temple (Tilon Ki Pol). This place attracts birdwatchers because, especially in the winter season, a vast number of migratory birds. This place is also considered a birdwatcher’s heaven. It is a popular place for boat activities, like pedal boats and rowboats. 

• Entry is free to explore Gadisar Lake. If you want to boat ride, then you need to pay between 100 to 300 rupees. Everything depends on the boat type. 
•  Boat Rental cost: For a 2-seater pedal boat, 100 rupees, for 4 4-seater pedal boat, 200 rupees and for a 6-seater pedal boat, 300 rupees. 
• Boat activities: Paddle boat activities 100-200, and rowboat activities for each person for 30 minutes.  

Bada bagh explore : 

Badabagh is one of the most beautiful historical royal garden complexes. This complex is constructed of yellow sandstone. Glow of Bada Bagh offers stunning panoramic views.  It is  6 kilometres away from the main city. It is the prime photography spot, especially during sunset and sunrise.  

• You can collect a ticket directly from the fort’s entrance.
• Visit cost: Indian 20-50 rupees and foreigner 50-100 rupees. A camera ticket costs 20 rupees and a video camera 50 rupees. 
•  Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Kuldhara (Hunted Village) Visit : 

Kulhara village is famous for Hunted places in India and also around the world. The Rajasthan tourism department described this place as a heritage and cursed site. No one wants to stay in this place overnight. At present, this village has stunning “crumbling mud-brick homes”. It gives the experience an eerie atmosphere.

• Entry fees are 50 rupees for indian and 100 rupees for foreigners. You need to pay at the entrance gate. 
• Visiting time is 8 AM – 6 PM. Closed at night due to a haunted reputation. 
• A camera allows a Unique environment for photography. 
• Avoid being close to the well, there very lacking in safety barriers.  
• If you want to know in depth, then you can hire a local guide. The general cost for a guide is 300-800 rupees per person. You can hire a driver with a private car who can explain the history of this place. Otherwise, you can purchase a package of 4000 to 6000 rupees full day (including vehicle, dinner, guide and camel ride). 

 Sam sand Dunes Visit :

 It is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the Thar Desert. This attractive spot is located 45 kilometres from Jaisalmer city in Rajasthan. This golden desert will fulfil your Safaris like Camel and Jeep, cultural performance and traditional camping overnight.

How to get there : 

You can get there via local bus, or you can rent a scooter from Jaisalmer to Sam Sand Dunes. The rental cost of the scooter is 200 rupees per hour and 400 rupees per day. 

Note : 

• Before driving the scooter, try to make a video and a picture from all angles of the scooter. It will save you from the scam. 
• Try to prefer a yellow number plate with black text. 

How to book: You need to book a package to explore Sam Sand Dunes.  The travel agency will provide you with a safari (Camel and jeep) and camping opportunity in the desert, food and accommodation. Everything depends on the package. 

Some agencies have positive reviews from other tourists:

 GoJaisalmer,  Jk taxi wala, vip tours, MakeMyTrip, Holidify and Trotters Jaisalmer. These are some agencies that provide Jaisalmer packages. Otherwise, you can get packages on the spot from any package based on your budget. 

Note : 

• The peak season to explore Jaisalmer is October to March. 
• The package rate is high in the peak season. 
• You can go to camp directly to save your money. 
• Basic package: camel safari with camp stay, about 2000 rupees each person and jeep safari with camp stay, about 1500 rupees each person. All are with dinner and a cultural activity (dance). 
• Very few arrange toilets in the campsite. You need to go to an open place. 

How much time is needed to explore : 

Explore within 2 days : 

Explore within 2 days, then you can explore Jaisalmer Fort, Desert Safari (Sam Sand Dunes) and Patwon Ki Haveli. 

My opinion :

First day explore Jaisalmer fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and if possible, then Gadisar Lake. On the second day, you can explore Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a desert Safari and overnight camping.  

Explore within 3 to 4 days: 

If you want to explore within 3 to 4 days, then you can explore Jaisalmer Fort, Desert Safari (Sam Sand Dunes), Patwon Ki Haveli, Hunted Village (Kuldhara), and Gadisar Lake. 

My opinion: First day explore Jaisalmer fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake. You can enjoy boating in Gadisar Lake and photography during sunset. 

On the second day, you can explore the Hunted Village (Kuldhara) and Bada Bagh (Big Garden). You can get there by motorbike, private taxi or cab or tour jeep. A taxi or cab is more comfortable as compared to other forms of transportation. You can get there by motorbike, but the ride can be extremely hot, tiring and dusty. After exploring these places, try to return to Jaisalmer city for a stay. 

On the third day,  you can explore Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a desert Safari and overnight camping. You can rent a bike to Sam sand dunes, otherwise you can get there by Private taxi. First of all, you need to book the Camp. You need to get a package to explore  Sam Sand Dunes.  

Scam : 

Travel means a person who is interested in visiting a new place. If you want to explore Jaisalmer and any other place in India, then you need to know this environment. Most Indians are Honest, but some people try to target tourists for a source of income. These people use different tactics to scam and take money from tourists. Tourists are Unfamiliar with the new environment, which is why they usually do not understand what is happening. I share with you some information about a scam in Jaislamer. 

Why : 

• Most tourists are unfamiliar with new places. In particular, they are totally unfamiliar with local costs and customs. 
• Some tourists say “NO” too politely, and it gives opportunities to the scammers. 
• One of the negative aspects is the language barrier. It is one of the major reasons for scams. 
• Tourists are not able to verify on the spot due to too large crowds of tourists at hotspots.
• Not collecting proper information before travelling to the new place. 

How : 

They are using different tactics or strategies to take more money from tourists. 

Transport: The Driver refuses to use the Meter and claims that the Meter is broken. They charge fares 3 to 5 times the actual price. Sometimes, they increase fares after reaching the destination (Especially Railway stations, airports and bus stations). 

Suggestion to avoid: Always prefer ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber. You can book a pre-paid taxi from the Airport and the Railway station. Before boarding, you can check on Google Maps, and it will give you an idea of the expected fare. 

Use a closed trick: Some taxi drivers tell you very honestly that today, due to some reason, this place is closed. He will prefer some other place. He prefers some private tours or some shops where they take a commission. 

Suggestion to avoid: Say them politely, thank them and continue it yourself. Before visiting any place, try to verify it on Google Maps and its website.

 Fake Currency: When you pay a large amount in cash, and at that time, some vendors change your Note into a Fake note. They told you that you gave it to the cashier. 

Suggestion to avoid: Always try to pay in small denominations and watch the cashier while counting it. 

Fake tourist agencies and offices: 

How to avoid: Try to book packages from trusted agencies or official government websites. Before purchasing to check the oldest review, the new review and the number of reviews. 

Jewellery and Gemstone scam: It is one of the common scams in Jaisalmer, Jaipur and other cities in India. Sellers offer you rare gemstones, and they try to sell them as soon as possible. They promise to you that you can sell it in your home country at a large profit. 

How to avoid: Try to avoid a seller who is in a hurry and too friendly. Always avoid purchasing expensive products from strangers. Always prefer to buy anything from a certified, reputed shop with a proper bill (GST Number and Address mentioned in the bill). Always try to pay via a credit card. 

Overpriced selling: Maximum sellers quote the product cost for tourists more than 5-10 times as compared to local rate. 

How to avoid: Try bargaining for always 30% off the asking price of the seller. Always prefer a shop where more locals are purchasing products. 

Fake ticket: You see that some strangers sell monument entry tickets outside. This ticket will be expensive or Fake.

 How to avoid: Always purchase tickets from the online or official counter. 

Blessing and holy man scam: Some holy men offer you ties or a blessing thread, but after that, they will charge money. 

How to avoid: Avoid them politely and walk away. 

ATM card and WiFi Skimming: Scammers, with the help of a skimmer (a discrete device), steal data of your atm and they also set up the hidden camera or fake keypad to know your PIN. They also steal your data from the WiFi network. 

How to avoid: Always prefer to use an ATM which is inside the Bank. Otherwise, before use atm, try to check for any loose change and cover your PIN with your hand or wallet.

Note : 

• Always try to keep copies of your original documents. 
• Before visiting the place, research it. 
• If you want to pay in cash, then use a small amount of denominations. 
• Trust in yourself. If you feel something is wrong, then go away. 
• Always prefer a trusted platform to book your accommodation and transport. 

Emergency contact : 

• Police: 100
• Helpline number for tourists: 1800-11-1363 (Multiple languages, 24×7).
• Medical Emergency: 108
• Women’s Helpline: 1091. 

In my personal experience, most people are not happy with scammers. It is destroying Indian culture. The Original behaviour of India is honesty, helpfulness, and kindness. These scammers are demolishing our culture day by day. It creates a negative image in front of the world. 

Thank you so much. If you have any queries, write them in the comment section. I hope you will enjoy your trip without any struggle. Our purpose is to make your journey enjoyable.