Visiting Jaisalmer: The Golden City of India
Have you ever heard of the Golden City of India? Well, it's not far from the Blue City in India or the Pink City in India, and it's also certainly a destination you won't want to miss out on while in northern India.
Jaisalmer makes the perfect addition to the Golden Triangle in India, and is also great for pairing with other nearby destinations like Jodhpur and Udaipur.
In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know for visiting Jaisalmer, so that you can enjoy the incredible Golden city of India like we did.
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📍 Where is The Golden City of India?
The Golden City of India (also known as Jaisalmer) is located in the north west of India.
It is a popular desert city that can be combined with a visit to Jodhpur, or even those that are doing the Golden Triangle Itinerary.
How Do I Get to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan?
Now that you know where the Golden City of India is, let's take a look at how you can get there.
✈️ How to Reach Jaisalmer by Air
The closest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer airport, which is just under 14 km south of of the city, and is about a 15-20 minute drive away.
Jaisalmer has a small airport though, and flights with Indigogo only operate in the high season. As we had visited right as the season just ended, this wasn't an option for us.
The next closest airport is Jodhpur, and you can then from there take a train or bus to Jaisalmer.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can try out the calendar feature to see which dates you can fly to Jaisalmer or see if Jodhpur is a better option.
What is the Best Way to Reach Jaisalmer from Delhi?
Delhi is certainly the easiest city to fly into for exploring the north of India, and is the city we had to reach after Jaisalmer.
Here are the different options for getting to Jaisalmer from Delhi:
✈️ Fly from Delhi to Jaisalmer during high season
✈️🚝 Fly from Delhi to Jodhpur, then take a train or bus to Jaisalmer
🚝 Take the train from Delhi to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur
What are the Travel Guidelines for Rajasthan?
Before planning your trip to the Golden City of India, you'll want to make sure you know what the requirements for entering the country are.
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for India
India requires a visa for visiting, and you can purchase your visa online for $25.
Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can get their visa upon arrival, and those from Bhutan and Nepal are visa-exempt.
Can US Citizens Travel to India Without a Visa?
US citizens need a visa to travel to India, which can be purchased online for $25.
Most hotels ask for your visa, so you'll want to keep it handy when you are arriving to Jaisalmer and checking in.
Another thing to note is that you might need to have your marriage certificate on you if you'd like to sleep in the same room at some of the hotels. (Just check on the fine print before booking).
💉 Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Go to India?
As an American or a European, you do not need to be vaccinated in order to visit India. However, there are other citizens from other countries that need vaccines.
Countries Who Need Vaccines for India
People coming from a country where yellow fever may be prevalent will have to bring proof of a yellow fever vaccine before arriving in India.
African countries which need a yellow fever vaccine to visit India include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
Central & South American countries citizens who need a yellow fever vaccine for India include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad (Trinidad only), Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru.
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Local Adjustments for the Golden City of India
If you're traveling to a new country, there are a few things that could differ from where you are coming from (such as a city's language, currency, or tipping culture).
As India is such a huge country, some of these things can even change from state to state!
Here are some of the local adjustments to keep in mind when you travel to the Golden City of India.
🗣 What Language Do They Speak in Jaisalmer?
The most common languages of Jaisalmer are the local languages of Rajasthani and Marwari. Our friend speaks Hindi though, and was able to communicate with a lot of the locals there by speaking with them in Hindi instead.
English is also taught in schools, although we found that a lot less people spoke English than we were thinking would.
It definitely helps to have Google Translate ready in case you don't have an Indian friend with you.
💶 What Currency is Used in Jaisalmer, India?
The currency used in Jaisalmer is the Indian Rupee (INR). Currently (September 2024) each 1 USD is equal to about 84 INR.
It's important to note that there are a lot of places in Jaisalmer that can only be paid with cash, including the majority of restaurants and many accommodation options. Because of that, we highly suggest taking out quite a bit of cash from an ATM.
🔌 Outlets in Jaisalmer
India uses the same electrical outlets that Europe does, which are those suitable for plug types C, D, & M. Plug type C is the one which has two round pins, plug type D is the one that has three round pins in a triangular pattern, and plug type M also has three round pins.
Jaisalmer, India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
🚰 Water in Jaisalmer
The water is not safe to drink in Jaisalmer, so you'll have to stick to bottled water while you're there.
We suggest buying large jugs of water from a supermarket, and investing in an insulated water bottle to refill during your travels to protect the temperature from the intense heat there.
It's also important to know that being in a desert, water is scarce in Jaisalmer, and you should try to limit your use while there.
💸 Tipping Culture in Jaisalmer, India
The tipping culture in India is typically 10% in restaurants, and sometimes the tip is actually included in the bill. Make sure to look for a service charge, and if the tip is not included, then you can leave some cash on the table for the server.
It's also nice to tip your guide if you take a desert safari excursion, so make sure to save a bit of cash for them as well.
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Exploring the Golden City of India: Things to Do in Jaisalmer
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about visiting the Golden City of India, here are the best things to do in Jaisalmer.
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Wander Around the Fort
The number one attraction in Jaisalmer that people flock to this city for is the incredible fort.
Unlike the forts in Agra and Delhi, this fort actually is a part of the city, with hotels, shops, and restaurants inside.
The fort is surrounded by walls and now operates as a pedestrian-only part of the town (also some motos) with streets vendors, small alleys, and some incredible views from the top.
Walking around Jaisalmer's fort made us feel as if we had been placed in the movie Aladdin, and it was certainly our favorite part of the Golden City of India.
Explore Bada Bagh
This is definitely one of the top sites in Jaisalmer, and is a massive space full of cenotaphs. Seeing these will truly make you understand why it's called the Golden City of India.
🕘 8 AM to 6 PM
🎫 300 INR for foreigners
150 INR for Indians
Check Out Vyas Chhatri
Another incredible cenotaph site in Jaisalmer is Vyas Chhatri. We tried going here, but as it was the end of the season the hours they actually opened weren't reflective of what their typical opening hours were, so we couldn't get in.
We do know they are one of the most impressive sites in the Golden City of India, so definitely one to add to your bucket list.
🕘 8 AM to 7 PM (with a lunch break at the ticket office from 1 PM to 3 PM)
🎫 100 INR
Take a Boat Ride Around Gadisar Lake
Looking for one of the most. beautiful and romantic parts of Jaisalmer? Well, Gadisar Lake is dotted with beautiful cenotaphs, and has shops and restaurants lining the shores.
We recommend going here in the late afternoon and renting a boat to pedal around and enjoy the views of the beautiful Lake Gadisar.
🕘 8 AM to 7 PM
🎫 2 seat pedal boat - 300 INR/half hour
4 seat pedal boat - 600 INR/half hour
6 seat row boat - 900 INR/half hour
10 seat row boat - 1,500 INR/half hour
2 seat shikara - 600 INR/half hour
Visit Kathari's Patwon Ki Haveli
Just outside the Jaisalmer fort, are a series of early-1800's palaces which are now a part of a museum which features intricate carvings, furniture, & artwork from the area.
🕘 9 AM to 6:30 PM
🎫 100 INR for foreigners
20 INR for Indians
Go On a Desert Safari
The desert safari was honestly our number one highlight of our trip in Jaisalmer, and is one of the top reasons that travelers flock to the Golden City of India.
Just outside the city, you can take overnight desert trips to the Thar desert. It's such a a unique experience, and one we'll never forget.
Want to learn more? We have a full guide about our desert safari excursion in Jaisalmer.
Try a Street Food Tour
India is known for its street food, and it's definitely one of the culinary highlights of traveling around India!
However, tourists typically can't stomach a lot of the street food, so it's something best left to local experts who can take you to the best street food vendors, that have the best quality and hygiene.
Have a Professional Photo Shoot
If you're looking for some stunning photos to take home of you in the Golden City of India, then you can sign up for this photo tour that includes a professional photo shoot.
Enjoy the Jaisalmer City View Point
If you don't want to do a photo shoot but still want your own nice pictures, then don't miss out on the Jaisalmer City view point.
Unfortunately we didn't know about this until after leaving, but the view is just outside the fort and apparently has stunning views.
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Tastes of the Golden City of India: Local Food & Drink
Now that you know all of the amazing things to do in Jaisalmer, let's explore the flavors of the Golden City of India.
🍛 Here are some dishes worth trying while in Jaisalmer:
- Ghotua Ladoo: traditional sweet made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee
- Dal Baati Choorma: whole wheat balls with ghee and a lentil based curry
- Bhang Lassi: traditional yogurt-based drink
- Pyaaz Ki Kachori: deep-fried snacks with onions, spices, and lentils
- Ker Sangri: a dish of dried berries and beans, typically served with roti
- Mutton Saag: slow cooked mutton in a spinach-based sauce
- Murgh-e-subz: boneless chicken fried with vegetables
- Gatte ki Sabzi: vegetarian curry with gram flour dumplings
🍴 Here are some restaurants we also recommend:
- Cafe the Kaku: great local food with a nice view
- Hotel Nachana Haveli & Saffron Restaurant: beautiful hotel and restaurant with great views
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How Do I Move Around Jaisalmer? Getting Around the Golden City of India
Now that you know all of the best things to do in jaisalmer, let's look at how to get around the Golden City of India.
🛺 What is the Best Way to Get Around Jaisalmer?
The walled area of Jaisalmer is pedestrian-only, and to get to this area you can easily get a tuk tuk, which some can also can take you inside this part of the city.
For getting to the further attractions in the Golden City of India you'll want to flag down a tuk tuk, or get private transportation.
🚗 Is There Uber in Jaisalmer?
There is Uber in Jaisalmer! You can get a car, although it's not as common. The most common form of transport is a tuk tuk, especially within the city center (outside the fort).
We typically used Uber for a price reference, and then would bargain with the tuk tuks on the streets to get fair rates.
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Where to Stay in Jaisalmer
There are two ideal options for tourists visiting the Golden City of India.
You can either stay in the heart of Jaisalmer, which is inside the city walls, or you can stay in a luxury hotel on the outskirts of the city.
We honestly loved staying in the center as it was easy for us to get around, we had great views, and it was super budget friendly and safe. However, if you want more comfort and a higher end stay, there are some fabulous luxury hotels as well.
🛏 Budget-Friendly Hotels Inside the Fort of Jaisalmer:
- Hotel Desert: basic accommodation with terrace that has great views
- Hotel Paradise: spacious hotel right in the heart of the fort with dining options, nice views, and friendly staff
- Hotel Himmat Niwas: clean and spacious with a terrace and desert tours offered
✨ Luxury Hotels in Jaisalmer:
- Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli: stunning hotel with incredible terrace views, just 400 meters from the fort!
- Rang Mahal: the ultimate luxury hotel on a heritage site with large garden area, pool, restaurant, and bar on site
- Rupal Residency: Just over a km from the fort, this stay has a swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a terrace.
- Desert Residency Camp: Experience a luxury desert stay without having to go too far! These air conditioned tents come with vegetarian or vegan breakfast options delieverd to the room, a pool, bar, and onsite restaurant
Rang Mahal is one of the most luxurious hotels in Jaisalmer.
Is it Safe to Travel to Jaisalmer?
While there are many cities in India that have many safety issues, luckily, we didn't experience that at all while in Jaisalmer.
The people of Jaisalmer were very warm and welcoming, and the entire time we had no worries exploring day or night. We would recommend staying within the fort area when it's dark out though, as this was the area that felt the safest at night.
The desert is also a very safe place to be, and our guides were absolutely fantastic!
Inside the fort of Jaisalmer it's safe, even at night.
👱🏼♀️ Is Jaisalmer Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
We heard many stories of bad things happening to women around India, and while you certainly have to be extra careful in cities like Delhi or Jaipur. we felt very safe while in Jaisalmer.
We had a solo female traveler on our desert trip with us who had been staying several weeks in Jaisalmer, who confirmed she felt pretty safe there compared to other cities and didn't mind walking around alone.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting The Golden City of India
Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting Jaisalmer! But don't go just yet- we have a few more details about the Golden City of India to share with you.
☀️ Weather in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is actually known to be the hottest city in India, and even in March we were suffering from blistering heat and brutal sun.
Winters are short, sunny, dry, and a bit cooler, and that lasts from November to February. February, March, and April are extremely hot, sunny, and dry. May, June, July, & August are equally as hot, but humid and windy (which truly is not ideal for the desert).
September and October are a bit drier, and the temperatures start to cool down, but are still pretty hot.
📆 Which Month is Best for Jaisalmer?
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter, when it's sunny, dry, and cool. We'd recommend December or January as the best months to visit.
If you're looking to attend Jaisalmer's biggest festival, then you'll want to consider visiting in the end of February for the Jaisalmer Desert Festival!
👗 How Should I Dress for Jaisalmer?
While cities like Jaipur and Agra it didn't matter what we wore, it felt a bit different in the Golden City of India.
Jaisalmer is much more religious than other cities, so you'll notice that despite the intense heat, many people will be covered from head to toe.
If you are walking on the streets, we'd recommend just dressing in light, casual clothing, but nothing that touches the floor since the streets can be dirty (I learned the hard way). As for sites, we weren't forced to cover up, but we were told to cover up when we stopped in the town on the way to the desert on our desert safari.
🧳 Packing For a Trip to the Golden City in India
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Sunscreen
- Hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Long skirt or dress for attending religious sites or the small town in the desert
- Shawl for attending religious sites or the small town in the desert
- Flash light for the desert
- Chapstick
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Drone for cool shots of the walled city from above and for the desert (We use the DJI Mavic Mini Pro 4)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash for the desert safari and street vendors
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
You should bring a drone for the Thar desert!
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🤔 Is it Worth Visiting Jaisalmer?
The Golden City of India is a special place, and despite its far distance, we certainly thought it was worth it!
⏳ How Many Days are Enough for Jaisalmer?
You can honestly see the city of Jaisalmer in just one or two days. It's very walkable, and the main area inside the walls can be walked in little time. Even the things to do outside the fort are pretty close.
However, we highly recommend doing a desert safari excursion, which is typically a little less than 24 hours.
What we did (and also what we suggest) is arrive on an overnight bus from Udaipur and spend a few hours enjoying the city before going on a desert safari. Then come back the following day, and have a nice evening in the city before leaving the next day at night for an overnight train.
If you'd like a bit more of a relaxing stay, then you could opt for a third or fourth day.
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So are you ready for your trip to the beautiful Golden city of India? Jaisalmer is such a unique destination, and it truly has so many reasons to fall in love with it.
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