The beautiful city of Jaisalmer lies right near the India-Pakistan border and the Thar desert. The city, which has yellow sandstone throughout, is small in size but has the most tourists, especially in the winter. The pleasant weather during the day and the cool breeze at night make it ideal to visit the Golden City in the winter. Also, the desert festival in the winter and the experience one has at Jaisalmer Desert Camp during the new year are unmatched.

Jaisalmer is a unique destination with so much to do and see. From witnessing the beautiful sunset at camps in Jaisalmer Sand Dunes to camel and jeep safaris and watching the historic Jaisalmer Fort, the city will amaze you. Moreover, the hospitality of the people here, who welcome you with open arms and hearts, will melt you. The vibrant culture and tradition will keep you rooted in the city. So, whatever plans you have for the winter, ensure they include a trip to this beautiful city. Jaisalmer is a perfect city, which you can backpack through in two days too. Wondering what you can do here? Here’s a guide!

Top 8 things to do in Jaisalmer during winters

Visit the Jaisalmer Fort: A livable Fort

The first thing to do in Jaisalmer is visit the iconic Jaisalmer Fort, one of the only livable forts in India. Visiting the fort is like going back in time as you see architecture and things from a bygone era. The yellow sandstone architecture ensures the fort glows bright yellow as the sun’s rays fall on it, giving it the name ‘Sonar Quila’. The fort is beautiful and majestic, and it is a labyrinth of winding lanes with beautiful temples, shops, and havelis. The Jain temples inside the fort are a must-visit. The Jain temples here include Parshwanath Temple, the main one inside the temple. But there are other smaller Jain temples too, like Sambhavanth and Rishabhnath, which are equally stunning, showcasing their Dilwara-style architecture.

The fee to witness the beautiful fort is INR 50, and you can also take the inexpensive private heritage tour.

Enjoy a thrilling Jeep safari in Jaisalmer.

The Thar desert attracts the most tourists throughout the year. You can witness the beauty of the desert through a thrilling jeep safari in Jaisalmer. The jeep ride is usually part of the package with Jaisalmer Desert Camp. You do not have to stay overnight at the camp; just enjoy the jeep ride early in the morning or the evening. If you choose the latter, not only you witness the exotic flora and fauna of the city. But you also get to witness the most beautiful sunset in the desert.

Stay in a desert camp.

The number of camps in Jaisalmer Sand Dunes is endless, and staying overnight at one of the best ones, like Winds Desert Camps, during the winter is a must. In the cold months, it is ideal to stay in cozy camps with full modern amenities, allowing tourists to enjoy the desert and the multiple activities it offers. Depending on the camp, the things you can do in the desert include:

• Jeep and camel safari
• Experiencing authentic Rajasthani food near a bonfire as the staff serves you delicious food like dal baati churma or laal maas.
• Witnessing the magical night sky twinkling with stars, which is visible due to less pollution and a clear sky in the desert.
• Enjoy the traditional music and dance at the Jaisalmer desert camp, where the artists dance to the rhythm of traditional folk music.
• Indulge in thrilling activities like dune bashing, parasailing and quad biking.

Visit the Salim Singh Ki Haveli

A marvel in itself, the Salim Singh ki Haveli has a peacock-inspired roof that has been astonishing people for ages. The Haveli has 38 balconies, and each balcony has its sculpture, setting it apart from all the other havelis. If you are a history buff, ensure to visit this haveli once.

Desert National Park: To spot rare species

For a nature enthusiast, visiting one of the largest national parks here is a must. Desert National Park is home to rare endangered species like Indian bustards and Chinkara. Do you know this place is home to more than 40 species of rare reptiles, like spiny-tailed lizards, monitor lizards, and Russell’s vipers? The animals you can spot here include blackbuck antelope, desert cat, long-eared hedgehog, and Indian fox. Near Jaisalmer Desert Camp, you can take a jeep ride for INR 200 to the park.

Visit the Akal Wood Fossil Park.

If you have any interest in geology, do visit the Akal Wood Fossil Park. Here, you will see some 180-million-year-old fossils dating back to the Jurassic Era. Moreover, the restored tree trunks or fossils of dinosaurs, submerged in the sea. It is located near the Desert National Park only.

Enjoy boating at Gadisar Lake.

In the winter, Gadisar Lake is spectacular, and due to its proximity to Bharatpur, you can always enjoy watching birds here. The Gadisar Lake is serene, perfect for boating and enjoying the mesmerizing scenery nearby.

Desert culture center and museum

A must-visit place in Jaisalmer during December, it is dedicated to preserving Rajasthan’s culture, heritage, and traditions. Not only can you watch the puppet show in the evening, but you can also shop for textiles, Rajasthani art, and artifacts here.

Location: Gadisar Road, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer.

Conclusion

Jaisalmer offers endless activities, including jeep safaris and sunset viewing from the Jaisalmer Fort. The city is a beautiful Rajasthani city with popular tourist spots like Salim Singh ki Haveli and Jaisalmer Sand Dunes camps. Enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine and respect the city’s culture, people, and customs.