Jaisalmer is veritable treasure chest of impressive historical monuments and structures. At the centre of it all is the imposing Jaisalmer Fort towering above the city with a life all its own. Within the fort, there are a dozen highlights; once you’ve explored all the tiny backstreets and bazaars, head out of town a ways and check out some of the other attractions in the immediate region, such as Amar Sagar lake and a handful of Jain temple ruins.

Amar Sagar Lake
Part oasis and part lake, this beautiful little hideaway is also the home of the 17^th century Amar Singh Palace. When you finish unwinding next to the lake, head into the five-storey palace and check out the murals that cover its walls. They are among the most impressive in Rajasthan. The lake is located 7kms to the west of Jaisalmer.

Jain Temples
Dating back to the 12^th century, these ancient and impressive temples were built by the Jain Hermits. The Dilwara style of the temples is very unique to this region, and this particular complex is one of the world’s best. Inside, visitors will find the walls covered in carved images of animals and people, again in the famous Dilwara style. Also in this same complex, the Astapadhi Temples are worth a look. You’ll find the temples within Jaisalmer Fort.

Jaisalmer Fort
The undisputed highlight of Jaisalmer is its yellow fortress, which rises above the city on Trikuta Hill. Buttressed by 99 bastions and high walls, this fort is no relic. Nearly a quarter of Jaisalmer’s population still lives in the old fort, which has its own water supply and timeless ambience. Among the many attractions within the fort, don’t miss the Jain Temples, the Laxminath Temple and the Royal Palace.

Lodurva Jaisalmer
About 10kms north of Jaisalmer lies the previous capital of the Bhatti Rajputs. It’s interesting to see the precursor to Jaisalmer, especially its nicely restored Jain temples filled with their standard exquisite interior carvings. The peacocks that wander the temple grounds really add to the exotic ambience. Lodurva is located 10kms north of Jaisalmer.

Nathmalji ki Haveli
Even though you can’t go inside this spectacular house, the real highlight is on the outside. The two wings of the house look identical but they were actually separately carved by two brothers. There are dozens of small differences between the two sides of the façade, and a fun way to spend some time is to try to discover the minute details that differ.

Patwon ki Haveli
These five wonderfully ornate houses built between 1800 and 1860 are connected from within, offering a rare look inside a traditional Rajasthani haveli. Inside this structure visitors will find the Basant Art Emporium, one of the finest places to purchase regional handicrafts in Jaisalmer.

Sam Sand Dunes
One of Jaisalmer’s most romantic qualities is the sweep of desert sand that spreads out just beyond the city. The easiest access to this amazing environment is at Sam Dunes. Besides gazing in awe at the sea of dunes or frolicking in the sand, visitors can catch a cultural performance or take a camel ride from the main visitor centre. Sam Sand Dunes is located 42kms from Jaisalmer.

Aside from the many sights there are to take in, Jaisalmer has enough activities to keep you busy too. This desert city offers an array of ways to enjoy the sands, from camel safaris to tented cities and bazaars. It’s best to start your visit with a trip to the Desert Cultural Centre, where you can get an in-depth background of the area that will better help you to appreciate the surrounds.

Bask in the colours of Phalodi. This is one of the Thar desert’s oldest caravan hubs, where you can taste a style of living that hasn’t changed in a thousand years. In its heyday, Phalodi was a major stop on the trading route from north-western India to central India, and still offers a traditional bazaar atmosphere. The town’s 15th century Jain and Hindu temples are real eye-catchers, but it’s the old town itself with its brightly painted houses, doors and windows that really creates the unique ambience of Phalodi. This makes a great daytrip from Jaisalmer and is just 140kms away.

Bounce along the back of a camel as you wander the scenic Thar desert. One of the top things to do while visiting Jaisalmer is to take a camel ride. Similar to riding an elephant, camels do not provide the most comfortable seating. Yet it’s hard to dispute the romantic attributes of doing this unique journey at least once. Camel treks can be as short as a couple of hours into the Sam Dunes, or as long as several days deep into the desert where remote tribal villages and other wonders still exist undisturbed by the outside world.

Delve into the deep history of Jaisalmer at the Desert Cultural Centre. This is an excellent educational experience that will give you the background needed to better appreciate the sights around the Golden City. Both the history of Jaisalmer and of Rajasthan as a whole are comprehensively presented through intelligent exhibits and frequent cultural performances. The rare coin collection, traditional textile display and weaponry exhibits are all highlights. The centre is located on Gadi Sagar road.

Explore the local wildlife at Desert National Park. This is a wonderful nature preserve about 40kms from Jaisalmer. Not only is this desert park the largest preserve in Rajasthan, but it’s also one of India’s biggest national parks. The highlight here is the diversity and quantity of migratory birds that flock to the many water pools in the area. Part extinct salt lake bed and part sand dune, this nature preserve offers the best glimpse at Jaisalmer’s unique regional geography, flora and fauna.

Get yourself lost within the desert solitude of the Khuri Sand Dunes. If you’ve been to the more popular Sam Dunes, and want to see more of the same but without the crowds, then Khuri Dunes may be the ticket. This vast empty sea of sand is the perfect place to find unparalleled solitude. Yet there’s also a wonderful little village made from mud and straw to add a cultural dimension to your excursion. If you want, you can meet the locals, rent a camel and try out traditional desert cuisine. The dunes are located 40kms southwest of Jaisalmer.

Haggle with the professionals in one of Jaisalmer’s many traditional bazaars. Jaisalmer has always been a trading outpost, and this legacy continues today in the city’s colourful and bustling bazaars. Nearly all of the really good bazaars are found within Jaisalmer Fort, and every one of the shopkeepers will be ready to take you for a ride, so get your bargaining face on and jump right into the fray. Don’t miss the Sadar Bazaar, one of the most authentic and interesting in the fort. Even if you don’t want to buy, the bazaar is where everything happens, so it’s by far the best place to experience local Jaisalmer life.

See how the other half lived at the Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer. This is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Located within the sumptuous Badal Palace, this five-storey building was once the home of the former royal family. What makes this house so interesting is that each floor has been designed differently and has its own special meaning. The architectural fusion and intricate designs make Tazia Tower a must-see if you’re an architecture buff. It is located near the Amar Sagar Gate in the heart of Jaisalmer.