Exploring Jaisalmer in just 2 days is certainly a challenge. After all, the sprawling desert, magnificent architecture, historic havelis, and imposing fort deserve much more time. The ‘Golden City’ is also home to beautiful lakes, bustling markets, and plenty of experiences that extend beyond the city into the Thar Desert. However, if you only have 48 hours in Jaisalmer, you can still cover many of its highlights. Start with Jaisalmer Fort and the centuries-old havelis, then end with the sunset over the Sam Sand Dunes. Here is an itinerary to help you make the most of two days in the city.
Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
Day 1: Bada Bagh Temple
You can begin your first day in Jaisalmer by visiting Bada Bagh, a historic garden complex located outside the main city. Surrounded by the desert landscape, the site is best known for its collection of royal chhatris, or cenotaphs, dedicated to the rulers of Jaisalmer.
The yellow sandstone structures are particularly striking against the otherwise arid surroundings. Walk around the complex to admire the carved pillars, domes, and various architectural details of the cenotaphs. The relatively open setting also makes Bada Bagh a great place for photography, especially when the sunlight brings out the golden color of the sandstone. From here, continue toward central Jaisalmer to explore some of the city’s most important architectural landmarks.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 100 per person, and an additional INR 100 for photography.
2. Nathmal Ki Haveli
After visiting Bada Bagh, head to Nathmal Ki Haveli in the heart of Jaisalmer. Built from yellow sandstone, the haveli is known for its elaborate exterior and detailed carvings. One of the most interesting aspects of Nathmal Ki Haveli is the story behind its construction. According to Rajasthan Tourism, two architect brothers worked on the building, with each beginning from a different side. As a result, the two sides appear similar at first glance but are not completely identical.
Look closely at the facade to spot intricate carvings and other decorative details. Yellow sandstone elephant sculptures stand near the entrance, while the interiors are also known for their miniature-style paintings. Nathmal Ki Haveli offers a fascinating introduction to the craftsmanship for which Jaisalmer’s historic havelis are famous.
- Timings: 10 am to 9 pm.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee is required to visit the Haveli.
3. Jaisalmer Fort
Coming all the way to Jaisalmer and not visiting Jaisalmer Fort would be a shame. Rising above the city from Trikuta Hill, the massive yellow sandstone fort is the landmark most closely associated with Jaisalmer. Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer and constructed the fort in 1156. Today, Jaisalmer Fort forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, which includes six historic forts across the state.
What makes Jaisalmer Fort particularly interesting is that it remains a living fort. Unlike many historic forts that function primarily as monuments, Jaisalmer Fort contains homes, shops, hotels, temples, restaurants, and narrow residential lanes. Walk through its winding streets, explore the architecture, stop at viewpoints overlooking the Golden City, and experience everyday life inside the historic walls. Certain attractions within the fort have their own entry requirements and visiting hours, so check the latest information locally before entering individual monuments.
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Gadisar Lake
If you finish exploring the old city by evening, head to Gadisar Lake. Maharawal Gadsi Singh constructed the historic artificial lake in the 14th century to help meet the region’s water requirements. Today, the lake is one of Jaisalmer’s most peaceful evening spots. You can walk along the waterfront, admire the gateways and structures around the lake, or opt for a boat ride when boating services are operating.
Another attraction here is the Laser Water Show, which Rajasthan Tourism lists as one of Jaisalmer’s experiences. The show uses water-screen projection mapping to tell stories about Jaisalmer’s history and major landmarks. Check the latest show schedule locally before planning your evening around it. After this, you can grab a Rajasthani meal for dinner. Dishes such as laal maas, dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and pyaaz ki kachori are some of the local favourites worth trying before calling it a night.
- Timings: No Time Restrictions. Boating from 8 am to 8 pm.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee.
- Boating: INR 200
- Paddle Boating: INR 500
- Shikara Ride: INR 1,000.
After this, you can grab a nice Rajasthani meal for dinner. Something like laal maas, mutton saag, daal baati choorma, gatte ki sabzi, and pyaaz ki kachori would be perfect to put an end to a perfect day in Jaisalmer!
Also Read: Experiencing The Food In Jaisalmer
Day 2: In Jaisalmer
1. Kuldhara Village
Start your second day by heading outside Jaisalmer to Kuldhara, an abandoned historic settlement located around 18 km from the city. Paliwal Brahmins once inhabited Kuldhara before it was abandoned in the 1800s. Exactly why its residents left has become intertwined with local folklore, making Kuldhara one of the region’s most mysterious attractions.
One popular legend involves Salim Singh, a powerful minister who is said to have wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter. According to the story, the villagers chose to abandon their homes rather than submit to his demands. Stories of a curse and paranormal activity subsequently became associated with the deserted settlement. Today, you can walk among the ruins, old houses, lanes, and temples while getting a glimpse of what was once a thriving desert settlement.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person; if you’re bringing your car, it’s an extra INR 50.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli
Next, make your way to Patwon Ki Haveli, another of Jaisalmer’s major architectural attractions. This narrow-street stop in the old city stands out for its intricate yellow sandstone facade. Spend some time observing the detailed carvings, balconies, windows, and other decorative elements before exploring the accessible interiors. Rajasthan Tourism also highlights the paintings and mirror work found inside the haveli.
Patwon Ki Haveli is an excellent place to understand just how detailed Jaisalmer’s traditional architecture can be. With practically every section of the facade featuring some form of ornamentation, it is worth slowing down rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 100 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners. There are extra charges for a still camera and video camera.
3. Sam Sand Dunes
Located roughly 40 km from the city, the dunes are among the most popular places to experience the Thar Desert’s landscape. Try to reach Sam later in the day so that you can experience the sunset in the desert. Camel safaris are one of the best-known activities here, allowing you to travel across the sandy landscape while watching the surroundings gradually change colour as the sun goes down.
Several desert camps and operators around Sam also organise cultural programs featuring traditional Rajasthani music and dance. Depending on your plans, you can return to Jaisalmer after the evening activities or book an overnight stay at a desert camp.
- Timings: The desert remains open 24×7.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee, but camel safari and desert safari rates can range from INR 500 to INR 2000.
Also Read: A Night Under The Stars In Jaisalmer
Author’s Note
In order to optimize the travel experience, it is important to align the sequence of destinations in the smartest way possible. For the first day, make sure you first head to Nathmal Haveli, then Patwon ki Haveli, and then Jaisalmer Fort. For the second day, you should first visit Kuldhara and then head to the Sam Sand Dunes for minimum back and forth.
Summing Up
Jaisalmer brings together history, architecture, desert landscapes, local food, and Rajasthani culture in a way few other destinations can. Two days are not enough to explore everything the Golden City has to offer, but they are enough to experience many of its biggest highlights.
Spend your first day exploring the city’s havelis, fort, and Gadisar Lake, then dedicate the second day to Kuldhara and the Thar Desert. By the time the sun sets over Sam Sand Dunes, you will have experienced two very different sides of Jaisalmer in just 48 hours. So, pack your bags and get ready to padharo mhare des!
