8 Places You Can Visit Near Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, famously known as the Golden City of Rajasthan, is synonymous with golden forts, vast sand dunes, colourful markets, and unforgettable desert experiences. But beyond the city's well-known attractions lies another side of Jaisalmer—one filled with ancient ruins, peaceful desert villages, fascinating legends, wildlife, and architectural wonders.

If you want to go beyond the usual tourist trail and discover some lesser-known destinations around Jaisalmer, these places are worth adding to your itinerary. From the tranquil dunes of Khuri to the mysterious ruins of Kuldhara, each destination offers a unique experience and can make your Rajasthan trip even more memorable.

1. Khuri

Located away from the crowds of Jaisalmer, Khuri is a charming desert village best known for its beautiful Khuri Sand Dunes. Travellers from across the world visit this peaceful destination to experience the raw beauty of the Thar Desert. With a small population, traditional surroundings, and distinctive desert flora and fauna, Khuri offers a more authentic desert experience.

Visitors can enjoy traditional activities such as camel safaris, dress up in colourful Rajasthani attire, and experience the region's vibrant folk music and cultural performances. Watching the sun set over the golden dunes is particularly memorable.

Khuri is ideal for both families and groups of friends looking for a peaceful desert getaway away from the busier tourist spots.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 67.7 km. You can hire a private cab or use local buses, as Khuri is well connected to Jaisalmer.

Best Places to Stay: SBM Hotel, Hotel Keshav Mahal

Why Visit: Khuri is a peaceful desert village famous for its sand dunes and authentic Rajasthani atmosphere. Compared with the more commercialised Sam Sand Dunes, it offers a quieter and more laid-back experience.

Things to Do: Enjoy a camel safari, stay in traditional mud huts, listen to Rajasthani folk music, watch cultural performances, and admire the sunset over the dunes.

2. Lodurva

Situated northwest of Jaisalmer, Lodurva is an ancient settlement steeped in history and architectural beauty. The town was once the capital of the Bhatti dynasty before Jaisalmer was established in 1156 AD.

Lodurva is particularly famous for its beautifully designed Jain temples and intricate stonework. Among the prominent religious sites here are the Rishabhanatha Temple, Sambhavnath Temple, Hinglaj Mata Temple, Chamunda Mata Temple, and the old Shiva Temple.

The surrounding landscape, ancient ruins, temples, and desert scenery make Lodurva an excellent place for travellers interested in history, architecture, and Rajasthan's cultural heritage. Take your time exploring the area to truly appreciate its beauty.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 6.8 km from Jaisalmer city. You can reach Lodurva by local bus or private cab.

Timings: Open throughout the day.

Why Visit: Lodurva is an ancient town and former capital of the Bhatti dynasty, renowned for its magnificent Jain temples and intricate architecture.

Things to Do: Explore the Jain temples, walk among the remains of the ancient settlement, admire the traditional architecture, and spot peacocks roaming around the area.

3. Khaba Fort

For travellers fascinated by abandoned places and historical ruins, Khaba Fort is an intriguing destination near Jaisalmer. Once an important fortification, the site now stands largely in ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's mysterious past.

Khaba Fort is closely associated with the abandoned village of Kuldhara, and its elevated location provides impressive views of the surrounding desert landscape and deserted settlement.

The fort is best explored during daylight hours, particularly between 10 AM and 5 PM. Since the area becomes extremely quiet after sunset and transportation options can be limited, visitors should plan their return journey in advance.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 32.5 km. Public transport is limited, so hiring a private cab or travelling by personal vehicle is generally more convenient.

Best Places to Stay: Savi Camp Jaisalmer, Fort Aranya

Why Visit: Khaba Fort combines history, ruins, desert scenery, and an eerie atmosphere, making it an interesting stop for travellers who enjoy exploring lesser-known historical sites.

Things to Do: Explore the fort ruins, visit the small museum, learn about the area's history, and enjoy panoramic views of the abandoned settlement below.

4. Kuldhara Village

If mysterious stories and abandoned historical settlements fascinate you, Kuldhara Village deserves a place on your Jaisalmer itinerary. Once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, the village was reportedly abandoned overnight, along with several nearby settlements.

According to local legends, the villagers left after facing difficult circumstances and are said to have placed a curse on the village before departing. Over the years, these stories have given Kuldhara a reputation as one of India's most mysterious and supposedly haunted places.

Today, visitors can walk through the deserted settlement, explore its ruined houses, and imagine what life may have been like centuries ago. For the best experience, visit during daylight hours and explore the site at a relaxed pace.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 26.9 km. A private taxi or cab is the most convenient way to reach the village.

Best Places to Stay: Green Art Farms and Cottages, Dreamtime Bungalows

Why Visit: Kuldhara offers a fascinating combination of history, folklore, abandoned architecture, and mystery. Its legends make it particularly appealing to curious travellers.

Things to Do: Walk through the ruins, learn about the village's history and legends, photograph the traditional architecture, and explore the remains of the old settlement.

5. Mehrangarh Fort

Although located in Jodhpur rather than immediately around Jaisalmer, Mehrangarh Fort is an excellent addition for travellers willing to take a longer road trip. Rising dramatically above the Blue City, this magnificent fort is regarded as one of India's most impressive historic fortresses.

Founded around 1459 by Rao Jodha, after whom Jodhpur was named, Mehrangarh Fort is renowned for its imposing walls, grand palaces, courtyards, museums, and intricate architectural details.

The fort's museums offer an insight into the royal history and cultural heritage of Jodhpur. From the ramparts, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city's famous blue-painted houses.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 290 km.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Best Places to Stay: Raas Jodhpur, The Arch Store Homestay

Why Visit: Mehrangarh Fort is a spectacular example of Rajput architecture and one of India's most celebrated historic forts.

Things to Do: Explore the museum, take a guided tour, visit the royal palaces and courtyards, admire the architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of Jodhpur.

6. Desert National Park

Located near Jaisalmer and extending toward Barmer, Desert National Park offers an entirely different side of Rajasthan. Spread across approximately 3,162 square kilometres, it is one of India's largest national parks and showcases the unique ecosystem of the Thar Desert.

The park is particularly famous for its birdlife and is an important habitat for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. Visitors may also spot eagles, harriers, falcons, kestrels, vultures, and other desert birds.

While the park can be visited at different times of the year, the cooler months between November and January are generally considered particularly pleasant for exploring the desert landscape and observing wildlife.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 10.7 km from Jaisalmer city.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Why Visit: Desert National Park provides an opportunity to experience the unique wildlife, landscapes, and ecology of the Thar Desert.

Things to Do: Go on a wildlife safari, enjoy birdwatching, explore the desert landscape, and look for fossilised remains that offer clues about the region's geological past.

7. Sam Sand Dunes

Located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is one of the most popular destinations for experiencing the vastness and beauty of the Thar Desert. The sweeping golden dunes provide a perfect setting for desert adventures and spectacular sunsets.

The area also offers visitors an opportunity to experience Rajasthan's traditional culture through folk music, dance, local cuisine, and desert camps. Camel rides and jeep safaris are among the most popular activities here.

The annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival, generally held in February, adds an extra dose of colour and excitement with cultural performances and traditional celebrations.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 36–42 km, depending on the exact location within the Sam area.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Why Visit: Sam Sand Dunes is one of the best-known places near Jaisalmer for experiencing the Thar Desert, combining adventure, cultural entertainment, and desert camping.

Things to Do: Enjoy camel safaris, jeep safaris, desert camping, watch the sunset, savour traditional Rajasthani food, and experience colourful folk performances.

8. Jaswant Thada

Located in Jodhpur, around 300 km from Jaisalmer, Jaswant Thada is a beautiful marble cenotaph and an important historical landmark. It was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

The monument is admired for its finely carved marble screens, elegant architecture, peaceful surroundings, and striking views of Mehrangarh Fort. Its serene setting makes it a pleasant contrast to the grandeur of the nearby fort.

Jaswant Thada also provides visitors with an insight into the royal history and architectural traditions of the Marwar region.

Distance from Jaisalmer: Approximately 300 km.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Best Places to Stay: Raas Jodhpur, Jhankar Haveli, The Arch Store Homestay, Suraj Haveli, Haveli Inn Pal

Why Visit: Known for its beautiful marble craftsmanship and tranquil setting, Jaswant Thada is an important monument showcasing the heritage of the Marwar royal family.

Things to Do: Admire the marble carvings, explore the cenotaph, enjoy views of Mehrangarh Fort, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.