Attractions Nearby Jaisalmer, Day Trips and Excursions

(Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India)

The central walled area of Jaisalmer is easy to find your way around and contains many of the main attractions. If you are looking to visit attractions further afield, outside of Jaisalmer city centre and around Rajasthan, then you will need to find an alternative mode of transport.

Some of the closest and most memorable attractions include the Akal Wood Fossil Park, the Desert National Park and the Sam Sand Dunes, all of which come highly recommended. By using long-distance trains from Jaisalmer, is it even easy to reach major Indian cities, such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, while closer to hand, the desert town of Bikaner may also be of interest.

Akal Wood Fossil Park

A mere 18 km / 11 miles from Jaisalmer are the varied attractions sited within the Akal Wood Fossil Park. This spot is steeped in the past, with some of its oldest fossils being almost 200 years old and including some enormous fossilised tree trunks. The Akal Wood Fossil Park covers more than 50 acres / 20 hectares and over the years, the natural processes of erosion and geological movements have exposed these unique Jurassic specimens of redwoods.

Bikaner

Bikaner is a large and appealing town with a population of more than 500,000 people. Within easy reach of the city, Bikaner is home to a number of impressive and historical attractions, such as an imposing fort. The old walled city area of Bikaner is brimming with character contains winding streets with a definite medieval feel, and a number of grand sandstone 'havelis' (private houses) and Jain temples. Also of interest and to the south is the Karni Mata Temple (30 km / 19 miles) and the town of Kolayat (52 km / 32 miles).

Barmer

Known for its superb handicrafts, Barmer is a good place to pick up a quality souvenir to remember your time spent in Rajasthan. Some of the best shops within Barmer are to be found within the lively Sadar Bazaar, where a number of local artisans are based, selling everything from woodcarvings and embroidery, to carpets, rugs and printing. Although this desert town is just over 150 km / 93 miles from Jaisalmer, Barmer remains a popular excursion destination and is connected by buses, with a journey time of roughly two and a half hours.

Khuri

A small an appealing village, Khuri lies 40 km / 25 miles to the south-west of Jaisalmer and has become well known for its picture-postcard desert sand dunes. Many Indian holiday makers favour the attractions of Khuri, which gives a clear indication of its status. The accommodation here is a real highlight and comprises groups of mud huts, with thatched straw roofs, decorated with wall paintings and usually grouped around campfires. Khuri holiday packages often include camel rides, live dancing and entertainment, and also a simple breakfast.

Lodhruva

The stunning ruins of Lodhruva to be found approximately 15 km / 9 miles to the north-west of Jaisalmer. This ancient capital is connected by three regular daily buses, which reach Lodhruva in around 20 minutes. The main attractions include the Jain temples, which were reconstructed during the seventies, and the Main Temple, which opens daily between 06:00 and 20:00, and contains an impressive silver image of the 23rd 'tirthankar' (spiritual leader), Parasnath. It is reputed that a cobra snake guards the Lodhruva complex.

Sam Sand Dunes / Desert National Park

The Sam Sand Dunes can be found some 40 km / 25 miles from Jaisalmer and are part of the Desert National Park, within the Great Thar Desert. Sited next to the village of Sam, the Sam Sand Dunes boast huge expanses of undulating sand, resembling the Sahara Desert in its appearance. The dunes have become one of the most visited attractions outside of the city and daily excursions take place, with crowds arriving a part of a camel safari, bus trip or desert jeep ride. Ideally, this scenic spot is best visited at either sunrise or sunset, and many holiday makers choose to stay here overnight, in one of the traditional camps, when you can enjoy the stars in relative solitude.