How To Reach Jaisalmer

The golden city of Jaisalmer is located close to the Thar Desert near the Pakistan border. The city is famous for its camel safaris and the grand Jaisalmer fort, also known as the 'Sonar Quilla' (golden fort). This beautiful city is a major tourist spot and the best season to visit Jaisalmer is during the winter months of October to March. Planning a trip already? Read on to know how to reach Jaisalmer. 

Jaisalmer does not have an airport. It however does have an army landing strip. The closest airport is the Jodhpur Airport located at a distance of 280 kms. It is well connected to Jaipur, Mumbai and New Delhi. One can book pre-paid taxis to Jaisalmer with prices ranging from INR 20-25/km at the airport itself. These cabs can also be hired on a per day basis. You could also take a train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. 

Jaisalmer is well connected to all parts of India by broad gauge and metre gauge rail lines. For a journey of a lifetime, opt for the luxury Palace on Wheels experience while visiting this beautiful Golden City. Other trains that ply to Jaisalmer on a daily basis are Ranikhet Express, Corbett Park Link Express, Jaisalmer Jodhpur Express, Jaisalmer Lalgarh Express and Malani Express. The Jaisalmer Mumbai Superfast Express and the Jaisalmer Howrah Superfast Express ply on a weekly basis. 

Jaisalmer has excellent connectivity by road to all parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Being in close proximity to the Indo-Pak border, special emphasis is laid on maintaining these roads. Several private operators as well as the State Road Transport Corporation run daily buses to major cities in both states. Two of the major bus stands in Jaisalmer are the Golden Bus Terminal and the Roadways Main Bus Stand. 

This option is only for the adventurous and hardened travellers. The most gruelling of camel trips is the 14 day long trip from Bikaner to Jaisalmer. It is an experience not to be missed. Having said that; if you’re not up for such long stretches on camel back, do include a camel ride and a safari in your itinerary.

The small city can easily be covered on foot if you’re travelling at a leisurely pace. However, two-wheelers and cars are available on rent. You can opt for chauffeur driven tourist cabs to take you around.  You could also opt for autos for short distances and crowded areas to avoid getting stuck in bottleneck traffic.

While in Jaisalmer, do check out the Sonar Quilla, one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities of the world. The fort complex houses the royal palace as well as numerous havelis of rich merchants, restaurants and various shops selling local artifacts. Take a camel safari and camp a night in the Thar desert while in Jaisalmer, or go sand dune bashing and Quad-biking.  A visit to Suryagarh, the oasis hotel is a must.  One should also see the Gadsisar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli and the intricate Jain temple situated within the Jaisalmer fort. On the outskirts of the city, very close to the Indo-Pak border, is the Tanot Mata temple, an untouched spot with an interesting past. Legend has it that during the Indo-Pak war of 1965, none of the bombs dropped in its vicinity exploded.