Explore Jaisalmer in 2 Days: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary Guide

Jaisalmer, often referred to as the “Golden City,” is a captivating destination located in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. With its stunning sand dunes, golden-hued fort, intricately designed havelis, and rich cultural heritage, Jaisalmer offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and beauty. For those with limited time, a well-planned weekend trip can still allow you to explore the highlights of this desert jewel. This 2-day itinerary for Jaisalmer will guide you through the best experiences, ensuring your short trip is both memorable and fulfilling.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, a deep dive into history, or a mix of both, this Jaisalmer 2 day itinerary covers it all. Let’s dive into this perfect weekend itinerary for Jaisalmer, designed to make the most of your time in this incredible city.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in the History and Heritage of Jaisalmer

1. Morning: Exploring the Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)

Your first stop on this Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days is none other than the famous Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the fort stands majestically over the city and is one of the few living forts in the world. Unlike other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort houses shops, hotels, temples, and homes inside its massive walls, giving visitors a glimpse into a vibrant community life.

• Must-See Highlights Inside the Fort:
  • Raj Mahal (The Royal Palace): A beautiful structure with stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city.
  • Jain Temples: These ancient temples, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, are intricately designed with marvelous carvings.
  • Laxminath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it’s another temple worth visiting within the fort premises.

Spend the morning exploring the fort’s nooks and crannies, admiring its architecture, and soaking in the views of the golden city below.

2. Midday: Visit Patwon Ki Haveli

After leaving the fort, head to Patwon Ki Haveli, one of the largest and most ornate havelis in Jaisalmer. It’s actually a cluster of five havelis built by a wealthy trader, Guman Chand Patwa, in the early 19th century. The intricate craftsmanship, detailed stone carvings, and stunning interiors are sure to leave you in awe. The haveli is now a museum showcasing artifacts that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy merchants during that era.

This part of the itinerary is ideal for immersing yourself in the architectural splendor of Jaisalmer.

3. Afternoon: Wander Through the Local Bazaars

No 2-day itinerary for Jaisalmer is complete without exploring the bustling local markets. After your visit to Patwon Ki Haveli, take a stroll through Sadar Bazaar and Manak Chowk. These vibrant markets are filled with traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. You can also find embroidered garments, camel leather goods, and exquisite Rajasthani décor items to bring back home.

4. Late Afternoon: A Visit to Nathmal Ki Haveli

Next on your Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days is Nathmal Ki Haveli, another architectural marvel. Built in the late 19th century by two brothers, the haveli is a fine example of the fusion between Islamic and Rajput architectural styles. What makes Nathmal Ki Haveli particularly interesting is the fact that the two brothers worked on different sides of the haveli simultaneously, resulting in a structure with slight asymmetry but unparalleled beauty.

5. Evening: Sunset at Gadisar Lake

As the day winds down, head to Gadisar Lake to enjoy a peaceful and scenic evening. This man-made lake, built in the 14th century, was once the primary water source for Jaisalmer. Today, it’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The lake is surrounded by temples and ghats, and a boat ride here offers serene views of the surroundings, especially at sunset when the sky takes on hues of orange and pink. Watching the sun dip behind the horizon, reflecting off the tranquil waters of Gadisar Lake, is an unforgettable experience.

6. Dinner: Relish Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine

End your day with a hearty meal at one of Jaisalmer’s traditional restaurants. Some great options include Suryagarh or The Trio restaurant, where you can savor authentic Rajasthani dishes such as dal baati churma, ker sangri, and gatte ki sabzi.

Day 2: Adventure and Desert Life

1. Morning: Explore Kuldhara – The Abandoned Village

Start your second day with a short excursion to Kuldhara, located about 18 km from Jaisalmer. This abandoned village, dating back to the 13th century, is shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that the villagers of Kuldhara fled overnight due to the tyranny of the local ruler, and to this day, the village remains uninhabited. Exploring the ancient ruins of Kuldhara gives you a sense of the historical past of the region while adding a touch of eeriness to your trip.

2. Late Morning: Sam Sand Dunes for an Adventure-Filled Desert Safari

No visit to Jaisalmer is complete without experiencing the vast Sam Sand Dunes. Located about 40 km from the city, the dunes offer a quintessential desert experience. As part of your Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days, this is the perfect time to enjoy a thrilling desert safari.

You can choose between a camel safari or a jeep safari, each offering a different but equally exhilarating experience. The camel safari allows you to slowly traverse the dunes while enjoying the serene desert landscape, whereas a jeep safari offers a more adventurous ride through the golden sands.

3. Afternoon: Indulge in Desert Camping

For those looking for a more immersive desert experience, spend the afternoon at one of the many desert camps set up near the dunes. These camps offer a unique way to experience life in the desert, with activities such as cultural performances, folk dances, and traditional music. While you may not be spending the night at the camp (as this is a 2-day itinerary), you can still enjoy a few hours here, soaking in the desert atmosphere, sipping on masala chai, and watching the local artisans perform.

4. Late Afternoon: Visit the Bada Bagh Cenotaphs

Next, visit Bada Bagh, a set of royal cenotaphs located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. This historical site is the resting place of the royal family members of Jaisalmer. The cenotaphs, known as chhatris, are beautifully constructed in the typical Rajasthani architectural style and provide a serene and photogenic atmosphere. This is a great spot for photography enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the desert landscape combined with intricate historical structures.

5. Evening: Sunset at the Dunes

For your final evening in Jaisalmer, return to the Sam Sand Dunes for another breathtaking sunset. The sight of the sun setting over the endless dunes is truly magical and provides a perfect ending to your Jaisalmer 2 day itinerary. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to capture the golden hues of the desert at dusk.

6. Dinner: Final Meal in Jaisalmer

Wrap up your trip with a dinner back in the city, indulging in more Rajasthani cuisine. If you didn’t get a chance to try some of the traditional sweets, now is the perfect time to sample ghewar, mawa kachori, or churma ladoo.

Tips for Your 2-Day Trip to Jaisalmer

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to follow this Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the desert.
• Local Transport: Jaisalmer is a compact city, and most of the main attractions within the city can be covered on foot or by rickshaw. For trips outside the city, such as to Kuldhara or Sam Sand Dunes, hiring a taxi or joining a tour is recommended.
• What to Pack: If you’re visiting during winter, pack warm clothes for the desert nights, as temperatures can drop significantly. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves for daytime exploration.

Conclusion

This Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days offers the perfect balance of history, adventure, and culture, ensuring that even a short weekend trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. From the grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort and the intricate beauty of the havelis to the serene desert landscapes of the Sam Sand Dunes, this 2-day itinerary for Jaisalmer covers the city’s top attractions in a compact but fulfilling manner. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to escape into the tranquility of the desert, Jaisalmer has something to offer every traveler.

To make the most of your time, consider booking a Jaisalmer cab for easy and convenient travel between sites. A local Jaisalmer cab service can ensure you get to every destination comfortably, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace without the hassle of navigating.

Embrace the golden charm of Jaisalmer, and enjoy your whirlwind 2-day journey through one of Rajasthan’s most enchanting cities!