Places Near Jaisalmer

Distances at a glance

Distances are approximate road figures from Jaisalmer city; drive times depend on traffic and stops.

Close to town: lakes, temples and fossils

Amar Sagar is a royal lake with a pavilion and steps, plus a finely carved Jain temple beside it. The lake is often low or dry outside the monsoon, but the temple is worth the short drive.

Mool Sagar is an old royal garden and water tank on the road towards Sam, once a summer retreat. It is modest and quiet; stop only if you have spare time. Opening hours and entry charges at both lakes are informal, so check locally.

Lodurva, the former Bhati capital, has a Jain temple with a delicate stone gateway, free to enter with a camera fee of about ~₹100. Bada Bagh sits on the same road and is best at sunrise.

Akal Wood Fossil Park protects petrified tree trunks from an ancient forest. Entry is roughly ~₹50 for Indians; allow an hour. The site is open and sunny, so go in the morning and carry water.

All of these sit within half an hour of the city, so you can fit two or three into a relaxed morning before lunch.

Kuldhara and Khaba Fort

The abandoned village of Kuldhara sits on the road to Sam, with entry of about ~₹10 for Indians. The popular tale of an overnight exodus is a legend; our Kuldhara story separates it from the history.

Khaba Fort, a little further on, overlooks another empty village and has a small display of fossils and artefacts. Entry is around ~₹50. Both fit neatly into the afternoon before a dune sunset.

The border road: Ramgarh, Tanot and Longewala

Ramgarh is a small town on the way north-west and the last reliable place for fuel and snacks. Beyond it, the road runs through open desert to the Tanot Mata temple, known for the belief that shells fired during the 1965 war did not explode near it.

The Longewala War Memorial marks the 1971 desert battle, with tanks and a short film. The two sites lie a short drive apart on the loop. Rules for going further towards the border differ for Indian and foreign nationals and can change at short notice. Tanot and Longewala are usually done as one long day; see the cab route and the permit guide.

Pokaran and Ramdevra

Pokaran, on the highway towards Jodhpur, has a sandstone fort, part of which now works as a hotel and museum. The town is also known for local terracotta pottery. The nuclear test sites nearby are off limits and there is nothing to see.

Ramdevra, a short drive beyond, holds the shrine of Baba Ramdev, a folk saint revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. During the fair in about August–September the roads fill with pilgrims, so plan around it or go for the atmosphere. Most people stop here on the drive between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer rather than as a separate trip.

Barmer and Khichan

Barmer is a working desert town famous for embroidery, appliqué, block-printed textiles and carved wooden furniture. It suits travellers interested in crafts, or those heading south towards Gujarat. The old Kiradu temples lie roughly 35 km beyond it.

Khichan, a village next to Phalodi, is known for the thousands of demoiselle cranes that villagers feed each winter. The birds usually gather from about September to March, and the feeding ground is busiest in the early morning. It is a long trip from Jaisalmer, so it works best on the way to or from Bikaner or Jodhpur.

Jodhpur as your next hub

Jodhpur is the nearest big city and the usual next stop, about 5–5.5 hours by road. It has a year-round airport and frequent trains. On the drive, Pokaran and Ramdevra break the journey. Check the Jodhpur cab fares, from about ₹4,250 one way in a sedan, or read how to reach Jaisalmer.

Day-trip combinations

1. West loop to the dunes (half day + evening): Bada Bagh, Amar Sagar, Lodurva, Kuldhara and Khaba Fort, ending at Sam for sunset.
2. Border day (full day): Ramgarh, Tanot Mata and Longewala; leave early and carry water, snacks and ID.
3. Fossils and grassland (half day): Akal Wood Fossil Park with a morning visit to Desert National Park in winter.
4. On the way out: Ramdevra and Pokaran on the drive to Jodhpur, or Khichan in winter if you are heading towards Bikaner.

The three-night package with Tanot bundles the border day with a city stay and a camp night.

Tips for the longer drives

• Start early in the cool months and avoid long desert drives in the midday heat of summer.
• Fill up fuel in town or at the last big stop; pumps are far apart in the open desert.
• Carry water, snacks, sun protection and original photo ID, especially on the border road.
• Expect weak or no phone signal on long stretches and save offline maps before you leave.
• Watch for camels, cattle and sheep on the road, especially at dusk; avoid driving after dark where you can.
• Ask your driver about toilet and food stops in advance; dhabas are few on quieter roads.

Locate each place on our Jaisalmer map, and remember that the distances above are approximate and routes can change with roadworks.