Deep in Rajasthan's Thar Desert, the "Golden City" of Jaisalmer looks very much like a movie set. Its big draw is the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, a massive, sandcastle-esque citadel that incorporates much of the old city and its historic havelis—city mansions characterized by intricate architectural details and adorned with lavishly decorated interiors. Enchanting architecture isn’t the city’s only draw, however. One of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer is to head out to the desert for a sunset ride or overnight camel safari.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter when the weather is at its coolest. January and February offer particularly pleasant temperatures, but they also tend to be the busiest months in the city. If you visit during this time, try to coordinate your trip to coincide with the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a cultural festival held at the Sam Sand Dunes just outside of town.
Jaisalmer is a walker’s city, and it’s easy to get around town on foot, especially if you stick to the pedestrianized Jaisalmer Fort area. Auto-rickshaws are a good option for getting to further-afield destinations, such as the railway station. Tours that include transportation are ideal if you want to see a lot in one day and crucial if you plan to head out on a desert safari.
Camels, the so-called "ships of the desert," play an integral role in life in this part of Rajasthan, and products made of camel leather are widely available at shops around town. If you want to try treats made from camel milk, such as shakes and cookies, head east of the fort to the Camel Café. They also sell camel milk soap and other souvenirs.
