Jaisalmer, often called the Golden City, is known for its sandstone architecture, desert charm, and historical richness. While many explore it through pre-booked tours or private cabs, there’s a more grounded way to experience the city — by using local transport. This guide explains how to plan a full day in Jaisalmer relying on locally available transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and shared taxis.
Where Should You Start Your Day Tour in Jaisalmer?
Begin your day early in the morning at Gadisar Lake. This peaceful spot offers a calm view of the sunrise over the water. Since it’s located near the city centre, getting there by auto-rickshaw is easy and affordable. Most local drivers are familiar with this destination and offer early morning drop-offs. After spending some time here, you can walk to nearby temples and viewpoints.
What Are the Best Local Transport Options Available?
Jaisalmer offers several modes of local transport suitable for a day tour:
- Auto-rickshaws: Readily available and ideal for short distances.
- Cycle rickshaws: Useful within the narrow lanes of the fort area.
- Shared taxis: A convenient option for reaching areas outside the main city.
- Walking: Some parts of old Jaisalmer are best explored on foot.
Each mode offers a different experience. For instance, a cycle rickshaw through the lanes of the fort brings you closer to the sounds, colours, and conversations of local life.
How Can You Explore the Jaisalmer Fort Area?
After Gadisar Lake, the next stop should be Jaisalmer Fort. An auto-rickshaw will drop you at the fort’s entrance. From here, walking is the best way to explore the fort complex. Built in 1156 AD, it is one of the few living forts in the world, with residents still occupying homes and shops inside.
Inside the fort, visit landmarks like Jain Temples, the Royal Palace, and heritage havelis. Pause for tea at a rooftop café and observe the city’s golden skyline. The narrow walkways are filled with local craft shops, offering textiles, stonework, and leather items.
What Local Markets Can Be Visited During the Tour?
As you exit the fort, walk towards Sadar Bazaar and Bhatia Bazaar, two well-known local markets. You can get there via a short auto-rickshaw ride. These markets reflect the local lifestyle, selling daily-use items, jewellery, puppets, and traditional attire. Observing the market hustle helps understand how the local economy and daily life function.
Many of these shops are family-run businesses with generations of experience. Even if you don’t plan to shop, walking through the lanes and interacting with vendors adds value to your cultural understanding of Jaisalmer.
Where Should You Stop for Lunch During the Day Tour?
For lunch, head to one of the local eateries near Hanuman Chowk. These places serve traditional Rajasthani meals like dal baati churma, ker sangri, and gatte ki sabzi. Most eateries are accessible by rickshaw or are a short walk from the main market areas.
Eating at a local place allows you to try regional food in its authentic form. Look for places where locals dine, as they often provide the best value and taste.
How to Reach Patwon Ki Haveli Using Local Transport?
In the second half of the day, plan a visit to Patwon Ki Haveli, one of the oldest and most intricately designed havelis in the city. It’s located in a narrow lane, so auto-rickshaws drop passengers a short walk away from the entrance.
Built in the 19th century by a wealthy merchant, this haveli showcases fine stone carvings, mirrored halls, and antique furniture. Some parts have been converted into museums, offering insights into merchant life in historical Jaisalmer.
What Role Do Shared Taxis Play in Local Travel?
If you want to explore further areas like Amar Sagar or Lodurva, shared taxis offer a practical option. These are commonly used by locals to commute and are budget-friendly. This form of travel gives visitors a glimpse of local interaction and shared travel customs.
You can explore Lodurva’s ancient Jain temples and Amar Sagar’s serene surroundings easily through this method. While not luxurious, shared taxis are efficient and connect outer areas not reachable by rickshaws.
What’s the Best Way to End a Local Tour of Jaisalmer?
As evening sets in, you can visit Sunset Point near Bada Bagh, accessible via shared taxi or private booking. This place offers panoramic views of windmills and golden dunes under the fading sun. It’s an ideal way to end a local journey through the city.
On your return, you might consider using a Taxi Service in Jaisalmer for comfort if it’s late or if you’re carrying souvenirs. This gives flexibility after a long day on your feet or in shared transport.
Why Choose Local Transport for a Jaisalmer Day Tour?
- Cultural immersion: See how locals travel, communicate, and live.
- Budget-friendly: Costs are lower compared to private vehicle hires.
- Environmental value: Walking and rickshaws produce less pollution.
- Accessibility: Rickshaws and walking can reach places where cars can’t.
Using Jaisalmer Sightseeing Taxi once in the day allows you to combine local convenience with wider reach, especially when planning multi-spot visits.
