Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
A night safari in Jaisalmer brings you an exciting way of exploring the Thar Desert, under the blanket of a starry sky. As the sun sets on the golden dunes, this desert turns into a quiet and mysterious land. Whether a ride through the vast, open desert on a camel or hopping aboard a 4×4 jeep, a night safari in Jaisalmer takes you through the open desert on cold nights, away from the sweltering daytime heat. Your experience is further enhanced by traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances accompanied by a warm bonfire, making it a must-do for those visiting the desert city.
Quick Details
Location: Jaisalmer, Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Geographical Area: Expansive dunes, rocky terrain, and small desert villages across the Thar Desert
Types Of Safaris: Camel Safari and Jeep Safari
Best Time To Visit: October-March (cool weather)
Jaisalmer Night Safari Timings: 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM (overnight options until morning)
Jaisalmer Night Safari Duration: 5 – 7 hours for a night safari, overnight options include camping in the desert
Location
Photo: Ravisankar S / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The night safari is based in Jaisalmer City, Rajasthan. During this tour, the tourists are taken deep into the Thar Desert to prominent places such as the Sam Sand Dunes and Khaba Fort. These two destinations are 30 km from Jaisalmer. The Thar Desert is a very scenic and adventurous place. The nearest airport for night safari in Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Airport. For those coming from distant locations, the nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is 280 kilometres from the city centre of Jaisalmer.
Things To Do In A Night Safari In Jaisalmer
Here are some activities you can enjoy on a night safari in Jaisalmer.
1. Attending Rajasthani Cultural Performances
Photo: Aranya Bhadu / Wikimedia Commons
The traditional folk performances of Rajasthan, normally held around a bonfire in the desert camps, can be enjoyed while on a night safari in Jaisalmer. It includes energetic Kalbelia dance and Manganiyar music, which represents the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The vibrancy of these dancers’ costumes and the rhythmic beats of drums will give a perfect ambience, adding to the authenticity of experiencing the desert. This is not mere entertainment, but an involvement in local traditions, which amazes many visitors on the night safari.
2. Dune Bashing On A Jeep
Photo: Oskars Sylwan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Adventure lovers will cherish the night dune bashing in Jaisalmer. This ride involves an adrenaline-packed moving 4×4 jeep through the desert, riding on high dunes at high speeds. A fast ride through the sandy and rocky terrain is an exciting way of exploring the desert under the night sky. Most tour operators provide such facilities for those looking for more intense adventure. It’s not for the faint-hearted but well-suited for anyone who wants an adventurous twist on their night safari.
3. Overnight Desert Camping
Photo: Prince Desert Camp / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Many night safaris include camping in the desert overnight so you can experience the Thar Desert like nomads. They make ample provisions for the comfort of their guests, whether in sumptuous tents or more authentic arrangements for overnight stays, as specified by the package you choose. Comfortable bedding, crackling bonfires, and other essentials are provided in the camps. The peaceful desert ambience, breeze, and silent blowing of sand at night make for a memorable stay, unlike any accommodation experience.
4. Camel Ride Across The Dunes At Night
Photo: Sebastien / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Under the stars, the most peaceful experience of a night safari is a camel ride. The night camel safari is different from the daytime safari because it is a noise-free, peaceful journey across the dunes. The cool desert air, the rhythmic gait of the camel, and the vast, star-filled sky above create a meditative atmosphere. Some of these tours stop on the way for a tea break. You can admire the beauty of this desert during this break. This ride is perfect for one who wants an immersive experience of the desert.
Places To Visit While For A Night Safari In Jaisalmer
Here are some places to look around Jaisalmer, offering a mix of history, mystery, and beautiful desert landscapes.
1. Sam Sand Dunes
Photo: Roshanrajverma / Wikimedia Commons
The most popular destination for night safari in Jaisalmer is the Sam Sand Dunes. Some 30 kilometres away from the city, the dunes epitomise the classic desert experience through the towering sandy hills, making it perfect for camel rides, dune bashing, and a bonfire. Besides, the dunes have a perfect view of the sunset, and once night falls, the desert shines with cultural performances all around the camps. Visitors are usually left amazed by the vastness of dunes under a starry sky.
Location: 30 km west of Jaisalmer
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon or evening
2. Kuldhara Village
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kuldhara is one of the most mysterious places around Jaisalmer. It is located around 18 kilometres from the city, was once a booming settlement of Paliwal Brahmins, and was abandoned overnight in the 19th century. Today, it is said to be a haunted village, so an exciting stop on the night safaris. The place becomes attractive during evenings, owing to the village’s ruins and legends among the people. Guides narrate interesting stories of its mysterious history to the visitors.
Location: 18 km southwest of Jaisalmer
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon to early evening
3. Lodhruva
Photo: Prayash Giria / Wikimedia Commons
Lodhruva is an old village, about 15 kilometres from Jaisalmer city, famous for its ancient Jain temples. It is visited by enthusiasts of the religious and architectural history of Rajasthan, owing to the beautiful carvings in the intricately carved temples. The Parshwanath Temple is the prime attraction of this village. The night safari usually stops and lets tourists visit the beautifully illuminated temples at Lodhruva during dusk.
Location: 15 km north of Jaisalmer
Best Time To Visit: Visit during evenings for a lit-temple
4. Bada Bagh
Photo: Antoine Taveneaux / Wikimedia Commons
Bada Bagh is a garden complex characterised by beautiful cenotaphs of the royal family of Jaisalmer. This place has become a favourite stop for a night safari in Jaisalmer because it is located close to the town and is historically significant. The beauty of the architecture in the ornate cenotaphs, under glowing moonlight, creates an ethereal scene. Visiting Bada Bagh during the night is a very silent and reflective experience as the wind blows through this centuries-old structure. It is also famous for photography, capturing Rajasthan’s history.
Location: 6 km north of Jaisalmer
Best Time To Visit: Visit during the evenings
Where To Stay & Eat
Photo: Luiz Cent / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Most visitors in Jaisalmer prefer to spend time in desert camps near Sam Sand Dunes. These range from luxury tented camps that are quite modern to the more rugged setups. Some of the popular camps that provide comfortable bedding, bonfire arrangements, and cultural performances are The Serai Camp and Prince Desert Camp.
Additionally, most of the Jaisalmer night safari packages include Rajasthani dinner that is served at the desert camps. These would be vegetarian only and consist of local specialities such as Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and freshly prepared roti. Dinner is usually held by an open bonfire. Some camps can also arrange non-vegetarian dishes or drinks on request.
The night safari in Jaisalmer will offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and the unique charm of the Thar Desert. The serenity of the night on a camel ride in Jaisalmer’s desert, combined with cultural performances and traditional Rajasthani dinners, would give an immersive adventure for all travellers. So, plan your desert adventure with TripXL today and explore Jaisalmer Night Safari like never before.
Cover Photo: Jeremy Cai / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
