CT Itinerary: I Spent 3 Days In Jaisalmer In A Fort, Chasing Sunsets In Dunes & Eating Laal Maas

Jaisalmer doesn’t rush to impress you, it doesn’t throw experiences at you every 10 minutes. It lets the heat, the sand, the silence, and the colour of stone do most of the talking. I spent almost three days here, and what stayed with me wasn’t just where I went, but how peaceful everything felt. 

Jaisalmer Itinerary To Experience The Golden Heaven Royally!

Day 1

Most of the first day went into travel. After reaching the city, we checked into The Jaisalmer Resort, a property that feels expansive without trying to look extravagant. There’s sand underfoot, open spaces to wander through, corners where sunlight falls generously, and a swimming pool that quietly sits there, tempting you. A friendly dog roaming around added a lived-in charm that no design choice can manufacture.

The complimentary breakfast didn’t feel like an afterthought. Fresh juices, tea and coffee, milkshakes made to order, idli-sambar, pakodas, toasted bread, enough variety to make you linger instead of rushing out.

Later, we headed to Jaisalmer Fort. This is not a place you skim through. If there’s one thing worth planning your day around, it’s this fort. Spare at least three to four hours, walk slowly and sit when you feel like it. From the Rani Mahal and Raja Mahal to the Diwan-e-Khas, the fort doesn’t overwhelm, but rather unfolds itself along with your imagination. 

The sunset point inside the fort is worth the wait. As the sun drops, the city below stretches out in uneven lines, glowing softly. Post-sunset, the fort becomes quieter, almost introspective. There are small stalls selling kesar doodh, rabri doodh, and fresh juices, offering simple pauses that feel necessary rather than touristy. There’s also a city-view spot that looks especially striking at night, perfect for photographs without much effort.

Dinner was planned around one thing: Laal Maas. We chose Romany, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lit-up fort. The portion size was modest, but the flavour profile was deep, spicy, unapologetically Rajasthani. Eating while the fort glowed quietly in the background felt like the right way to end the day.

On the way back to the resort, we stopped at Dhanraj for jalebi. It was thick, crisp and dripping with syrup. One of those unplanned stops that ends up becoming a highlight! 

Also Read: Romany In Jaisalmer: The City’s Most Talked-About Laal Maas Served With Stunning Fort Views

Day 2

Day two started with another slow breakfast before checking out and moving to Moonlight Resort. We booked a private villa, and it genuinely felt like living inside the landscape rather than visiting it. A personal garden, uninterrupted views, and animals casually passing by, camels, dogs, cats, and even a white horse! Sitting outside and watching them move through the sand felt strangely calming, like time had agreed to loosen its grip.

Our first stop was Gadisar Lake. Boating here isn’t dramatic. The water is still, the surrounding architecture ornate, and the experience quietly immersive. It gives you space to breathe. Ps: The ducks swimming alongside make for the perfect companion in this serene ride. 

The mood shifted entirely at the Jaisalmer War Museum. The light-and-sound show was deeply moving, not exaggerated and not sensationalised. It traced Indo-Pak war histories and highlighted the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in a way that felt respectful and heavy. This wasn’t something you casually walk out of unchanged.

Also Read: Dahi Bhujia Kachori: Jaisalmer’s Crunchy Delight; Where to Find It & How to Make It at Home

Day 3

The final day took us to Sam Sand Dunes, where we checked into Grand Inara Resort. The package, around ₹15,000 per night, included a private room, meals, and some activities, making the experience feel cohesive rather than pieced together.

The desert safari set the tone, followed by a camel ride that was all shades of fun and folly. The bike ride across the sand was the opposite:  violent, bumpy, and thrilling enough to make you laugh through the discomfort. 

Our jeep safari guide took us to the sunset point. This moment didn’t need music or commentary, nature itself made the moment special. Camels moved across the dunes, children ran freely in the sand, and the sky shifted colours without announcing. Nobody seemed in a hurry to leave.

Back at the resort, the welcome was elaborate yet sincere, with fresh juices, chilled jaljeera, a pagdi, aarti, and a traditional Rajasthani reception. After getting ready, we settled in for the cultural program. Folk dancers, fire performances, and live music filled the night, stretching for hours without feeling long. Dinner was a buffet; it was generous, comforting and too Rajasthani-core to be ordnary. Bowls were filled with Dal bati, Besan Kadhi, Ker Sangri, Choorma, and simultaneously, hearts were filled too! 

Also Read: Inside Jaisalmer War Museum: Where Army Halls, Shaurya Van & A Powerful Night Show Meet

Jaisalmer didn’t feel like a destination that is too happening to be missed, but it stays with you in ways you would not expect. Across three days, it shifted from heritage to stillness, from thrill to reflection and from silence to celebration. If you let it move at its own pace, Jaisalmer gives you something rare; the feeling that you were present, not just passing through.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mahi Adlakha