Finding the perfect place to drop your bags in India can make or break your trip. But every now and then, you stumble across an accommodation that is so much more than just a bed to sleep in – it becomes a home away from home.
For our family, in India that place is the Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer.
We love this place so much that we have stayed here a total of six times – meaning every single time we have visited the Golden City, Wanderlust is where we lay our heads.
We have brought our boys here, our India Group Trips and we have even brought both of our Mums along to experience the magic!
If you are planning an adventure to the deep desert of Rajasthan, here is our honest, firsthand review of why Wanderlust Guesthouse is the best accommodation in Jaisalmer, along with our top tips for exploring the city.
The Location: Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer
Wanderlust Guesthouse is ideally located outside the towering sandstone walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. It is in a quiet, accessible neighbourhood that gives you a quieter escape from the bustling market streets while keeping you just a short, easy five-minute walk from the main fort entrance.
The best part? The guesthouse has a rooftop terrace that looks directly out at the colossal Jaisalmer Fort.
Watching the massive sandstone structure as the sun sets – all while sipping a chai – is a view you will never forget.
- Check Rooms, Rates & Availability at the Wanderlust Guesthouse.
Meet Padam: Wanderlust Guesthouse Host
The real heart and soul of Wanderlust Guesthouse is the owner, Padam. Over our six visits to Jaisalmer, Padam has become a dear friend, and his hospitality truly is unmatched.
Padam is also an absolute goldmine of local knowledge. Aside from organising and hosting the most epic of Camel Safari’s in Jaisalmer, he can take the stress out of navigating Rajasthan by helping you arrange anything you need, including:
- Onward Transport: Booking train tickets, private cars, or buses.
- Local Tours: Arranging trusted, hassle-free guides to show you around the ancient havelis and fort palaces.
- Special Experiences: Tailoring unique itineraries so you can experience the authentic, non-touristy side of Jaisalmer.
The Rooms: Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer
Each of the rooms has an en suite bathroom with a hot shower and western style toilet.
- Standard King Room
2x pax
1x Double Bed - King Suite with Balcony Window
4x pax
1x Extra Large Double Bed and 1x Single Bed
Extra child bed available on request
- Check Rooms, Rates & Availability at the Wanderlust Guesthouse.
The Wanderlust Camel Safari
You cannot visit the Golden City without heading out into the Thar Desert, and we reckon Wanderlust runs the best, most authentic camel safaris in the region.
We are incredibly picky about animal welfare and tourist traps, but can trust and recommend Wanderlust Guesthouse and their Camel Safari.
It takes you far away from the crowded, commercialised tourist tracks to the sand dunes. You trek out on well-cared-for camels, watch the sun drop below the desert horizon, and enjoy a dinner cooked directly over an open wood fire by the local guides.
Sleeping out under the desert stars is incredible. As we mentioned, we even took both of our Mums out on this exact safari!
The Rooftop Restaurant and Food: Wanderlust Guesthouse
After a long day of exploring, nothing beats heading up to Wanderlust’s small rooftop restaurant. The food here is simple but fantastic, fresh, and hygienic (which is a massive relief for travellers in India right?).
They serve up a mix of local Rajasthani specialties (you can even try their traditional Ker Sangri and Dal Baati Churma), Indian staples, and Western breakfast favourites for when the kids (or adults!) need a break from spices.
The atmosphere is laid-back, social, and the perfect spot to swap stories and tips with fellow travellers.
Jaisalmer Travel Guide: Sights & Logistics
There are lots of cool things to do in Jaisalmer and it is a convenient end-of-the-line station to travel to by train.
Top Things to Do in Jaisalmer
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort: One of the only “living” forts in the world, where a quarter of the city’s population still resides inside the sandstone fort walls.
- Marvel at Patwon Ki Haveli: A cluster of five historic mansions featuring some of the most intricate, lace-like stone carvings in India.
- Visit Gadisar Lake: A scenic, historic water reservoir surrounded by small shrines and temples.
- Camel Safari: This is the highlight of Jaisalmer and one of the most authentic experiences in India!
Getting There
Jaisalmer is a terminal station, meaning it is the literal end of the railway line. The most popular and comfortable way to arrive is by booking an overnight sleeper train directly from Delhi or Jaipur, or a 5.5-hour daytime train from Jodhpur.
It is also possible to get the bus to or from Jodhpur.
If you let Padam know your arrival details ahead of time, he will gladly arrange a Jeep pickup to meet you right at the train platform!
Getting Around
Because Jaisalmer is relatively small and compact, the historic centre and the interior of the fort are best explored entirely on foot.
For longer trips – like heading down to Gadisar Lake or checking out the local markets – you can easily flag down a cheap auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) right outside the guesthouse.
- Check Rooms, Rates & Availability at the Wanderlust Guesthouse.
Recommending Wanderlust Guesthouse
Wanderlust Guesthouse is a fab place to stay in Jaisalmer and one that we wholeheartedly recommend. It’s an authentic experience that will completely make your trip to the desert.
Book your stay, say hello to Padam for us, and get ready to fall in love with the Golden City!
Read More India Inspiration
- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning your Jaisalmer trip further!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
