Staying Inside a 900-Year-Old Fort: Jaisalmer Fort Accommodation Guide
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Truly one of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed is inside Jaisalmer Fort. Waking up in a traditional sandstone room, stepping through narrow medieval stone corridors, and having breakfast on a rooftop right on the edge of the ramparts, looking directly out over the Thar Desert, is an experience unlike any other in India.
At nearly 900 years old, Jaisalmer Fort is more than just a preserved monument or a big museum. It is one of the world’s last living forts which is home to around 4,000 residents – some of whose ancestors have lived there for centuries.
The fort is a fully functioning town with homes, shops, temples, and guesthouses which means that travellers, like myself, face a unique decision when visiting Jaisalmer: Should you stay inside the fort walls, or outside in the city?
Having spent almost a week exploring the Golden City, I’ve put together this complete Jaisalmer accommodation guide which covers the pros and cons, environmental impacts and practical tips to help you decide what’s right for your trip. Be sure to check out my complete travel guide to Jaislamer for everything you need to know before visiting the city.
Contents
Staying Inside vs Outside: Pros and Cons
Deciding where to stay in Jaisalmer can make a huge difference to your experience and deciding whether to stay inside or outside the fort comes down to priorities: atmospheric immersion or modern convenience.
Staying Inside Jaisalmer Fort
A complete immersion. You wake up inside a sandstone labyrinth, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, quiet courtyards, and rooftop cafes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable atmosphere | Limited vehicle access |
| Rooftop desert views | Typically smaller rooms |
| No transport costs for fort exploring | Higher restaurant food prices |
Staying Outside Jaisalmer Fort
Practical and convenient. Instead of being immersed in the beauty, you get stunning views of the illuminated fort in its entirety.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| View of the impressive fort | Have to commute to fort sights |
| Better room rates | Standard bustling city atmosphere |
| Cheaper local restaurants | Increased transport fees |
| Easy transport with luggage | Less unique |
Deciding where to stay in Jaisalmer can make a huge difference to your experience and deciding whether to stay inside or outside the fort comes down to priorities: atmospheric immersion or modern convenience.
Environmental Impact of Staying Inside Jaisalmer Fort
Staying inside Jaisalmer Fort does come with critical environmental and structural factors to be aware of. The fort was built in the 12th century on a foundation of clay and yellow sandstone, specifically designed for a dry desert climate.
Now, the fort has modern plumbing and a much higher water usage compared to 900 years ago. This extra wastewater can soak directly into the hill’s clay subsoil. Over the past two decades, this has caused the clay to expand and shift, leading to structural damage.
This doesn’t mean you can’t stay inside the fort – I did and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just be responsible and try to minimise the impact you have: take shorter showers and support eco-conscious hotels and homestays.
Types of Fort Accommodation in Jaisalmer
Space inside the fort is naturally limited but is filled with a variety of accommodation options to fit your preferences and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the three main options:
1 – Family-Run Homestays ($10-$20 per night)
Traditional homes are converted to small guesthouses. The family typically occupies the ground floors with around 3-6 guest rooms on the upper floors. Homestays offer simple rooms, home-cooked meals and hospitable hosts who genuinely care about your experience of their home and city. They’re a good choice for those seeking a local experience.
2 – Hostels and Budget Guesthouses ($8-$15 per night)
In recent times there has been an increase in the number of hostels and budget properties that exist inside the fort. They usually offer dorms or private rooms with basic amenities. Typically they will have shared common areas for hosting social events making them a great choice for social and solo travellers.
3 – Heritage Havelis and Boutique Hotels ($30-$80+ per night)
The typical stay you might think of when considering staying inside the fort. These places are traditionally styled, with beautiful rooms and elevated rooftop dining spaces. They’re great for those happy to spend a little more for historical charm.
During my time in Jaisalmer, I stayed at Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli which sits right on the edge of the fort walls. I honestly couldn’t recommend this accommodation more. It could possibly be my favourite place I’ve ever stayed in the world.
The hotel offers traditionally styled rooms with gorgeous alcoves to sit and enjoy views of the city below right from the comfort of your own room. The accommodation is tucked away from the busy areas of the fort so it was surprisingly quiet. Breakfast is served on the stunning rooftop above where you can also get a delicious dinner. The staff here are also welcoming, accommodating and friendly.
As a budget-conscious traveller, let’s discuss costs. The room cost $36 per night with breakfast included on Agoda. This is way more than I would usually spend but with everything considered – breakfast, location, the experience – it was absolutely worth it and I’d pay it again.
Booking Advice
Booking accommodation inside a 900-year-old fort requires a few practicalities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Book Ahead For Peak Season: During the cool winter months (November to February), the fort can get busy with tourists so consider booking your accommodation a few weeks in advance for the best access to options.
Clarify “Fort View” Listings: Double-check the location of the accommodations on maps. A listing for “fort view” could mean a view of the fort rather than a view from the fort.
Confirm Heating: During winter, the Rajasthani desert can get a little chilly at night. Ensure the accommodation you choose offers hot water and extra blankets.
Booking Sites: Booking your stays through booking.com or Agoda allows you to build up status discounts and rewards. These small bonuses will add up quickly over a trip.
Arrival Tips
Arriving into an Indian city can often be intense and overwhelming, especially after a long journey. You’ll likely be swarmed by auto-rickshaw drivers the second you step off your train or bus.
Since Uber does not operate in Jaisalmer, you will need to hail an auto-rickshaw directly and negotiate a price. For a 10 minute journey, expect to pay around 100INR ($1.05).
Be aware of possible scams – I, luckily, didn’t experience any but it’s always good to be prepared. Some auto-rickshaw drivers are out to earn extra money through commission and will inform you that the place you’re trying to get to is closed or blocked, suggesting an alternative. If this happens, ignore the claims. On the off chance that the information is true then you’ll find out once you arrive.
If you’re staying inside the fort, go by auto-rickshaw if you have heavy luggage. The walk from the main gate isn’t long but it’s an incline on cobbled streets that you likely want to avoid.
Summary - Final Verdict
Staying inside Jaisalmer Fort is one of the most incredible experiences and completely elevates a trip to Jaisalmer. Waking up surrounded by history and traditional architecture truly can’t be replicated in an standard hotel in the middle of the city below.
If you’re visiting Jaisalmer for the first time, I would absolutely recommend staying inside the fort for a few nights. Considering paring your historic stay with an overnight Thar Desert camel safari under the stars. Travel responsibly, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip!
Hi, I'm Kelly!
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
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