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Jaisalmer — host of Desert Festival

Festival · RAJASTHAN

Desert Festival.

February (3 days) · Jaisalmer

Camel polo, turban-tying races, Mr. Desert competition, folk music under the stars at Sam Sand Dunes.

Why it mattersDesert culture concentrated into three unforgettable days.

Going for this? Jaisalmer in February

NakshIQ score
5/10
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February brings the Desert Festival to Jaisalmer and the city transforms into a carnival of turban-tying contests, camel polo, folk music under open skies, and Mr. Desert competitions. Temperatures warm slightly to 26°C days, nights remain cool at 10°C, and the tourist energy peaks. The festival runs for three days in early February, culminating with a full-moon night performance at Sam Sand Dunes.

See the Jaisalmer February guide →

Getting there

Elevation
225 m
Nearest airport
Jaisalmer
Nearest railway
Jaisalmer

Live in Jaisalmer

Where to stay in Jaisalmer

  • Hotel Tokyo Palace

    ₹500-1200/night
    guesthouse · Inside Fort

    Budget guesthouse inside the living fort. The rooftop view is the best free viewpoint in Jaisalmer. Rooms are basic but clean. The owner's family has lived in the fort for generations — ask for stories over chai.

  • Desert Ramji's Camp

    ₹2000-3500/person overnight
    operator · Sam Sand Dunes

    Third-generation camel operator. His overnight camps have no generators, no speakers — just dunes, stars, and traditional music. The camels are healthy and well-treated. Morning chai on the dunes is the signature experience.

  • Rajwada Desert Camp

    Rs 3000-8000/night
    camping · Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer

    Luxury desert camping at Sam Sand Dunes with camel safari, cultural performances, bonfire and traditional Rajasthani dinner under the stars

All stays in Jaisalmer →

Where to eat

  • The Legend of Marwad at Suryagarh

    Legendary
    Kahala / Suryagarh · ₹₹₹₹

    Signatureseven-course Marwari dinner

    Reserve at least 24 hours ahead — they only run one dinner sitting and the seven-course menu cannot be taken a la carte. Pair with the Sham-e-Sarhad sundowner if you arrive earlier.

  • The Trio

    Legendary
    Mandir Palace Gate · ₹₹₹

    Signaturetandoori thali

    The kitchen does Italian on the menu but stick to the tandoor and dal-baati side — that is what the cooks have done for 40 years.

  • Saffron at Hotel Nachana Haveli

    Gandhi Chowk · ₹₹₹

    SignatureSaffron dal tadka

    Book a fort-side table for sunset; the lighting on the fort kicks in around 7 pm and that is the photograph Saffron is known for.

  • 8 July Restaurant

    Inside Jaisalmer Fort · ₹₹

    Signatureapple pie with fort-view coffee

    It's a fort-only address — vehicles can't reach it. Walk up via the First Fort Gate; the cafe is signed off Kund Para.

All eateries in Jaisalmer →

What else to see in Jaisalmer

  • Patwon Ki Haveli

    Cluster of five interconnected havelis with the finest sandstone carvings in Rajasthan. Built by Jain merchants.

    palace
    1-2 hours

  • Sam Sand Dunes

    Thar Desert dunes 42 km from Jaisalmer. Camel safaris, cultural programs, and spectacular sunsets.

    viewpoint
    3-5 hours

  • Gadisar Lake

    Ancient rainwater harvesting lake surrounded by temples, shrines, and ghats. Pedal boating available.

    lake
    1-2 hours

  • Tanot Mata Temple

    Border temple that survived Pakistani bombing in 1971 war. Army-maintained miracle site near BSF border post.

    temple
    1-2 hours

  • Jain Temples (Inside Fort)

    Cluster of 7 interconnected Jain temples from 12th-15th century inside Jaisalmer Fort. Exquisite sandstone carvings.

    temple
    1-2 hours

Other festivals in February, elsewhere

See every festival in February →

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