Jaisalmer — the “Golden City” of India — stands like a glowing mirage in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its golden sandstone forts, whispering dunes, and starlit skies make it a dream escape for couples. The best part? You don’t need a fortune to fall in love with Jaisalmer’s magic. With smart planning, you can enjoy a five-day romantic getaway here — all within ₹20,000 for two.

Day 1: Arrival and First Glimpse of the Golden City

Travel Tip:

If you’re traveling from Delhi, Jaipur, or Jodhpur, opt for a sleeper train or a state bus. A train from Delhi to Jaisalmer costs around ₹700 per person in sleeper class — affordable and comfortable for an overnight journey.

Where to Stay:

Skip luxury resorts for cozy guesthouses inside the fort area. Many homestays offer clean rooms with fort-view balconies for ₹800–₹1200 per night, including breakfast. Try local gems like Zostel, Moustache, or Tokyo Palace Guesthouse for great ambiance on a budget.

Evening Plan:

Stroll through the narrow golden lanes of Sonar Quila (Jaisalmer Fort). As the sun sets, the fort walls turn honey-gold — a sight you’ll never forget. End your first evening with a candlelight dinner at a rooftop café overlooking the illuminated fort. Budget: ₹600–₹800 for two.

Day 2: Exploring the Fort and Hidden Heritage

Start your morning with hot parathas and chai on a rooftop café.

Spend the day exploring Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli, masterpieces of Rajput architecture. Most entry fees are under ₹100 per person, and you can wander for hours through their intricate carvings and grand courtyards.

Local Tip:

Hire a guide only if you’re interested in deep historical stories — many charge ₹300–₹400 for a short tour. Otherwise, Google Lens and curiosity are your best friends.

For lunch, head to Saffron Restaurant or Free Tibet Café for authentic Rajasthani thalis or Tibetan noodles — delicious yet budget-friendly.

Evening Vibe:

Shop at Manak Chowk and Pansari Bazaar for handmade leather journals, camel souvenirs, and mirror-work dupattas. Bargain politely, and you’ll find treasures under ₹500.

As night falls, enjoy some live music at a desert-themed café for free — Jaisalmer comes alive after sunset.

Day 3: Desert Safari and Camping Under the Stars

This is the heart of your trip — the Sam Sand Dunes.

You don’t need a luxury desert resort to enjoy the dunes. Many local operators offer full desert experiences — including jeep safari, camel ride, folk music, dinner, and overnight tent stay — for ₹1500–₹2000 per person.

Experience Highlights:

Jeep ride through golden dunes as the sun melts into the horizon

Camel safari into the silence of the desert

Traditional Kalbeliya dance around the bonfire

Sleeping under a billion stars

Pro Tip:

Carry your own bottled water and snacks to save a few extra bucks and avoid overpriced stalls.

Day 4: Back to Town — Exploring the Local Life

After your desert night, head back to Jaisalmer city by noon. Most safari operators include transportation in their package.

Spend your afternoon at Gadisar Lake. You can rent a paddle boat for ₹100 per person and enjoy the calm reflection of the fort in the still waters. It’s peaceful, romantic, and perfect for photos.

Lunch on a Budget:

Try The Jaisalmer Kitchen or Bhang Shop Café for an affordable meal (₹400–₹500 for two).

Later, visit the Desert Cultural Centre — a small museum that showcases folk instruments, costumes, and puppets. Don’t miss the evening puppet show; it’s only ₹100 per ticket and adds a nostalgic charm to your day.

Day 5: Lazy Morning and Farewell to the Desert

Keep your last morning slow and sweet. Watch the sunrise from your homestay rooftop, sip chai, and capture the golden glow one last time.

Take a short walk to Salim Singh Ki Haveli, one of the most ornate havelis in town. The arched balconies and stone carvings are pure art.

Before heading to the station or bus stand, grab some local snacks like mirchi pakoras and bajra rotis for the journey back. Many street stalls near the fort offer authentic Rajasthani bites at pocket-friendly prices.

Sample Budget Breakdown (for Two People)

Category Estimated Cost (₹)

Train/Bus (Round Trip) 2800

Stay (4 Nights @ ₹1000 avg) 4000

Meals (₹600 per day avg) 3000

Desert Safari + Camp 3500

Entry Fees, Shopping, Local Travel 2500

Miscellaneous (Water, Snacks, Tips) 1200

Total Approximate Cost ₹17,000 – ₹18,000

You still have a small margin left for souvenirs or extra treats!

How to Keep It Romantic Yet Affordable

Share meals — most thalis or combos are enough for two.

Travel light — save on luggage fees and local rickshaw rides.

Choose one splurge — like the desert camp — and keep the rest simple.

Go off-season (February–September) for lower hotel rates.

Walk often — Jaisalmer is best explored on foot; every lane tells a story.

The Final Thought

A trip to Jaisalmer isn’t about luxury — it’s about moments. The way the wind hums across the dunes, how the fort glows at dusk, or how the stars seem closer in the desert sky.

For couples, it’s a place where romance feels timeless — not because of fancy hotels, but because of the golden silence that lets love speak.

So pack your bags, set your hearts free, and let the desert write your love story — one golden sunset at a time.

Total Cost: Under ₹20,000

Memories: Priceless.

Ritu Pansy

    Content Creator