Barmer: Fort, Temples and Dune Views

A fort, temples in several locations, traditional handicrafts and sand dunes with views of sunrises and sunsets give Barmer a range of travel highlights. Barmer refers both to the town and to the district of the same name; the fort is in Barmer, while other temples, Juna and the Mahabar Sand Dunes are destinations in the district.

Fort and Temples

Barmer Fort, also known as Barmer Garh, was built in 1552. Garh Mandir is located on the fort hill at an elevation of 1,383 feet. A festival is held at Garh Mandir during the Navratra celebrations. A festival is also held at Nagnechi Mata Temple during the Navratra celebrations. If you would like to combine visits to these temples with a festival, check the dates when planning your trip.

Other temples offer different thematic highlights. Kiradu comprises five temples near the Thar Desert; the Kiradu Ke Mandir monument is located in Hatama in Barmer district. The Vishnu Temple in Khed is considered one of Barmer’s most important tourist attractions. In the village of Jasol, the Rani Bhatiyani Temple is mainly revered by the Dholi community. You can choose based on the specific location or cultural connection, rather than treating all the temples as a single destination.

Juna and the District’s Landscape

Juna is the old settlement of Barmer and is 25 km from Barmer. The ruins of Juna’s former heritage site include a Jain temple and an old fort. Hills surround the settlement, and there is also a small lake. The combination of ruins, temple, fort and landscape gives Juna its own historical and geographical focus.

Barmer district includes part of the Thar Desert; the Luni is its longest river. The Mahabar Sand Dunes offer views of sunrises and sunsets. The landscape features therefore differ: the Luni is a geographical landmark, while the dunes are specifically associated with certain times of day. If you are mainly looking for scenic views, you can plan your visit around sunrise or sunset.

Camel riding is another possible activity in the Barmer desert. If you plan to go for a camel ride, check in advance for current availability. The road to the Mahabar Sand Dunes via the Barmer–Ahmedabad Highway is passable; as road conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Getting There and Trip Planning

National Highway 68 runs through Barmer district. State buses connect Barmer with Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur, as well as with most cities in the state. Barmer railway station is connected to Jodhpur; Jodhpur, in turn, has connections to other major cities in India. Timetables can change, so check the latest bus and train information before departure.

The nearest airport to Barmer is in Jodhpur, about 220 km away. Check the distance and connections again before your trip. This will help you make a choice that suits your interests.

Handicrafts and Local Products

Handicrafts from Barmer include embroidered items, hand-knotted wool rugs, wood carvings, traditionally dyed fabrics, paintings and batik or tie-dye products. Pottery and elaborately embroidered goods are also available when shopping in Barmer. The range therefore extends from textiles and painting to wood and clay crafts. If you are interested in handicrafts, you can include this focus in your trip planning alongside temples and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Udasar, Barmer, Sawai Madhopur, Jhunjhunun, Bharatpur, Sikar, Tonk, Nagaur

For the main travel overview: Rajasthan.