Jaisalmer War Museum

The Jaisalmer War Museum, established by the Indian Army in 2015 on the Jaisalmer–Sam road about 10 km from the city, turns the drive to the dunes into a journey through the desert's military history. Its open display grounds hold battle tanks, artillery guns, military vehicles and a Hunter aircraft of the type that devastated enemy armour at Longewala; its indoor halls — the Indian Army Hall and Laungewala Hall — trace the 1965 and 1971 wars through photographs, weapons, documents, murals and deeply personal accounts of gallantry-award winners.

The museum's emotional core is its honour wall and displays dedicated to Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra recipients, alongside an audio-visual room screening a short film on the Battle of Longewala that provides perfect context if your itinerary continues to the battlefield itself. Serving soldiers often guide visitors informally, and the shop sells military memorabilia whose proceeds support welfare funds.

Plan 45 minutes to an hour. Because it sits directly on the Sam road, the museum slots seamlessly into any desert-day circuit — most travellers stop here between Bada Bagh/Kuldhara and the afternoon arrival at the Sam Sand Dunes camps. Entry is free, photography of the outdoor exhibits is generally permitted, and the visit resonates with all ages; children in particular remember the tanks and aircraft long after the trip. For anyone continuing to Longewala and Tanot on a border day, consider this stop essential preparation.