A Tanot Mata Temple day trip from Jaisalmer takes you somewhere most Rajasthan trips never go. You leave the forts and havelis behind and drive deep into the Thar Desert, right up to the India-Pakistan border. Along the way, you get faith, war history, and one of the emptiest, most striking landscapes in the country. This guide covers everything you need: distance, timings, the Longewala War Memorial next door, and a route that fits into one long day.

Where is Tanot Mata Temple?

Tanot Mata Temple is located in Tanot village, Jaisalmer district, near the India–Pakistan border. It is approximately 120 km from Jaisalmer city and is best visited as a full-day excursion. The drive itself is part of the experience. As you leave Jaisalmer, the busy city and sandstone buildings gradually give way to open landscapes, fewer settlements and the vastness of western Rajasthan.

Tip: Leave Jaisalmer around 8:00 AM and carry water, snacks and sun protection.

Road to Tanot Mata Temple day trip from Jaisalmer through the Thar Desert

Because Tanot sits close to a border zone, treat this as a full-day trip rather than a quick detour. Hire a private car with a driver who knows the route, and start early.

History and Legend of Tanot Mata Temple

Tanot Mata Temple is dedicated to Tanot Mata, who devotees believe is a form of Hinglaj Mata. Local tradition says the temple was founded by Bhati Rajput ruler Tanurav. The temple became famous during the 1965 India–Pakistan War. According to the cherished local legend, heavy shelling hit the area, but shells that fell around the temple did not explode. While this is best understood as a religious tradition rather than a verified historical fact, the story strengthened the temple’s association with protection and the soldiers guarding the border.

Today, the temple is cared for by a BSF trust, giving it a unique connection with India’s armed forces.

A small museum inside the complex displays war-related items connected with this history. Allow around 20–30 minutes for the museum along with your darshan.

Tanot Mata Temple timings and how to plan your visit

General Temple Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (some sources note opening at 6:00 AM)
Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM
Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (evening prayers/aarti generally take place between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM)

Note: Temple timings may vary slightly by day, season, or special occasion, so it is advisable to confirm the timings before your visit.

A few practical points:

There is no entry fee.
Mornings before 9 AM are the quietest time to visit.
Dress modestly, and follow any instructions from temple staff or BSF personnel about photography.
The atmosphere gets busier during Navratri and other festival periods.

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the temple, including the museum.

Longewala War Memorial: pair your temple visit with a war history stop

Most travelers combine Tanot Mata with the Longewala War Memorial, which sits roughly 30 to 40 km further along the same route. This makes the two an easy, natural pairing for one day. Longewala marks the site of a famous battle from the 1971 India-Pakistan War. On the night of December 4-5, 1971, a Pakistani force of around 4,000 soldiers, backed by tanks and artillery, attacked the Longewala post held by 23 Punjab. The Indian defenders, badly outnumbered, held their ground until the Indian Air Force arrived at dawn and turned the battle.

The memorial today includes preserved tanks, photographs, and information panels about the battle. Most sites list opening hours around 9 AM to 5 PM, with a small fee if you want to watch the short film about the battle. Give yourself an hour to an hour and a half here.

Tank display at Longewala War Memorial near Tanot Mata Temple

Best time to visit and what to pack

October to March is the best window for this trip. Daytime temperatures stay manageable, though desert mornings can be cold enough for a light jacket.

Avoid April to June. Daytime highs in the region regularly cross 40°C, and there is very little shade along the route.

Pack light but pack smart:

Water bottle and light snacks
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap
A light jacket for winter mornings
Comfortable, closed shoes
A power bank, since charging points are scarce
Some cash, since ATMs are rare once you leave Jaisalmer

Packing list for a Tanot Mata Temple day trip from Jaisalmer

Suggested One-Day Itinerary from Jaisalmer

For a comfortable day trip to Tanot Mata Temple and Longewala, travellers can leave Jaisalmer around 8:00 AM. The journey is long, so starting in the morning gives you enough time to enjoy both places without feeling rushed.

Begin with Tanot Mata Temple, where you can offer prayers, experience the peaceful atmosphere and visit the temple museum. Take some time to understand the temple’s connection with the wars and the Indian armed forces rather than treating it as a quick sightseeing stop.

From Tanot, continue towards Longewala War Memorial. The drive itself takes you deeper into the remote border region. At Longewala, spend time exploring the memorial and learning about the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India–Pakistan War and the soldiers who defended the area.

After the visit, take a break for lunch or refreshments before beginning the return journey to Jaisalmer. With a morning departure, you can generally expect to return by the late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and how long you spend at each stop.

Keep Some Flexibility

Don’t plan this excursion like a tightly timed city sightseeing tour. Road conditions, security checks, photo stops and the pace of visiting a border-area location can all affect the journey. It is better to keep some slack time in your plan and enjoy each place without constantly watching the clock.

Best route:
Jaisalmer → Tanot Mata Temple → Longewala War Memorial → Lunch/refreshments → Jaisalmer

Start from Jaisalmer: Around 8:00 AM
Type of trip: Full-day spiritual and historical excursion
Recommended transport: Private car with driver.

If you want more Rajasthan road-trip inspiration, our story from a Bikaner and Jaisalmer desert expedition covers a similar stretch of the Thar with a different route. You can also check our detailed best time to visit Rajasthan guide before you lock in your travel dates.

Practical tips: permits, photography, food, and safety near the border

A few things to keep in mind because this route runs close to an international border:

No special permit is required for the temple or the war memorial themselves. If you specifically want to approach the actual border line, you need prior authorization, which is not routinely granted to tourists.
Follow photography instructions from BSF or Army personnel at all times. Avoid photographing checkpoints, installations, or security staff unless told it’s fine.
Carry ID proof. It’s a sensible habit anywhere near a border zone, even where it isn’t formally required.
Food options are limited once you leave Jaisalmer. Eat breakfast before you go, and ask your driver about a reliable lunch stop on the way back.
Don’t rush the day. Trying to add Sam Sand Dunes or a desert camp on the same day usually means spending more time in the car than at any single stop.

If you’d rather have a driver, route, and timings handled for you, browse our curated Rajasthan tour packages and we’ll build this into a wider Jaisalmer itinerary.

Why This Trip Is Worth the Drive

Tanot Mata Temple is more than just a stop on the way from Jaisalmer. The journey takes you deep into the Thar Desert, where you can experience a sense of peace, vast desert landscapes, and an important part of India’s border history—something you won’t get from visiting the Golden Fort and the city’s historic havelis alone.

Combining Tanot Mata Temple with the Longewala War Memorial makes the long drive worthwhile. At the temple, you can experience the area’s spiritual side, while Longewala gives you a glimpse into one of India’s most well-known military stories. By the time you return to Jaisalmer, you’ll have seen a completely different side of the region—one shaped by faith, the desert, distance, and the history of India’s border.