Tanot Mata Temple & Longewala: Jaisalmer’s Border Day Trip
Beyond the dunes, out toward the Pakistan border, sits one of Jaisalmer’s most moving day trips — a temple wrapped in war legend and the battlefield that inspired a classic. Here’s what to know before you go.
- Tanot Mata Temple is ~120 km from Jaisalmer, maintained by the BSF.
- Famous for a war legend: enemy shells that fell near it during the 1965 war reportedly never exploded.
- Longewala is the site of the decisive 1971 battle, with a war memorial and displays.
- It’s a full-day trip — carry a photo ID; check current permit rules for border areas.
The Tanot Mata Temple story
About 120 km northwest of Jaisalmer, close to the border, stands the Tanot Mata Temple. It became legendary during the 1965 Indo-Pak war: many enemy shells are said to have landed in and around the temple grounds without exploding. Locals and soldiers credited the goddess’s protection, and the temple has been maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF) ever since. Unexploded shells are displayed at the site.
Longewala War Memorial
Not far away is Longewala, the site of one of the most famous battles of the 1971 war, where a small Indian force held off a much larger armoured assault through the night. The battle inspired the film Border. Today there’s a war memorial with tanks and displays that make the history vivid.
How far is it, and how long does it take?
Tanot is roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive each way from Jaisalmer, often combined with Longewala nearby. Realistically it’s a full day, so plan for an early start. Many travellers pair the drive out with the Sam dunes on the way back for sunset.
Do you need a permit?
Tanot and Longewala are usually open to visitors, but this is a sensitive border region, so rules can change. Carry a government photo ID for everyone in your group, and check current requirements before you go — some nearby points (like the Tanot–Ghotaru area or border viewpoints) may need extra permission. A local operator will know the latest rules.
Timings & tips
- Start early — it’s a long day and the temple/memorial keep daytime hours
- Carry water, snacks and sun protection; facilities are sparse on the route
- Fuel up before leaving the city; petrol stops are limited out west
- Be respectful at the temple and memorial — these are places of faith and remembrance
How to include it in your trip
The border day pairs naturally with a desert night. On a longer itinerary, do the city first, then a border-and-dunes day out west, ending at a Sam camp. We can build Tanot and Longewala into your trip with a private cab — just ask.
Want the border on your itinerary?
Our City + Desert package can include Tanot Mata and Longewala with a private cab — just ask.
Book on WhatsAppFAQ
How far is Tanot Mata Temple from Jaisalmer?
About 120 km, roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive each way. Combined with Longewala it's a full-day trip, so start early.
Why is Tanot Mata Temple famous?
During the 1965 war, enemy shells that landed around the temple reportedly failed to explode. It's been maintained by the BSF ever since, and unexploded shells are displayed at the site.
What happened at Longewala?
Longewala was the site of a famous 1971 war battle where a small Indian force held off a much larger assault overnight. It inspired the film Border and now has a war memorial with tanks and displays.
Do you need a permit to visit Tanot and Longewala?
The temple and memorial are usually open to visitors, but it's a sensitive border area, so carry a photo ID and check current rules before you go. Some nearby border points may need extra permission.