Things to do in Jaisalmer with Family and Kids: A Royal Escape

Jaisalmer is the magical, golden city of India. This is the place where even the sandstorms dance to the tunes of the folk songs. Camels greet you along the way, and the night sky feels close enough to touch. Jaisalmer offers a blend of history, adventure, and unforgettable memories for travelers of all ages. With its royal charisma and enchanting Havelis, the desert city will prove to be the perfect getaway! Here are some of the best things to do in Jaisalmer with family and kids on your next vacation!

Things to do in Jaisalmer with Family and Kids: Heritage Wonders

1. Explore the Sonar Quila

The Sonar Quila or Jaisalmer Fort fences the city beautifully. It is the second oldest fortification in Rajasthan and still houses locals inside. You’ll see that the yellow sandstone walls start to turn a beautiful honey-gold during sunset.

2. Admire the motifs at Nathmal ki Haveli

The spectacular architecture of the haveli features carvings of elephants, cattle, and flowers. Imperial paintings mark the ceiling and walls, including two paintings made using a 1.5 kg gold leaf.

3. Spend time at Salim Singh ki Haveli

Salim Singh ki Haveli is famous for the 38 well-designed balconies and a rooftop that resembles a peacock. If you look at the structure from outside, you’ll notice that it is in the shape of a ‘ship’, earning it the name – Jahaz Mahal.

4. Boating at Gadisar Lake

One of the best things to do in Jaisalmer with family and kids is to go boating at the Gadisar Lake. You can admire the sunset hues reflecting off the water’s surface. Great for spotting birds and feeding the fish (a favorite among kids!).

Things to do in Jaisalmer with Family and Kids: Cultural Stops

1. Desert Culture Centre and Museum

The museum displays historical and cultural artefacts. You should not miss out on the 40-minute puppet show here. It gives you a glimpse of Rajasthani culture and traditions while being entertaining for the kids.

2. Pray at Tanot Mata Temple

The Tanot Mata Temple is located at the Indo-Pak border. The army personnel often offer their prayers here, asking for the strength needed to safeguard their countrymen.

3. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer Fort

Within the Jaisalmer fort, seven Jain temples will leave you mesmerised with their Dilwara architectural style. They were built around the 12th to 15th centuries.

4. Peaceful time at Vyas Chhatri and Bada Bagh

Vyas Chhatris are a series of cenotaphs that are named after Ved Vyas, the sage who wrote the Mahabharata. Six kilometres from Jaisalmer, you have the Bada Bagh cenotaphs that are surrounded by greenery and overlook a sprawling mango plantation.

Things to do in Jaisalmer with Family and Kids: Outdoor Fun Activities

1. Desert camping and Star gazing

Overnight desert camping in the heart of the Thar Desert is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer with family and kids. You can enjoy traditional Rajasthani music by the bonfire, while gazing at the clear skies.

2. Camel and Jeep Safaris

Grab your binoculars and set out on a camel safari to look at the endless dunes. Alternatively, you can go on a Jeep Safari, explore the surrounding villages, and interact with locals.

3. Spot Wildlife at Desert National Park

A Jeep Safari along the Desert National Park will surely impress your kids! You can spot Asiatic wildcats, Chinkaras, Indian wolves, and the state bird of Rajasthan – the Great Indian Bustard. Kids will enjoy the experience of riding a jeep and spotting wildlife!

4. Quad Biking and Dune Bashing

Dube bashing in a magnificent SUV or conquering the dunes on a quad bike, what do you need to pick?! Jaisalmer offers both of these exhilarating activities.

5. Parasailing and Paramotoring

Regular parasailing or Paramotoring will let you see the splendid desert city from a bird’s-eye view. An expert will always accompany you on these adventure rides.

Things to do in Jaisalmer with Family and Kids: Food and Shopping

1. Flea Markets

The Sadar Bazaar in Jaisalmer is renowned for its leather shoes and Rajasthani puppet dolls. Bhatia Bazaar boasts a vast collection of textiles, while Manak Chowk is the go-to spot for antique-style decor pieces.

2. Rajasthani Cuisine

If you plan on exploring the food scene in the city, know that Rajasthani dishes like the Lauke ki Kofte, Ghatte ki Gabzi, Ker Sangri, Mirchi Bhajji, and Pyaaz Kachori will impress your taste buds.

How to plan your trip to Jaisalmer?

Best time to visit Jaisalmer

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March, when the desert breeze is cool and the days are pleasant enough for sightseeing and safaris. February is particularly special, as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival turns the city into a carnival of colours, with camel races, turban-tying contests, and folk performances under the stars. Avoid visiting in peak summer (April to July), when temperatures soar above 45°C, and the desert feels relentless even at dawn.

Stay Duration

A 3-day stay is ideal to explore most of the things to do in Jaisalmer with family and kids. You can add one or two extra days if you want to enjoy leisurely desert camping or explore nearby places like Kuldhara, the abandoned village. Older kids will love this abandoned 13th-century village. Learn the legend of why the villagers disappeared overnight and explore the ruins at your own pace.

Accommodation and Budget

Jaisalmer offers a mix of desert camps, boutique havelis, and budget guesthouses. For families, consider staying at heritage hotels like Fort Rajwada, Suryagarh, or a luxury tented camp. Budget options range from INR 600 to INR 2500 and often include rooftop cafes and desert-view terraces.

What to Pack

• Light cotton clothing for daytime, and a light sweater for cooler desert nights
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and scarves to block the sun and sand.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Wet wipes to clean the desert sand off your faces.
• Effervescent electrolyte capsules and water bottles for quick hydration
• Power banks for charging your devices anywhere.
• Carry motion sickness tablets or remedies for jeep rides.
• Carry a basic medical kit along with hand sanitizer.
• Internet may be patchy in some areas — download books, games, or cartoons in advance.
• If your child has allergies, bring their medications — rural areas may not have pharmacies nearby.
• Avoid late-night travel between desert locations, especially with small kids.

How to Reach Jaisalmer?

The nearest airport is Jaisalmer domestic airport (12 km from the city centre). Jaisalmer is well-connected by train to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur via the Jaisalmer Railway Station. Road travel is admirably scenic. Road trippers can rely on NH21, 48, and 44 to reach the Golden City.

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