10 Fun Family Things to Do in Jaisalmer

Rajasthan is such a fascinating state and each city or region has something unique to offer. For instance, Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer means ‘the hill fort of Jaisal’ the historical city is named after Bawal Jaisal, a Bhati ruler who founded the city in 1156 AD. It is also popularly known as the ‘Golden City of India’, because of the yellow sandstone widely used across most of the monuments and forts, emanating a yellowish-golden light under the sunlight.

There are so many places to visit and things to do in Jaisalmer that are bound to make your family holiday more exciting and memorable. Here are some things to do in Jaisalmer with your family:

Things to Do in Jaisalmer

#1 Visit Jaisalmer Fort

Situated in the Thar Desert and declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaisalmer Fort has to be one of the must places to visit in Jaisalmer. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler, Raja Jaisal and is one of the largest forts in the world. Before being popularised as Jaisalmer Fort, it was named ‘Trikut Garh’ for its triangular shape. It also goes by the nickname of ‘Sonar Qila’ or ‘Golden Fort’, earned from the mix of golden and yellow sandstone used for the construction of its 99 turrets.

#2 Go on a Camel Desert Safari

What’s a trip to Rajasthan if you didn’t spend an afternoon in the desert, riding camels and soaking in the surroundings? Explore the rolling dunes of the Thar desert and enjoy the splendid sights of the local life mixed in with the majestic architectural wonders of Jaisalmer.

#3 Safari on a Mahindra Thar

If you are not comfortable travelling on a camel, there is always the option of going on a safari in a Mahindra Thar. The scorching sun will keep you company all afternoon, but the heat will be worth it for it is followed by a gorgeous sunset where the sky is coloured in the mesmerising shades of yellow, orange and red.

#4 Visit Longewala War Memorial

Longewala is a small town situated on the Thar Desert in the western part of Jaisalmer and very close to Pakistan. It is best known for the Battle of Longewala which took place during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. One of the things to do in Jaisalmer is visit the Longewala War Memorial where you may get to see the fighter jets, weapons, tanks, etc. that were used in the war. There is also a 20-minute clip showed to the people visiting the War Memorial.

#5 Explore Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh translates to ‘big garden’ in English and the burst of greenery in the middle of a desert comes as a pleasant and welcoming sight. Bada Bagh serves as a memorial where nobles and their families were cremated. It was built in the 16th century. Its construction was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh but was only completed after his death by his son, Lunakaran.

#6 Go Boating at Gadisar Lake

Add Gadisar Lake to your list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. Gadisar Lake is a man-made water reservoir and at one point in history, was the only source of water in Jaisalmer. Raja Rawa Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer, built it and then Maharawal Garsi in 1367 AD reconstructed it. There are numerous temples and shrines situated on the banks of the lake. Boating at Gadisar Lake is one of the things to do in Jaisalmer with your family. You get to enjoy a gorgeous sunset with the silhouette of the Jaisalmer Fort adding to the stunning view.

#7 Enjoy Desert Festival

This is one of the things to do in Jaisalmer that should not be missed. It is a one-of-a-kind experience with the Jaisalmer Desert Festival celebration orchestrated in a pompous manner. This festival is being celebrated for centuries. Generally, the 3-day festival takes place in February and there are camel races, fun acrobatic performances, turban tying competitions, cricket matches and even a stunning Air Force display!

#8 Enjoy Raja Rani Poolside Dinner

Dine like kings and queens and enjoy a poolside dinner feasting on authentic and delicious Rajasthani dishes. The local food of Rajasthan acts as a great reflection of the state’s regional culture, history and traditions. It will amaze how creative and delicious the food can be given the arid/semi-arid weather.

#9 Watch Ghoomar Dance

Want to add another local experience in your list of things to do in Jaisalmer? Watch Ghoomar dance! It is lively, colourful and so entertaining! This Rajasthani folk dance is generally performed by veiled (ghoonghat) women wearing flowing outfits (called ghagras). This dance form became popular during the Rajput rule when a newly married bride was expected to dance ghoomar on being welcomed to her husband’s home.

#10 Attend Puppet Making Workshop

Puppets form an integral part of Rajasthan’s local culture and when in Jaisalmer, you and your family can participate in a puppet-making workshop. You get to learn about the history of puppeteering in Rajasthan, the fantastic art of making these puppets and even have a go at making one for yourself. Make sure to include this in your list of things to do in Jaisalmer with your family!

Club Mahindra Jaisalmer Resorts

While there may be numerous Jaisalmer resorts for you to choose for your family holiday, here’s why you should stay at the Club Mahindra Jaisalmer Resort. From the moment you step in, you will be enveloped in what can only be considered as a royal and luxurious ambience. The resort has been designed haveli-style and offers a stunning view of the Thar Desert. The Club Mahindra Jaisalmer resort is located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, just 15 km away from the railway station, with easy access to the city and its notable attractions as well as the dunes of the Thar Desert. There are many things to do in Jaisalmer - whether you choose to stay indoors or explore the outdoors. There is a pool for you to enjoy swimming in, fun games for kids and adults, a barbeque meal to enjoy under the stars while enjoying a show of folk dance and music.