You won’t find any modern amusement parks, video arcades or shopping malls in Jaisalmer. In fact, there are virtually no entertainment venues in this city that would appeal to the average modern child. There are, however, vast sand dunes, camel rides and ancient fortresses to spark the imagination of most kids. If children are prepared for this kind of adventure, it will give them memories to last a lifetime.

Puppet shows
One of the special talents found in Jaisalmer is the traditional art of puppetry. Long a source of entertainment in Rajasthan, the epic tales, myths and morality stories are performed by expert puppet-masters against some beautiful backdrops. These magical performances are organised by various cultural groups, so check with your hotel for more information. They are great for kids and adults alike, as they aren’t mere children’s stories.

Sam Sand Dunes
The most mind-blowing, authentic sand dunes in the region lie a short drive from Jaisalmer, making them a blue-ribbon daytrip for you and the kids. These giant wind-sculpted dunes are fun enough to just run around and slide down. Additionally there are a number of cultural programmes organised by the park centre, as well as camel rides, either short or long.

Wood Fossil Park
Jump back in time to the Jurassic period while you explore the 180-million-year-old fossils lying on the floor of the Thar desert about 17kms from Jaisalmer. The highlight here is the fossilised remains of a massive forest which was submerged into the sea. The tree trunks can reach 13 metres in length and 1.5 metres in diameter, creating a truly amazing environment. The park is located 17kms from Jaisalmer city near Barmer road.

At the heart of Jaisalmer lies its impressive yellow sandstone fortress perched atop Trikuta Hill. Below that, the town itself spreads out around the fort, full of wonderful havelis and their striking architecture. There are lots of sights worth checking out in Jaisalmer, from ancient monuments to bustling bazaars. Visitors can ride a camel among the sand dunes or review the heritage of Rajasthan in one of the city’s museums. Jaisalmer is oozing with culture, and offers a nice variety of ways to experience it.

Barra Bagh
Just to the north of Jaisalmer lies a genuine oasis complete with date palms, a garden, ancient monuments and of course, water. The oasis in itself is interesting to experience but there is also a nice collection of cenotaphs that date back to the era of the early Rajput rulers of Jaisalmer. Barra Bagh is located 6kms from Jaisalmer city on Ramgarh road.

Cenotaphs
It’s hard to travel around the vicinity of Jaisalmer and not notice the solemn cenotaphs that rise out of the desert like silent sentinels. Also known as chattris, each of the many Bhatti rulers erected a cenotaph to commemorate their reign. The oldest one dates from the reign of Maharawal Jait Singh, who ruled Jaisalmer from 1470 to 1506. They can be examined at a number of sites around the city such as Barra Bagh and Gadsisar Tanka among others.

Desert Cultural Centre
If there is one place that should not be missed for background information on Jaisalmer, it’s the Desert Cultural Centre. Both a museum and a centre for cultural programmes, this facility has the city’s most comprehensive collection of traditional relics and crafts related to both Jaisalmer and greater Rajasthan. The rare coin collection and display of Rajasthani textiles, weapons and musical instruments are particular standouts. Check and see what cultural programmes are scheduled during your stay. The centre is located in Jaisalmer city on Gadi Sagar road.

Folklore Museum
This private museum has a small but fairly interesting collection of handcrafted items related to the history or culture of Jaisalmer. Although the exhibits are not very well described, the owner can give you an in-depth explanation. 

Gadsisar Tank
Proving that archaeology isn’t a hobby of modern society, the Gadsisar Tank is a fascinating look at an excavation site which was dug in 1367 by the Maharaja Gadsi Singh. The project unearthed a number of temples and cenotaphs that provide a glimpse into an even earlier era of Jaisalmer’s heritage. Visitors can combine a visit here with the nearby Folklore Museum to really tie things up.

Traditional dance shows
Since there’s very little in the way of nightlife in Jaisalmer, a great way to spend an evening is to watch a traditional dance show at one of the city’s hotels. It’s likely your hotel will have one scheduled every night of the week; however, some of the fancier hotels really put on a good show with desert light shows and other entertainment apart from the dancing.

Jaisalmer has a culinary tradition to match its rich cultural heritage, with a distinct style of food that definitely lets you know you’re in the western hinterlands of India. The cuisine here has been influenced by the influx of global traders through the centuries and the harsh limiting environment where the city is located. A serious lack of water and fresh green produce affects Rajasthani cooking, resulting in something totally different from the dishes found in tropical South India.

Milk and butter are used more often than water, and spices such as red chilli powder help to give a bit of zing to dishes that were traditionally without vegetables. Dried lentils and beans feature prominently, as does gram flour, used to create staples like khata, pakodi and gatta ki sabzi. A staggering array of chutneys made from local products such as dried mango, mint, turmeric, ginger and garlic accompany every meal.

Local dishes like succulent, boneless chicken stir-fried with vegetables called murgh-e-subz and desert beans simmered with capers known as ker sangri will give you an excellent idea of what Jaisalmer’s cuisine is really about. Flour dumplings cooked in yoghurt known as kadi pakora and potatoes filled with mint paste slowly cooked in gravy called bhanon aloo are also well worth a taste. Trio is the restaurant in Jaisalmer most people point to when looking for a genuine Rajasthani meal done up at the highest possible level; Chokhi Dhani is another excellent choice. Jaisalmer also has tons of fast-food joints, if that’s what you need. From Indian icons like Nirula’s to the Western behemoth McDonald’s, you can find them with ease.

Jaisalmer has a long tradition as one of northern India’s premier trading centres, and little has changed since the days of the Silk Road. There are some truly exquisite local crafts available in Jaisalmer’s bazaars and shops, at prices that will please every budget. Among the many crafts Jaisalmer is known for, visitors should check out the traditional rugs known as dhurries, hand-woven blankets, embroidered garments and mirror work.

There are a number of government operated arts and crafts shops in the fort area and around the city. These shops are surprisingly well run and full of quality goods. You may actually find the experience of shopping here easier and more affordable than in other parts of the city. Of course, the most authentic ambience is found in the many bazaars which dot the Golden City.

The city is perfect for walking, so the best way to shop is to start out early and work your way from place to place. The Bhatia Market at the fort’s entrance makes a fine place to begin your explorations. Within the fort, wander over to Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron ka Bass, Pansari Bazaar, Manak Chowk and Ghandi Darshan. These little enclaves are packed with curio shops and local vendors. Most of the decent shopping venues are within the fort, so concentrate your time there first. The rest of the city offers more utilitarian outlets.

With its amazing location right on the edge of the vast Thar desert, Jaisalmer has some truly unique outdoor activities available within minutes of the city. Take the classic route and ride a camel through the sand dunes, or if you know what you’re doing, rent a jeep and explore the desert with a touch more action. For some relaxation, head over to Gadsisar lake, a popular hangout for birds and water-lovers alike. There aren’t any team sports or other modern amenities, so let yourself get transported back in time for a bit of sand and safari.

Camel safaris
One, if not the, main outdoor attractions for tourists during their visit to Jaisalmer is a ride atop a camel. Camel rides come in a wide range of tour options, from quick 2- to 3-hour sunset jaunts at Sam Dunes to longer multi-day treks that take you deep into the Thar desert. Although riding a camel for several hours a day is an arduous experience, the rewards include views through remote locations with stunning beauty and complete solitude devoid of noisy tourists. The remote trips stop at desert villages, lost temples and other fascinating sites. You can arrange a tour either at your hotel, with one of the dozens of tour agents in town, or directly with a camel owner standing along the road with his camels.

Gadsisar Lake
When things start to feel too dry and dusty in Jaisalmer, hire a rickshaw and head out to this amazing lake just minutes from the city. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Gadsisar lake is a surprisingly big reservoir. During the winter season, the lake attracts large numbers of migratory birds perfect for watching; while at any time of year it’s the perfect place to unwind and cool off. A nice variety of shrines and temples surround the lake, adding another dimension to an afternoon spent exploring Gadsisar lake.

Jeep safaris
If you’ve ridden a camel and still want to see more of the stunning Thar desert, then perhaps a jeep safari is the thing for you. Similar to camel treks, jeep safaris are be arranged through your hotel or one of the tour agents in town. These 4X4 jeeps can get you far out in a hurry, making them ideal for exploring areas a bit farther from Jaisalmer, like the incredible bird sanctuary at Padholi. Other popular touring areas include Desert National Park and Fossil Park, both about 50kms away. If you can, try to spend at least one night at a desert camp deep in the hinterlands. The quiet, starry experience will be something to remember.