Visiting Jaisalmer with kids was the first of our India bucket-list adventures as a family. We had read about doing a Camel Safari and sleeping underneath the stars. Plus, the allure of what is touted as a smaller and more manageable Indian city to navigate had us excitedly booking our first trip to Jaisalmer as a family.
Well, now with more than eight trips to India and quite literally just as many visits to the Jaisalmer with kids we can wholeheartedly say that it is a fantastic destination in India for a family itinerary.
Here is our complete guide to the Golden City and all the cool things to do in Jaisalmer with kids.
Part 1: Why Jaisalmer?
We have visited Jaisalmer with kids many times as a family as well as on our Family Group Trips in India.
Let us tell you about WHY!
A Quick History of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal. It is a(nother) very historic city of India.
Historically, it was a vital trading hub on the Silk Road, but today it is famous for being the world’s only living fort—a place where thousands of people still live, work, and raise their families within the ancient stone ramparts of the historic Jaisalmer Fort.
It was built almost entirely from yellow sandstone, so the entire city glows a warm, golden honey colour at sunset. It is stunning!
Visiting Jaisalmer with Kids
So, is it kid-friendly? Absolutely.
It is much smaller in size and pace than the main cities (like Delhi, Mumbai or Jaipur) on the India tourist trail.
It has the huge and beautiful Jaisalmer Fort. Which, while the streets in the fort are narrow and bumpy, the vibe is incredibly welcoming. Rajasthani people have a special love for children, and you’ll find that your kids are often treated like local celebrities.
I would describe Jaisalmer as a sensory delight without being half as overwhelming as the bigger Indian metros.
Part 2: Logistics for Families
First things first: getting to Jaisalmer with kids, getting around plus the best time to visit this Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit
The desert is extreme, so timing is your most important planning tool.
October through March is the best window for a comfortable family trip. The days are sunny and mild (perfect for exploring), and the nights are cool.
Avoid April to June if you can—the heat is far too intense for little ones. (Although I have to confess, we have visited in both April and June!).
Getting There
The other thing about the timing of your visit is not weather-wise. But flights to Jaisalmer do not operate all year.
- By Train: Now, this is our family’s favourite way to arrive. The overnight train experience is an amazing thing to share as a family. Though it is as hectic as it sounds taking a train in India!
- By Air: If the long train ride sounds daunting with young children, Jaisalmer has a domestic airport with seasonal flights from major Indian hubs like Delhi and Jaipur.
- By Road: Many families hire a private driver from Jodhpur. It’s about a 4–5-hour drive, allowing you to stop whenever the kids need a stretch or a snack.
Getting Around in Jaisalmer with Kids
Inside the Jaisalmer Fort, you’ll be on foot. It is not too busy inside the fort and there are plenty of small shops for a cold drink or a bit of shade.
Outside the fort, auto-rickshaws are your best friends. Kids love them—plus they provide a constant breeze. Always negotiate the price before you climb in!
To get to and from the desert for the Camel Safari your guesthouse will organise a Jeep.
Part 3: Where to Stay in Jaisalmer with Kids
When traveling with kids, the right host makes all the difference. We always stay at Wanderlust Guesthouse. We have stayed there since our first trip to Jaisalmer and now take our Group Trips to stay there too.
The owner, Padam, and his team do an amazing job of hospitality with beautifully clean rooms and delicious food. To which I might add, they have toasted sandwiches and great pasta too if the kids need something familiar.
Even better, we always book our Camel Safari through Wanderlust. They are incredibly ethical, safe, and they know exactly how to tailor a desert experience to suit a family’s pace.
I am sure Wanderlust Guesthouse will become a favourite of yours in India too!
Part 4: Things to Do in Jaisalmer with Kids
Here are our recommendations for 10 Things To Do in Jaisalmer With Kids.
1. Jaisalmer Fort
This isn’t a museum; it’s a living town. Kids will love the treasure hunt feel of the narrow alleys.
Look out for the colourful handprints on the walls and the tiny shops selling puppets and wooden toys. It’s a labyrinth where getting lost is part of the fun!
2. Take a Camel Safari
A Camel Safari is the ultimate highlight of visiting Jaisalmer with kids! The whole experience is so far removed from any other tourist experiences in India.
Wanderlust Guesthouse organises these Camel Safari’s perfectly. They aren’t the rushed, tourist-heavy treks; they are slow, gentle walks through the scrub and dunes that allow the kids to get comfortable with the camels at their own speed.
It will likely just be a Camel Safari with your own family!
3. Sleep Overnight in the Desert
This is the big adventure! Riding out to a quiet sand dune (on a camel no less), watching the stars come out, and sleeping under the vast desert sky is an experience that will having pinching yourself for the privilege of sharing such a moment with your kids. It really is incredible.
4. Feed the Catfish at Gadisar Lake
This is a peaceful man-made reservoir surrounded by shrines and temples. It’s much quieter than the city centre. You can rent a pedalo boat or just walk along the water’s edge.
The highlight for kids? Either feeding the catfish—they are absolutely massive and congregate by the hundreds near the shore! Or the night time light show over Gadisar Lake.
5. Ride a Rickshaw
It sounds simple, but for our kids, the tuktuk ride is half the fun of India. It’s loud, windy, and exciting.
Use the rickshaw to zip between the fort, the lake, and your guesthouse. It’s essentially a breezy – but fun – ride that gets you from A to B!
6. Try on a Turban at Rajwadi Safi House
Rajasthan is famous for its vibrant headwear. Take the kids to Rajwadi Safi House to learn about the different styles of turbans. They can watch the masters tie them with incredible speed and even try one on themselves.
It makes for an incredible photo and a great cultural lesson.
7. Grab an Ice Block at Kum Kum Sophty Corner
When the desert sun starts to bite, head to Kum Kum Sophty Corner.
They serve great soft-serve ice cream and ice blocks that are a total lifesaver for cooling down hangry kids. It’s a local favourite and a perfect mid-afternoon pit stop.
8. Magic Tricks and Cold Drinks at Natti’s Natraj Restaurant
For a drink stop in Jaisalmer the kids won’t forget, head to Natti’s small but fun Natraj Restaurant. Not only are the drinks icy cold, but Natti is famous for his magic tricks!
Watching him perform sleight-of-hand at the table keeps the kids entertained while you get to enjoy a Chai and watch the world of Jaisalmer go by. 🙂
9. Banana Lassi at Wanderlust Guesthouse
The rooftop at Wanderlust Guesthouse is famous for the incredible food, hospitality and the sunset view. But with kids, their Banana Lassi is at the top of the list. It’s thick, creamy, and naturally sweet—essentially a healthy milkshake that kids absolutely adore.
It’s the perfect way to toast to a successful day of exploring Jaisalmer with kids.
10. Eat Ghotua Sweets in the Market
You must try Ghotua Ladoo—a local specialty made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. It’s decadent and unique to this city.
Let the kids watch the halwai (sweet makers) at work in the market stalls. But especially at Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets (Bhatia Market). This historic shop has been crafting Rajasthani sweets for 12 generations!
It is the best place to try the city’s famous Ghotua and fresh, syrupy Jalebis.
Part 5: Practical Tips for Jaisalmer with Kids
The desert environment is stunning, but it demands some preparation to keep the little ones comfortable and energised.
Food to Try in Jaisalmer with Kids
Rajasthani cuisine is rich, hearty, and full of flavour. While some desert dishes can be spicy, there are plenty of options that kids will absolutely love.
- Jalebi: You’ll find these bright orange, coiled sweets being fried fresh in the market. They are crispy, syrupy, and a guaranteed hit for breakfast or a mid-day sugar boost.
- Ghotua Sweets: This is the local Jaisalmer specialty. These round laddoos are made from gram flour and ghee; they are soft, crumbly, and melt in your mouth.
- Banana Lassi at Wanderlust Guesthouse: This is our kids favourite. It’s thick, creamy, and served cold on the rooftop. It’s essentially a healthy desert milkshake that provides a great energy kick.
- “Baby Dhal” at Wanderlust Guesthouse: If you are worried about spice levels, ask the kitchen for their “baby dhal.” It’s a mild, nutritious, and comforting lentil dish served with hot buttered rotis—perfect for kids who need a break from bolder flavours.
- Ker Sangri: A unique desert dish made from dried beans and berries. It’s a great way to show the kids what actually grows in the Thar!
Health, Safety, and Packing
There are a few extras that we recommend you pack for Jaisalmer with kids.
The desert is all about managing the extremes—the sun during the day and the drop in temperature at night.
- Sun Protection: Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses for the kids, and wide-brimmed hats. You can buy a cheap hat and sunglasses at the market if you have forgotten though sunscreen doesn’t seem to come as far.
- Layering for the Cold: If you are sleeping overnight in the desert on a Camel Safari in Jaisalmer with kids, don’t be fooled by the daytime heat! The temperature plummets once the sun goes down. Pack a warm fleece for everyone.
- Dust and Sand: A lightweight scarf or buff is a lifesaver for kids during a Camel Safari if the wind picks up, helping to keep the sand out of their mouths and noses.
- Hydration: The dry desert air will dehydrate you much faster than the humid cities. We always ensure the kids have their own reusable water bottles. But definitely only refill these with purified water.
- Lip Balm: The desert air is incredibly drying. Pack plenty of lip balm to prevent chapped skin and lips after a few days in the dunes.
Enjoy Jaisalmer With Kids
Book a Camel Safari, sleep overnight in the desert, get lost in the Golden City and enjoy our recommendations for the Things To Do in Jaisalmer With Kids!
Ready to start planning your Rajasthan family trip? Check out our Ultimate Golden Triangle Itinerary to see how to connect the magic of Jaisalmer with the rest of Northern India!
Do you have questions about traveling in Rajasthan with kids? Ask us in the comments—we love sharing our tips!
Safe travels, adventurers!
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before planning these things to do in Jaisalmer with kids!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
