Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajasthan, has been every wanderer’s fantasy for years now. While the state is a must-visit for anyone for a quintessential Indian experience, Jaisalmer makes for a place that feels like a place come alive out of history books, intricately weaving history and royalty.
If you have been there already, and are keen for more, we have lined up the most offbeat things to do in Jaisalmer. Also, now that some great weather is here, you might as well book some tickets to a golden vacation.
Live in the golden fort
I know that this might have been recommended by a lot of enthusiasts already, but there is no denying this one its place here. This is your (golden) ticket to stay inside the golden Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike any other fort in India, this one is pretty much as living as a fort can be. Close to 300 people live inside the fort, leading to some unique homestays and B&Bs inside the fort itself. If you harbour some royal dreams, this is the perfect way to live it all. My pick out of these homestays and other options is Killa Bhawan. It has just eight heritage rooms, so you would need to make a booking beforehand.
Camp in the dunes
While this is not one of the more offbeat things to do in Jaisalmer, it is worth all the attention that it attracts. Yes, I am talking about the Sam Sand Dunes, a one of its kind desert area at just 40km from Jaisalmer. There are various luxury, mid-range camps on the site here. Do not let go of this unforgettable experience of evenings spent under stars, with your toes tucked in soft, desert sand.
Silk Route Art Gallery
The Patwa Haveli Road in Jaisalmer hides a treasure that goes by the name of Silk Route Art Gallery. This is for the more ardent of shopaholics, for the place has some really well-crafted handicrafts, fabrics, traditional footwear and a lot more. It needs to be on your go-to list for Jaisalmer, especially if you are digging for souvenirs to carry back home.
Gorge over Makhaniya Lassi and Ghotua Laddoos
If you love lassi, you will love makhaniya lassi all the more. More so if you are not counting calories! Makhaniya Lassi is more than your regular glass of lassi, for it is rich and thick with dry-fruits; so much so that you might end up slurping it with a spoon. Ghotua Laddoos are another delicacy that you should not miss while in Jaisalmer; derived from a recipe that is believed to be a century old, nobody with a sweet tooth should miss these. A little birdie told me that a sweetmeat shop by the name of Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia is where you will get these laddoos.
Parasailing at Thar
Not a huge fan of those quad bikes that dot the dunes here, parasailing is my go to in Jaisalmer. You can fly high while parasailing over the golden sand in Jaisalmer, and have a bird’s eye-view of the majestic dunes of Thar.
Look for a licensed instructor and tour organiser for this one, and you will definitely have a quick adventure thrown into a rather majestic trip.
Sailing the Gadsisar waters
A big favourite of mine, a sunset ferry ride on the Gadsisar Lake is the stuff that only painters can dream of. While motor boats are what most of the tourists opt for, I suggest you to hit the snooze mode and hop into one with oars. Yes, this is not an experience to rush up, and you should definitely carry your camera along too.
