One can’t plan a road trip to Rajasthan until multiple starts align. Ours came about because of the ‘Border Run’ that is a favourite for marathon runners who are doing ultras. After a week of planning we decided that we would drive down from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on day 1, rest up and next day drive from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer.

The free evening and night halt gave a much needed drive break. We finally reached Jaisalmer the next day around 4 in the evening. It’s good that the resort is close to the airport. The resort looks like an oasis of green in the desert. It is well-maintained.

December has a near- perfect weather and you’ll need a heater in the room. The food is good and we preferred a-la-carte over the buffet as we were out during most days sightseeing. The daal baati and laal maas are a must try. The living fort is a must visit. There are people still living in this fort – hence the name. Lots of knickknacks and junk jewellery available. When you are here, don’t forget to try a) sit at the coffee shop with the vantage point b) try thupka at the Little Tibet restaurant c) buy clothes from a hidden shop called ‘Bhavana Textiles’.

Note – You’ll find many people selling fossil stone items here but it is better to buy one from a reputed shop. Outside the fort is the 198 year old Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia sweet shop. We got some very good pedhas here. There is also a nondescript ‘bhang’ shop outside the fort which you can figure out by asking locally!

An absolute must do in Jaisalmer is a visit to the sand dunes. You can do this in two ways – we did both a) Stay in the tent in Sam dunes (you will need to book in advance online or the resort will help). Here they will take you to the dessert to watch the sun set which is a surreal experience. You can come back, enjoy the barbeque and traditional performances with a bonfire as the land is enveloped in a lovely cold weather

b) Connect with a photographer / photography services like Travographer who will arrange for a special photo shoot with the beautiful dunes as your backdrop. Trust me, these will be your memories for a lifetime. We have our favourite pic from this framed in our living room. You can also enjoy the dune safari at the same time. Don’t forget to pick bright colour clothing that will stand out in the dessert hues.

The next part of the journey is the Longewala drive and border visit. The drive is exhilarating and I highly recommend a self drive experience than going with a driver. You’ll not see roads like this easily. You can stop and take movie-like shots here.

Tips – Have kids watch the ‘Border’ movie if they are the appropriate age so that they have some background on the historical significance. How the war happened and how the temple remained despite the shelling can only be imagined. When you are diving along the highway watch out for goats. There isn’t much to eat here so carry some light snacks from the resort. Back to the resort – you can try activities at the Happy Hub including archery and a bike ride across the village. I will also add that my Border Run experience was amazing. There were other member marathoners staying at the resort too! The night nun of 50kms in the Jaisalmer cold frigid air is a whole new experience. All in all, a great experience for the family.