Main hill fort outside central Jaipur with grand ramparts, courtyards and mirror palace — best visited early to avoid crowds. Amber Fort is generally open 8:00am–5:30pm (check local timings).
City Palace complex (museums and courtyards) and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar observatory nearby — both open typically 9:00am–5:00pm for visitors. Excellent to learn royal history and architecture.
Choose a heritage hotel restaurant for a refined vegetarian dinner (many offer excellent Rajasthani veg options). Confirm kitchen timings (usually open till ~10:00pm).
Vegetarian breakfast then drive ~3.5–4 hours to Ranthambore National Park (Sawai Madhopur) — arrive before afternoon check-in or safari. Carry water and snacks.
Afternoon jeep safari (typical park windows around 2:30–6:30pm; book in advance) to spot tigers, leopards, deer and birds — safari can be excellent at dusk. Park entry & jeep costs vary by zone and season; confirm booking.
Early morning safari (usually 6:00–10:00am slot) when wildlife is active — best chance for tiger sightings and birdlife. Wear layers as mornings are cold in December.
Evening aarti at Pushkar Lake and stroll the ghats — Pushkar Lake is central to the town’s spiritual life and best at sunset. Many temples and shops remain open until evening.
Pushkar is predominantly vegetarian — enjoy thalis, dal-baati or Rajasthani specials at popular pure-veg cafés. Most places open late in tourist season.
Early morning breakfast and a short visit to the Brahma Temple (one of the few in India) before leaving; temple timings usually 6:00am–8:00pm but busy during puja times.
Arrive, check in and head for the Lake Pichola waterfront for sunset views and the classic palace reflections; boat rides operate typically 9:00am–5:00pm (evening rides sometimes available from hotels).
Udaipur has many rooftop restaurants with lake views; Natraj offers fine vegetarian thali, while Ambrai offers multi-cuisine but good veg choices. Check kitchen closing times (usually ~10:30pm).
Extensive palace complex with museums, courtyards and balconies overlooking Lake Pichola; Crystal Gallery near City Palace is open with ticketed entry (palace hours typically 9:30am–5:30pm).
Short boat ride to view Lake Palace and island palaces; follow up with a vegetarian lunch at a lakeside café offering thali or international veg options. Boats normally operate until 5:00pm; book tickets in advance in high season.
Peaceful Mughal-style garden and a seaside promenade at Fateh Sagar Lake — good for an easy walk and photography. Boat rides on Fateh Sagar run morning and afternoon.
Drive and short hike to Guru Shikhar (scenic viewpoint and temple complex) — the panoramic views reward the moderate climb. Trek timing flexible; visit before sunset if possible. Guru Shikhar usually accessible all day but check local road closures.
World-renowned marble Jain temples near Mount Abu — open generally 7:00am–12:00pm and 2:30pm–5:30pm; plan visit in the afternoon slot. Respect dress and photography rules.
Mount Abu has small seasonal cascades and forested walks around the hills — flows strongest after rains; December flow may be modest but the valley scenery is rewarding. Check with hotel/guide for best local waterfall spots and safety.
Massive hill-top fort with museums, ramparts and sunset viewpoints; fort open typically 9:00am–5:30pm (some evening events or sound-and-light shows may be scheduled—check locally).
Choose from solid vegetarian thalis or local Rajasthani specialties; many Jodhpur eateries have excellent veg menus. Confirm closing times (usually ~10:00pm).
Visit scenic Balsamand Lake (palace by the lake) or historic Mandore Gardens with cenotaphs; lakes are pleasant in late afternoon and gardens open during daylight hours.
Leave for your onward journey; travel time depends on chosen exit city — Jodhpur airport is convenient for many domestic flights, Jaipur is ~5–6 hours by road. Allow 2–3 hours buffer before flights.
If you extend to Dec 19, depart very early to Jaisalmer (~5–6 hours from Jodhpur) to experience the golden city and a desert safari; otherwise use the day for relaxed departure planning.
Late afternoon to sunset desert safari at Sam dunes — ideal time for dunes, photography and cultural performances; book private camel or jeep tours in advance. Safari operators run till sunset and evening cultural camps.
Depending on your flight/rail schedule, either return to Jaisalmer town for overnight (many vegetarian-friendly hotels) or transfer onward. Allow time buffer for remote desert logistics.