7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer

Sunday October 22: Jaipur

Start your trip in Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. In the morning, visit the Amber Fort, a majestic fortress perched on a hilltop. Explore its beautiful architecture and enjoy an elephant ride up the ramparts. In the afternoon, head to the City Palace, a grand palace complex with museums and stunning courtyards. End your day with a visit to the Hawa Mahal, a unique five-story palace known for its honeycomb-like windows.

• Amber Fort: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• City Palace: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Hawa Mahal: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday October 23: Jaipur

Spend the morning exploring the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with fascinating instruments. In the afternoon, visit the Albert Hall Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artwork. Take a stroll through the vibrant markets of Jaipur, such as Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, in the evening, where you can shop for jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.

• Jantar Mantar: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Albert Hall Museum: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday October 24: Jodhpur

Travel to Jodhpur, the Blue City, in the morning. Explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, known for its intricate carvings and expansive views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Jaswant Thada, a stunning marble cenotaph. Take a walk through the bustling streets of the Old City and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. End your day with a visit to the Clock Tower and Sardar Market to experience the local culture and shop for handicrafts.

• Mehrangarh Fort: Estimated cost - INR 600 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Jaswant Thada: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Old City, Clock Tower, and Sardar Market: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Jodhpur is Janta Sweet Home, serving delicious Indian breakfast dishes like aloo paratha and poha. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Nirvana, a vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of North Indian and Rajasthani dishes. Don't miss their thali, which includes a selection of curries, breads, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• To experience a traditional Rajasthani dinner, visit Gypsy Dining Hall. With live music and a lavish buffet of authentic Rajasthani cuisine, you'll be treated to a royal dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Wednesday October 25: Jaisalmer

Head to Jaisalmer, the Golden City, in the morning. Explore the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get lost in its narrow lanes. In the afternoon, visit the Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of intricately carved mansions, and learn about the city's rich history. Enjoy a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes during the evening, where you can witness a mesmerizing sunset over the desert.

• Jaisalmer Fort: Estimated cost - INR 250 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Patwon Ki Haveli: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Camel Safari at Sam Sand Dunes: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person, Estimated time spent - 4-5 hours

Thursday October 26: Jaisalmer

Spend the morning exploring the Gadisar Lake, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by temples and ghats. Visit the Folklore Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to the Bada Bagh, a tranquil garden complex with cenotaphs and a stunning view of the desert. End your day with a visit to the Desert Cultural Centre, where you can enjoy traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances.

• Gadisar Lake: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Folklore Museum: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Bada Bagh: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Desert Cultural Centre: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday October 27: Jodhpur

Return to Jodhpur in the morning and explore the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a stunning palace-turned-luxury hotel. Visit the Mandore Gardens, known for its beautiful temples and cenotaphs. Take a tour of the Mehrangarh Museum, which showcases the rich history and heritage of the region. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Mandore Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Mehrangarh Museum: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday October 28: Jaipur

Return to Jaipur in the morning and visit the stunning Jal Mahal, a palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Take a tour of the Nahargarh Fort, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the colorful markets of Jaipur, such as Bapu Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar, in the afternoon. End your day with a visit to the Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village where you can experience Rajasthani folk dances, camel rides, and traditional cuisine.

• Jal Mahal: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
• Nahargarh Fort: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bapu Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
• Chokhi Dhani: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Estimated time spent - 4-5 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Jaipur, don't miss out on visiting the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, where you can learn about the traditional art of block printing. In Jodhpur, make sure to visit the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, a restored desert park with walking trails and panoramic views. In Jaisalmer, take a detour to the Kuldhara Village, an abandoned village with a haunting history. These off the beaten path attractions provide unique insights into Rajasthan's heritage and are suitable for families.

For hotel and flight prices in India, you can check Kayak.com.