4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Jaisalmer and Jodhpur
Saturday, September 30: Arrival in Jaisalmer
Begin your family-friendly adventure in Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India. In the morning, head to the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its intricate architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, visit Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of five beautifully carved mansions. In the afternoon, take a thrilling camel safari in the vast Thar Desert, experiencing the golden sand dunes and cultural performances. In the evening, witness the magical sunset at Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner under the starlit sky.
Jaisalmer Fort: Cost estimate - INR 250 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Patwon Ki Haveli: Cost estimate - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Camel Safari: Cost estimate - INR 1000-1500 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Sam Sand Dunes: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Milan Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Milan Restaurant, located near Jaisalmer Fort. They serve a variety of Indian and continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Rajwadi Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Rajwadi Restaurant, known for its Rajasthani cuisine. They offer a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Desert Boy's Dhani: Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Desert Boy's Dhani, situated near Sam Sand Dunes. This restaurant serves authentic Rajasthani delicacies along with cultural performances. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Jaisalmer
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Gadisar Lake, surrounded by temples and ghats. Take a boat ride and admire the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant local markets of Jaisalmer, such as Sadar Bazaar and Bhatia Bazaar, where you can shop for handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Don't miss the chance to taste delicious Rajasthani snacks. In the evening, attend a cultural show at the Desert Cultural Centre, where you can enjoy folk music, dance performances, and puppet shows.
Gadisar Lake: Cost estimate - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Desert Cultural Centre: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jaisal Italy, a popular restaurant known for its Italian and Indian fusion cuisine. Indulge in their delicious breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and fresh smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For a tasty lunch, head to Trio Restaurant, located in the heart of Jaisalmer. This rooftop restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city along with a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Try their mouthwatering Rajasthani thali or savor their flavorful Chinese specialties. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at The Saffron, a fine dining restaurant known for its exquisite Indian and international cuisine. Enjoy their elegant ambiance while relishing dishes like tandoori kebabs, butter chicken, or gourmet pasta. The average cost for a meal is about INR 1000 per person.
Monday, October 2: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
On this day, travel from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan. In the morning, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, known for its imposing architecture and stunning views of the city. Explore the museum inside the fort to learn about the rich history of the region. In the afternoon, visit the Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the well-manicured gardens surrounding the monument. In the evening, explore the vibrant Sardar Market, where you can shop for handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Mehrangarh Fort: Cost estimate - INR 600 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Jaswant Thada: Cost estimate - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Ambrai Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Ambrai Restaurant, located on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The restaurant offers stunning views of the City Palace and Lake Palace. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Natraj Dining Hall: For a traditional Rajasthani lunch, head to Natraj Dining Hall in Jodhpur. This restaurant serves authentic Rajasthani thali with a variety of dishes including daal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
On The Rocks: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at On The Rocks, a rooftop restaurant in Jaisalmer. This restaurant offers a romantic ambiance and serves a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Jodhpur
Discover more of Jodhpur's charm on your last day. Begin with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a magnificent palace and museum showcasing the opulence of Rajasthan. Explore the lush gardens and marvel at the grand architecture. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture at the bustling Clock Tower Market. Indulge in street food, shop for handicrafts, and witness the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss a visit to the nearby Mandore Gardens, known for its historic cenotaphs and beautiful temples. End your day with a panoramic view of Jodhpur from the stunning viewpoint at Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Cost estimate - INR 30 per person for museum entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Mandore Gardens: Cost estimate - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Jodhpur is On The Rocks Café, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Western breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hanwant Mahal Restaurant, located in a heritage palace with stunning views of the city. Indulge in their authentic Rajasthani thali and enjoy live folk music performances. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
For dinner, try Indique Restaurant, known for its rooftop setting and panoramic views of Jodhpur's landmarks. They offer a wide range of Indian and international dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Kuldhara Ghost Village near Jaisalmer. This abandoned village is shrouded in mystery and legends. Exploring its crumbling buildings and hearing the eerie tales is a unique experience for families. Another gem is the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur, which offers serene hiking trails amidst rocky terrain and showcases the region's indigenous flora and fauna. Locals also love visiting the Maha Mandir Temple in Jodhpur, renowned for its intricate marble carvings and peaceful ambiance. These hidden gems provide a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of the region while offering a family-friendly experience.