5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Udaipur and Jodhpur
Sunday, December 17: Arrival in Udaipur
Welcome to Udaipur, the City of Lakes! Start your trip with a visit to the iconic City Palace in the morning. Marvel at the grandeur of this magnificent palace complex, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Pichola. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, a beautiful island palace. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Udaipur, such as Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol, where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.
City Palace: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Lake Pichola boat ride: Estimated cost - INR 400 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol: Cost depends on shopping, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to Millets of Mewar for a healthy and wholesome breakfast. This restaurant offers a variety of millet-based dishes and the average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Natraj Dining Hall, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Udaipur known for its Rajasthani thali. Indulge in a plateful of authentic Rajasthani flavors at an average cost of 250 INR per person.
End your day with dinner at Ambrai, a rooftop restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola. Enjoy the stunning views while savoring delicious Indian and continental cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, December 18: Udaipur
Start your day by visiting the serene Saheliyon-ki-Bari, also known as the Garden of Maidens. This beautiful garden features fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool. In the afternoon, explore the vintage car collection at the Maharana Pratap Museum, showcasing an impressive array of classic automobiles. In the evening, take a cultural journey by attending a traditional Rajasthani dance and music performance at Bagore Ki Haveli.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Maharana Pratap Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Bagore Ki Haveli: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to the charming Cafe Edelweiss for a delicious breakfast. This cozy cafe offers a variety of European dishes such as croissants and pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Rajasthani cuisine at Millets of Mewar. This restaurant serves flavorsome dishes made with organic ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at the rooftop restaurant Ambrai. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Pichola while savoring authentic Indian and international delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Travel to Jodhpur
Leave Udaipur and travel to Jodhpur, known as the Blue City. In the morning, explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Admire its intricate carvings, expansive courtyards, and stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, visit Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Wrap up your day by strolling through the bustling markets of Jodhpur, such as Sardar Market and Clock Tower Market, where you can shop for handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Mehrangarh Fort: Estimated cost - INR 600 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Jaswant Thada: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sardar Market and Clock Tower Market: Cost depends on shopping, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Janta Sweet Home, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering traditional Indian breakfast options. Enjoy dishes like poha, kachori, and jalebi. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Midday, stop by On The Rocks, a rooftop restaurant offering breathtaking views of Mehrangarh Fort. Indulge in a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as delicious cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Gypsy Dining Hall, a charming restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Try their signature dish, laal maas, and savor the flavors of Rajasthan. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Jodhpur
Start your day by exploring the impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, a magnificent heritage hotel and museum. Discover the opulence of the palace interiors and learn about its fascinating history. In the afternoon, visit the Mandore Gardens, known for its beautiful temples, memorials, and lush greenery. In the evening, enjoy a scenic sunset view from the top of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, a natural park offering panoramic vistas of Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person (museum entry), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Mandore Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Janta Sweet Home which offers a wide variety of traditional Indian breakfast options like parathas, samosas, and chai. A meal here costs around INR 100 per person.
For lunch, try Gypsy Restaurant known for its delicious Rajasthani thali. Enjoy a wholesome meal with various curry dishes, breads, and desserts. The average cost for a thali is around INR 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Indique Restaurant located in the heart of Jodhpur. Experience the warm ambiance and enjoy a range of Indian and international dishes while overlooking the stunning Mehrangarh Fort. The average cost for a dinner for two is about INR 1500.
Thursday, December 21: Departure
On your last day, bid farewell to the enchanting cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur. If time permits, you can visit the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temple, renowned for its intricate marble architecture and 1,444 exquisitely carved pillars. Afterward, proceed to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Ranakpur Jain Temple: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Lake Pichola: Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a panoramic view of Lake Pichola. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
Native Spice Restaurant: Indulge in authentic Rajasthani cuisine for lunch in a vibrant and traditional setting. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
Jhankar Choti Haveli: Experience a royal dining experience in a historic haveli with mouthwatering Indian dishes for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Shilpgram Museum in Udaipur. This rural arts and crafts complex showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. You can witness traditional folk performances, explore the village huts, and shop for authentic handicrafts. Another local favorite is the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur, which offers a peaceful escape amidst the rocky terrain and showcases the region's indigenous flora and fauna.