7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Jaipur Bikaner Jaisalmer Jodhpur
Wednesday, October 25: Jaipur
Start your trip in the Pink City of Jaipur. In the morning, visit the iconic Amber Fort, a stunning hilltop fortress with beautiful architecture. Explore the City Palace in the afternoon, where you can admire the intricate artwork and grandeur. End the day with a visit to the lively and colorful bazaars in the old city, such as Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, for some shopping and local delicacies.
Amber Fort: Cost estimates vary (guided tour recommended), 3-4 hours
City Palace: INR 500 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar: Cost depends on shopping, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Niros: A popular breakfast spot known for its traditional Rajasthani dishes like poha and kachori. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
LMB Restaurant: Enjoy a flavorful Rajasthani thali for lunch at this famous eatery in the heart of Jaipur. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Peacock Rooftop Restaurant: Indulge in delicious Rajasthani and Indian cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of Jaipur at this rooftop restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Bikaner
Travel to Bikaner, known for its well-preserved forts and mouthwatering sweets. Start the morning by visiting the Junagarh Fort, an impressive structure with beautiful palaces and temples. In the afternoon, explore the unique Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, famous for the thousands of resident rats. Enjoy some delectable local snacks and sweets in the evening, such as Bikaneri bhujia and rasgulla.
Junagarh Fort: INR 300 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Karni Mata Temple: INR 30 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Local snacks and sweets: Cost depends on choice, 1-2 hours
Friday, October 27: Jaisalmer
Head to the golden city of Jaisalmer, known for its majestic sandstone architecture and mesmerizing sunsets. Explore the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort in the morning, followed by a visit to the havelis (ornate mansions) like Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli in the afternoon. In the evening, experience a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy a traditional Rajasthani cultural performance.
Jaisalmer Fort: INR 250 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli: INR 100 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Camel safari and cultural performance: Cost varies, 4-6 hours
Saturday, October 28: Jodhpur
Continue your journey to the Blue City of Jodhpur. Begin the day by visiting the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Clock Tower market, filled with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and spices. Don't miss the famous local street food, including the spicy Mirchi Bada and the refreshing Makhaniya Lassi.
Mehrangarh Fort: INR 600 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Clock Tower market: Cost depends on shopping, 2-3 hours
Local street food: Cost depends on choice, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Shri Mishrilal Hotel, located near the Clock Tower. They serve delicious traditional Rajasthani dishes like pyaaz ki kachori and hot jalebis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Gypsy Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Rajasthani thali. Indulge in a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including dal bati churma and laal maas. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Indique, a rooftop restaurant in the heart of Jodhpur. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring their exquisite Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 29: Jodhpur
On your second day in Jodhpur, explore the intricately designed Umaid Bhawan Palace, a majestic palace-turned-hotel, showcasing a mix of Indian and European architecture. In the afternoon, visit the serene Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll at the popular Mandore Gardens, known for its lush greenery and ancient temples.
For a delicious breakfast in Jodhpur, head to Janta Sweet Home, known for their mouthwatering traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try On the Rocks Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian and Continental dishes with a stunning view of Mehrangarh Fort. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Indique Restaurant, located on the rooftop of Pal Haveli. Indulge in authentic Rajasthani cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 30: Jaipur
Return to Jaipur for a day of exploration. Start with the Hawa Mahal, a stunning palace known for its unique facade with over 900 windows. In the afternoon, visit the Albert Hall Museum, housing a fascinating collection of artifacts and artworks. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Sisodia Rani Palace in the evening, known for its intricate frescoes and Mughal architecture.
Hawa Mahal: INR 200 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Albert Hall Museum: INR 150 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Sisodia Rani Palace: INR 50 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Niros Restaurant: A popular breakfast spot in Jaipur known for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Taruveda Bistro: A cozy lunch spot offering a variety of healthy and delicious dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Handi Restaurant: A must-visit for dinner, known for its delectable non-vegetarian dishes and beautiful rooftop seating. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 31: Jaipur
On your final day, embark on an early morning hot air balloon ride to witness the stunning sunrise over Jaipur's landscape (costs vary, approximately INR 7,000+ per person). After the ride, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and spend the afternoon exploring the serene Birla Mandir, a white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. In the evening, indulge in some last-minute shopping at the modern World Trade Park.
Hot air balloon ride: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Birla Mandir: Free admission, 1-2 hours
World Trade Park: Cost depends on shopping, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Tapri Central, a charming cafe known for its delightful tea and scrumptious food. Enjoy their famous masala chai paired with their flavorful aloo paratha. A meal here will cost you around INR 300 per person.
For lunch, visit Handi, a popular restaurant offering delectable Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisine. Try their signature dish, Lal Maas, a spicy lamb curry, accompanied by butter naan. A meal at Handi will cost you approximately INR 600 per person.
For dinner, experience the grandeur of Indian royalty at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort. Indulge in a traditional Rajasthani thali, featuring a variety of authentic dishes served on a silver platter. The cost for a dinner thali at Chokhi Dhani is around INR 1,200 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique local experience, consider visiting the Abhaneri Stepwells near Jaipur. These ancient stepwells, such as Chand Baori, are architectural marvels with intricate carvings and a fascinating historical significance. Another hidden gem is the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur, a nature reserve showcasing the arid landscapes of the region and offering stunning trekking trails. These off-the-beaten-path attractions will provide you with a deeper insight into the cultural and natural heritage of Rajasthan.