RAJASTHAN FORT CIRCUIT
Three fort cities on one road and train loop, with enough time in each place to actually walk the ramparts.
BEST TIME
Days are pleasant and evenings are cool. May and June get extremely hot on the open stone, so keep those months only if you must.
HOW TO REACH
Fly or take a train to Jaipur. Jodhpur is a half-day road or train hop, and Jaisalmer is a longer run from there.
JAIPUR
Go early, then add Jaigarh if you have the energy. Keep the City Palace and bazaars for the afternoon when the fort starts to fill.
JODHPUR
The fort needs two to three hours. Walk the walls, then drop into the old lanes below for a quieter evening.
JAISALMER
Jaisalmer Fort still has homes and shops in it. Stay nearby, walk at dusk, and take a camel or jeep evening in the dunes if you want sand, not just stone.
ROUTE TIP
It saves backtracking. If you only have five days, drop one city rather than rushing all three.
FOOD
Try dal baati churma, pyaaz kachori and a local mithai. Laal maas is easy to find in Jodhpur if you eat meat.
BUDGET
That mid-range band is for one person over 7 days, for stays, local travel, fort tickets and food. Long-distance trains or flights are extra.
TIPS
Stone heats up fast. Wear shoes with grip, keep small cash for tickets, and book Jaisalmer stays early in December and January.