Exploring our roots: 10 days across Jaisalmer and Udaipur with kids

Nothing says “family bonding” like cramming your 3 little kids into a van for 9 hours across the desert. 🚐🔥😂

Rajasthan is India’s desert kingdom, a place of golden cities, marble palaces, and stories that feel older than time. It is where Rajput kings built fortresses in the sand, where camel caravans once crossed the Thar Desert, and where sunsets look unreal even without filters.

Most people come for the forts, lakes, desert safaris, and old-world charm. For us, it was also about reconnecting with our roots and showing our girls a slice of India beyond Mumbai.

We drove between the two cities. It took about 9 hours in a 12-seater van for $150. The roads were better than expected, with long quiet stretches through rural desert villages followed by lush jungles and hills.

Tip: Set up a UPI payment account using Mony. You will need this unless you want to carry a huge wad of cash everywhere, since credit cards are not widely accepted.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is known as the “Golden City” because everything is carved from golden sandstone that lights up at sunrise and sunset. It sits deep in the Thar Desert near the Pakistan border and feels like a living museum. Thousands of people still live inside Jaisalmer Fort, which makes it one of the only living forts in the world.

Where we stayed: Mahindra Rajasthan ($130/night)

This hotel is next to the airport and works very well for families. It has large grounds, a pool, an activity room, a restaurant, and open green spaces for the kids. Hotels in India can be hit or miss, but this one was clean, modern, and a great value.

What we did:

• Jaisalmer Fort: The highlight of the city. It has narrow lanes, rooftop cafes, temples, and beautiful views. This is a must-do.

• Desert safari and overnight camel camping: $150 for 2 camels and a luxury tent. Our kids loved this experience. Riding camels into the dunes at sunset, sleeping under the stars, and waking up to the cool desert breeze.

• Hanuman Chauraha market: A classic Indian outdoor market. Colorful and chaotic. Fun for a quick walk, though not essential.

• Gadisar Lake: A peaceful spot. It is especially good at sunset, though still optional overall.

Verdict: The fort and the desert safari are completely worth it. The rest depends on your energy level, schedule, and tolerance for pollution.

Udaipur

If Jaisalmer represents the desert, Udaipur represents lakes and light. Known as the “City of Lakes,” it is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and full of palaces and gardens. It feels cleaner, more relaxed, and noticeably more stroller friendly.

People visit for the boat rides, sunsets, temples, and the City Palace. The city also has a calm, scenic atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy with kids.

Where we stayed: Parallel Hotel ($150/night)

A modern five-star hotel with an American-style feel. Clean rooms, strong air conditioning, good service, and a comfortable base for families after the intensity of Jaisalmer.

What we did:

• Monsoon Palace: $5/person. Sweeping views from the hilltop and plenty of monkeys for entertainment.

• City Palace: $5/adult, $2/child. A must-see. Beautiful details, history, and incredible lake views.

• Lake Pichola boat ride: For $8/person, it's totally worth it. A classic Udaipur experience. Calm, scenic, and kid friendly.

• Fateh Sagar Lake: More walkable than Pichola and easier with strollers.

• Sunset Point Karni Mata: A short 10 min walk to the top. Beautiful panoramic views. No need to take the gondola. 

• Saheliyon ki Bari: A green garden with fountains and shade. Great for kids who need space to run.

Verdict: Everything we did in Udaipur was worth it. There is plenty to do and the city is very manageable with kids.

Exploring your roots

Growing up, I honestly hated coming to India. We always stayed in Mumbai. It was hot, humid, polluted, full of mosquitoes, and we tried to fit an entire year of family obligations into only a few weeks. It felt overwhelming every time.

Financial Independence (FI) changed everything. Now we are not rushing. We can take our time, explore, and enjoy India at a slower pace. This trip through Rajasthan, along with visits to Mumbai and Goa, helped us connect with the country in a new way.

The kids are learning, too. They are seeing where their grandparents came from, tasting new foods, hearing new languages, and starting to understand what it means to be part of the Indian diaspora.

This would be tough to do without FI. Limited PTO would have made it tough to do a 10-day Rajasthan trip. Now it is just part of our life.

This post is part of our 'finding our why' series, sharing real-world stories of why families choose financial independence and early retirement with kids.