Jaipur & Ranthambore travel cost for family: Heritage, Tigers, Family Memories and 18,816 Reward Points
Updated: Sep 17
When three families started discussing a short family vacation in early 2025, we had a simple requirement. The destination should not be too far from Surat, should preferably be reachable overnight by train, and should offer enough activities for both children and adults.
After considering several options, we finalized Jaipur and Ranthambore. Because Jaipur and Ranthabhore safari have best places to see and best hotels to stay.
Looking back today, I can confidently say it was one of the best family trips I have ever had.
What surprised me most was not Jaipur. It was Ranthambore.
Like many people, I had always believed that tiger sightings depend heavily on luck. My previous experience at Corbett had taught me exactly that. Even if you spot a tiger, it usually disappears within seconds into the wilderness. Therefore, while I was excited about Jaipur's forts, food, and culture, I wasn't expecting much from the safari.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Trip Overview
Particulars | Details |
Destination | Jaipur & Ranthambore |
Duration | 3 Nights / 4 Days |
Travel Month | March 2025 |
Booking Period | January to March 2025 |
Travelers | 5 Adults + 2 Kids |
Families | 3 |
Rooms | 3 |
Travel Mode | Train from Surat |
Booking Platform | HDFC SmartBuy |
Smart Planning Started Months Before Travel
The planning started nearly two months before the actual journey. Since hotel prices fluctuate significantly, all bookings were made through HDFC SmartBuy with free cancellation options. This ensured we secured the lowest rates while maximizing rewards.
Accommodation Bookings
Hotel | Duration | Amount (₹) |
Diggi Palace, Jaipur | 2 Nights | 39,869 |
The Baagh Ananta Elite, Ranthambore | 1 Night | 20,020 |
Hotel Ranthambhore Resort | Day Stay | 5,453 |
Total Accommodation Cost | 65,342 |
All hotel bookings were made using HDFC Diners Black Metal Credit Card through SmartBuy.
The best part was that SmartBuy offered the cheapest rate available. Therefore, the accelerated rewards came without paying any premium.
Day 1: Arrival in Jaipur and a Cultural Evening
After an overnight train journey from Surat, we reached Jaipur Railway Station at around 11:30 AM.
One of the key reasons for selecting Diggi Palace was its location. Situated only about 5 km from Jaipur station, we reached the hotel within 15 minutes.
The first impression of Diggi Palace was excellent. Although located inside Jaipur city, the property offers a peaceful heritage atmosphere with lush gardens and palace-style architecture. It felt more like an oasis than a city hotel.
The rooms were spacious, clean, and well maintained.
There was only one downside.
The food at Diggi Palace was below average. We had lunch there on our arrival day and quickly realized that Jaipur's restaurants would serve us far better during the remainder of the trip.
After some rest, we headed to Chokhi Dhani, located about 20 kilometres away.
Many people describe it as an artificial Rajasthani village, but for families, children, and senior citizens, it is absolutely worth visiting. The folk performances, camel rides, traditional games, village atmosphere, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine created a wonderful evening.
The smiles on the children's faces made the visit completely worthwhile.
Day 1 Expenses
Expense | Amount (₹) | Payment Mode |
Lunch at Diggi Palace | 3,250 | Axis Atlas |
Uber to Chokhi Dhani | 430 | Amazon Pay |
Uber Return | 450 | Amazon Pay |
Chokhi Dhani Dinner | 6,600 | Axis Atlas |
Day 1 Total | 10,730 |
Day 2: Exploring the Pink City
The second day started at one of Jaipur's most famous cafes, Tapri Central.
After breakfast, we hired a cab for the entire day and explored Jaipur's architectural treasures.
Our first stop was the majestic Amber Fort.
No amount of online photos can prepare you for its scale and beauty. Walking through the fort while listening to stories from the guide brought Rajasthan's royal history to life.
After Amber Fort, we visited:
Hawa Mahal
Jantar Mantar
Local markets around the Old City
We also arranged a drone shoot to capture family memories against Jaipur's historic backdrop.
The day concluded at Townsend Bar & Kitchen, one of Jaipur's most vibrant restaurants. Being an EasyDiner partner, the final bill reduced significantly, making the experience even sweeter.
Day 2 Expenses
Expense | Amount (₹) | Payment Mode |
Breakfast at Tapri Central | 1,480 | Axis Atlas |
Jaipur Sightseeing Cab | 2,000 | UPI |
Lunch near Amber Fort | 1,809 | UPI |
Monument Entry Tickets | 1,400 | Cash |
Guide Charges | 2,500 | UPI |
Drone Video Shoot | 4,000 | UPI |
Townsend Bar & Kitchen | 6,586 | EasyDiner |
Uber to Townsend | 282 | Amazon Pay |
Uber Return | 282 | Amazon Pay |
Day 2 Total | 20,339 |
Day 3: Jaipur to Ranthambore and the Highlight of the Trip
After checking out from Diggi Palace, we travelled approximately 175 kilometres to Ranthambore.
The journey took around three and a half hours.
We checked into The Baagh Ananta Elite, a beautiful property surrounded by greenery with spacious villas, a large swimming pool, and plenty of recreational activities for children.
The property immediately impressed all three families.
However, the real excitement was still waiting.
That evening we went for our long-awaited Zone 3 Safari. Don't forget to book in 2 months advance. It is the most sought after zone.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much.
Based on my previous wildlife experiences, I thought we might get a distant glimpse of a tiger if we got lucky.
Instead, we witnessed something extraordinary.
A tiger appeared and remained visible for several minutes.
The entire vehicle fell silent.
Children stopped talking. Adults lowered their cameras for a moment. Everyone simply watched.
For someone who never considered himself a wildlife enthusiast, this was a breathtaking moment.
Even today, months later, this remains the strongest memory from the entire vacation.
After returning from the safari, the children enjoyed the swimming pool while the adults relived the tiger sighting over dinner.
Day 3 Expenses
Expense | Amount (₹) | Payment Mode |
Jaipur to Ranthambore Innova | 3,000 | UPI |
Safari Charges | 6,374 | SBI Cashback |
Safari Pickup & Drop | 1,000 | Axis Atlas |
Lunch, High Tea & Dinner | 11,191 | Axis Atlas |
Day 3 Total | 21,565 |
Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell
After breakfast, we checked out from Baagh Ananta Elite and shifted to Hotel Ranthambhore Resort for a short day stay before our evening train.
The hotel served its purpose perfectly.
We enjoyed lunch, took an afternoon nap, refreshed ourselves, and then proceeded to the railway station comfortably.
A relaxed ending to an action-packed trip.
Day 4 Expenses
Expense | Amount (₹) | Payment Mode |
Transfer to Ranthambhore Resort | 1,000 | Axis Atlas |
Lunch | 2,591 | Axis Atlas |
Resort to Railway Station | 800 | Axis Atlas |
Day 4 Total | 4,391 |
Final Expense Summary
Accommodation
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Diggi Palace Jaipur | 39,869 |
Baagh Ananta Elite | 20,020 |
Ranthambhore Resort Day Stay | 5,453 |
Total Accommodation | 65,342 |
Train Travel
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Surat → Jaipur | 13,464 |
Sawai Madhopur → Surat | 12,730 |
Total Train Cost | 26,194 |
Local Transportation
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Chokhi Dhani Transfers | 880 |
Townsend Transfers | 564 |
Jaipur Sightseeing Cab | 2,000 |
Jaipur → Ranthambore Innova | 3,000 |
Safari Pickup & Drop | 1,000 |
Ananta → Ranthambhore Resort | 1,000 |
Resort → Station | 800 |
Total Local Transportation | 9,244 |
Food & Dining
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Diggi Palace Lunch | 3,250 |
Chokhi Dhani Dinner | 6,600 |
Tapri Central Breakfast | 1,480 |
Lunch near Amber Fort | 1,809 |
Townsend Bar & Kitchen | 6,586 |
Baagh Ananta Meals | 11,191 |
Ranthambhore Resort Lunch | 2,591 |
Total Food Cost | 33,507 |
Activities & Sightseeing
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Ranthambore Safari | 6,374 |
Monument Tickets | 1,400 |
Guide Charges | 2,500 |
Drone Video | 4,000 |
Total Activities | 14,274 |
Grand Total Trip Cost
Category | Amount (₹) |
Accommodation | 65,342 |
Train Travel | 26,194 |
Local Transportation | 9,244 |
Food & Dining | 33,507 |
Activities & Sightseeing | 14,274 |
Grand Total | ₹1,48,561 |
Rewards & Savings Summary
One of the most satisfying aspects of this trip was that the rewards were earned without paying a premium over market rates. Most bookings were made through the right combination of SmartBuy, Amazon Pay, Axis Atlas, and EasyDiner.
HDFC Diners Black Metal Rewards
Hotel Booking | Amount (₹) | Reward Points |
Diggi Palace Jaipur | 39,869 | 10,325 |
Baagh Ananta Elite + Ranthambhore Resort | 25,473 | 8,491 |
Total HDFC Reward Points | 18,816 Points |
Booking hotels through SmartBuy at approximately 33% reward value generated nearly nineteen thousand points from hotel bookings alone.
Amazon Pay Cashback (Bought with SBI Cashback card)
Eligible Spend | Amount (₹) |
Train Bookings | 26,194 |
Uber Rides | 1,444 |
Total Eligible Spend | 27,638 |
Approximate Cashback Earned: ₹1,382
Axis Atlas Rewards
2% Category
Transaction | Amount (₹) |
Diggi Palace Lunch | 3,250 |
Chokhi Dhani Dinner | 6,600 |
Tapri Central Breakfast | 1,480 |
Total Spend | 11,330 |
Approximate Atlas Miles Earned: 227
5% Category
Transaction | Amount (₹) |
Baagh Ananta Food Bill | 11,191 |
Safari Pickup & Drop | 1,000 |
Ananta → Ranthambhore Resort Transfer | 1,000 |
Ranthambhore Resort Lunch | 2,591 |
Resort → Station Transfer | 800 |
Total Spend | 16,582 |
Approximate Atlas Miles Earned: 829
Total Axis Atlas Reward
Total Atlas Miles Earned: Approximately 1,056 Miles
At the time of travel, Atlas Miles were especially valuable because of Accor transfer opportunities. Although subsequent program changes have reduced that value, the rewards were still meaningful.
EasyDiner Savings
Restaurant | Actual Bill (₹) | Paid (₹) | Savings (₹) |
Townsend Bar & Kitchen | 9,100 | 6,586 | 2,514 |
Direct Savings: ₹2,514
Overall Reward Outcome
Reward Type | Value |
HDFC Diners Black | 18,816 Reward Points |
Axis Atlas | ~1,056 Atlas Miles (~4,000 ACCOR) |
Amazon Pay | ~₹1,382 Cashback |
EazyDiner | ₹2,514 Savings |
Final Thoughts (Rating 5/5)
Some trips are remembered for the places visited. Others are remembered for the moments experienced.
Jaipur delivered everything we expected: magnificent forts, beautiful heritage architecture, vibrant cafés, local culture, and memorable dining experiences. Diggi Palace provided a charming heritage stay, Chokhi Dhani showcased Rajasthan's culture beautifully, and Amber Fort left us awestruck.
But the true star of the trip was Ranthambore.
The tiger sighting at Ranthambore was the defining moment of our trip. Unlike my brief 50-second sighting at Jim Corbett, we were fortunate to watch a tiger for over 20 minutes in its natural habitat. The excitement on our faces and the shared thrill among the family made it a memory that stays with us even today.
Having experienced both Jim Corbett and Ranthambore, I genuinely feel that Ranthambore is one of India's most underrated tiger reserves.
In just 100 hours, we experienced heritage, culture, wildlife, great food, family bonding, and smart reward optimization.
Total Cost: ₹1,48,561 Travelers: 5 Adults + 2 Kids Reward Points Earned: 18,816 HDFC Reward Points Additional Benefits: ~1,056 Atlas Miles, ~₹1,382 Cashback and ₹2,514 EasyDiner Savings
For us, this was not merely a holiday. It was a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, smart reward strategies, and great company can turn a short trip into a lifelong memory.
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