The Beautiful Udaipur and its vicinity!

Udaipur - The mesmerizing City of Lakes

Known as the Venice of India and City of Lakes, Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills. Magnificent marble fairy-tale palaces, massive royal forts, expansive gleaming lakes, spectacular masterpieces of art and architecture, folk tales of courage and sacrifice, exquisite ancient temples, luxurious green gardens and a fascinating blend of natural beauty and manmade charms … Udaipur has it all!

A delightful melange of experiences, easy connectivity with Jaipur and proximity to gorgeous locations like Ranakpur, Kumbalgarh, Chittor and Mount Abu, lures me to go there time and again, only to be mesmerized more than ever.

From my experiences of Udaipur, these are few places that I recommend:

      

City Palace

City Palace Complex- The massive ‘City Palace’ is indeed a charming insight into the heritage of the Mewar dynasty. The courtyards, fountains, towers and gardens with spellbinding details and superbly-crafted elegance of the Rajputs, this architectural delight is a highlight of the history of Udaipur. In the same premises is ‘The City Palace Museum’ filled with interesting traditional Rajasthani paintings, colorful mosaics and striking mirror-work. 

Inside the City Palace

In the Fateh Prakash Palace next door is the ‘Crystal Gallery’ that exhibits an array of crystal objects such as dinner sets, maharja’s robes and even beds giving a startling proof of the ruling dynasty’s love for extravagance.

While you are here, only a small walk away is the ‘Vintage and Classic Car

Vintage & Classic Car Museum

Museum’ exhibiting vintage cars from the royal family’s collection. Individual garage gates for each of these fully functional beauties seem like personal suites as the guide opens them to explain their specifics. Although I am not a car enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as it transported me to that era. You can here enjoy a simple Vegetarian Thali too.

Boating on Lake Pichola 

Once you are finished there, wander down to the City Palace jetty for a Boat tour of Lake Pichola which allows you to glance upon the majestic and splendid properties like The Leela and the infamous Oberoi Udaivilas  situated ashore and also get awe-struck by the fascinating structures like the marble Lake Palace that seems to float on the lake. The tour also includes a visit to the Jagmandir Island Palace, known for its 

Jagmandir Island Palace

natural setting and historical eminence. We took the 5:30pm boat and got to enjoy the charming day in the company of cool breeze and also the heavenly look of the entire island as it was beautifully lit in the evening.

To know more about the glorious history of Mewar, you may indulge in the interesting and impressive 1 hour Light & Sound Show (in english &  hindi) held at City Palace. 
I strongly recommend to spend a day at and around City Palace to feel the soul of Udaipur. 

 Sajjangarh Fort/Monsoon Palace - This hilltop palace is a short drive up the

Sajjangarh Fort

Banswara hill through the densely forested SajjanGarh Wildlife Sanctuary. While there isn’t much to see inside the actual palace, it provides panoramic views of Udaipur city. It is enjoyable to witness the brilliant hues of orange and red that envelop the sky at sunset while you munch at the garden café. Food and service is quite average but is worthwhile for spending time there.


Lake Pichola – The picturesque artificial lake with numerous island palaces is lined with the City Palace, ghats, havelis and hills. Whether you have a small budget or a big appetite for luxury, Udaipur will not disappoint you. The enticing sight of the shimmering reflection of palaces in the placid water of Lake Pichola can be enjoyed from extravagant lake front restaurants/ hotels as well as absolutely free from the ghats.

   Fateh Sagar Lake – With a circumference of 10kms ringed by magnificent hills and verdant surroundings, this lake is every photographer’s delight. Unparalleled beauty, boat ride and numerous road-side eateries make it popular with tourists and locals alike. I strongly recommend avoiding weekends and personal car as excessive crowd, traffic and parking can be major spoilers.  

Ambrai Ghat - We had heard a lot about this sweet little paradise in the old city. Due to time crunch, we chose to do restaurant hopping at Ambrai, Upre and Baro Masi. I am glad that we could experience all these three wonderful places in one night but I would suggest to stay leisurely at any one.

An eventful night at Upre, Ambrai and Baro Masi

As  much as Ambrai and Upre with their fabulous positions, pleasing atmosphere and delicious food are  just perfect for peaceful romantic dinner, I liked the most being at Baro Masi. This rooftop place at hotel Udai Kothi is a perfect blend of contemporary and cultural ambience. An interesting décor with a glass see-through floor looking over a swimming pool, great music and surreal views of Lake Pichola, Lake Palace and the surrounding architecture of hotel Udai Kothi itself, gives it a tremendous vibe and create a fabulous experience. It is open from 5pm to 2am.

Hotels – Udaipur has plethora of options to stay, right from budget rooms to lavish suites. 

At Oberoi Udai Vilas

We stayed at Oberoi UdaiVilas for a weekend family trip just a fortnight before my wedding. Gosh, the property was absolutely stunning. A private experience of majesty and grandeur at your service surely creates memories worth a lifetime.  Private pool, bridal shower cake, pampering and all wedding scenes of Ye Jawaani hai Deewani going live… the trip had it all!

If you are looking for a budget friendly family holiday,  then 

Ananta Hotel & Resort, Udaipur

Ananta with its wonderful hospitality, amazingly landscaped swimming pool, delicious food, kids play zone and round-the-clock disposal of cars to roam inside the humongous property is a superb option.

Family Scenes

The Way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and to a girl's heart is surely shopping and you get the best of both at Udaipur. Non-Rajasthani tourists can indulge in sinful shopping of antiques, handicrafts, pottery, colourful mojris, chunris and eye-catching traditional pagdis and bangles. They must try its heart-warming royal cuisine, namely Dal Bhati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte Ka Halwa and Mawa Kachoris. One can eat at the small cute place "Oladar Cafe" just near City Center. 

If time permits, you might also be interested in Bagore ki Haveli, Jagdish temple, Karni Mata Mandir, Moti Magri and more! 

With Udaipur being the epitome of splendour, its journey from Jaipur is equally delightful. The route: Jaipur- Nathdwara- Ranakpur – Kumbalgarh – Eklingji – Udaipur – Chittor – Jaipur is the best to explore on the go! You can choose destinations in accordance to your time and  interests.

Nathdwara - The Shrinathji Temple of Nathdwara, dedicated to Lord Krishna is open for selected time intervals and is thus always extremely crowded with devotees. I suggest checking the timings by calling at the temple before visiting.

    

Ranakpur temple

Ranakpur- The Jain Temple of Ranakpur carved out of the marvellous marble stone depicts the rich workmanship of the medieval times and also offers a peaceful experience of a temple. Its intricate architecture and abounds with elaborate friezes and sculptures attracts lot of foreigners and don’t be surprised to see many of them sketching it in their diaries. It is a must visit!

   Kumbalgarh – With plethora of hotels and being home to the amazing structurally 

designed Kumbalgarh Fort, it definitely deserves at least one night stay. With

Kumbalgarh

second longest wall in the world next only to the Great Wall of China, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a masterpiece representing the rich history of Mevar. I recommend taking a guide to quickly and easily understand the heights and depths of this marvel. Also, wear comfortable shoes as it requires lot of walking. Good hotel options can be Club Mahindra, Mahua Bagh and many more.

Eklingji - Shri Eklingji Temple is about 22 KM before Udaipur. This family temple of the Maharanas of Udaipur is open from 10.30am-1.30pm and from 5pm-7.30pm and is visited by devotees from across the country.

Jaisamand Lake – After a recommended 3 night stay at Udaipur, you can plan to see 

Jaisamand Island Resort

this largest manmade lake of Asia. To experience its  charm, you must take a boat to the lovely Jaisamand Island Resort. Enjoy the lunch here and feel free to ask them for a guided tour of this gorgeous property. Private swimming pool, sight of the picturesque ocean right from the bed, tranquil environment and a relaxing vibe provides a serene experience of staying at an island. I suggest one-night stay!

    Chittor – The 1400year old Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in the country and 

Chittorgarh Fort & Vijay Stambha

is very alluring owing to its architectural nuances. The light and sound show here is quite interesting. You must visit the Vijay Stambha that commemorates the victory of the Mewar rulers. It is a one of its kind 9 storied tower which has carvings and inscriptions that tell stories about the rulers and the hindu Gods!

Palace Hotel, Mount Abu

If you want to relax and have a hill station on your mind, you may add Mount Abu. Here, one must visit the exquisite 12th century Dilwara temples adorned by intense marble carvings. We stayed at Palace Hotel, Bikaner house and the experience of clouds entering through the windows at this pretty palace converted to hotel was just heavenly.

In Udaipur, take a break from your monotonous life, stop the maddening rush and lose yourself in its beauty.If you want to relax, just sit by the lake to soak the sunshine or enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine and have a romantic candle light dinner under the blanket of stars with an ambience to die for. 

So, whether looking for a short three day break or a long 10-day holiday, whether you want to roam around like a typical tourist or just relax in the serenity, Udaipur and its vicinity is the key to all vacation-goals. So, just pack your bags and get set to go!!!