Vietnam......A Beautiful Experience!!

Captivating, mysterious and welcoming – Vietnam is all at once!

It is UNEXPLORED and provides ULTIMATE LUXURY ON A BUDGET! 

Halong Bay....The natural wonder of the World!

With new experiences, incredible natural beauty, delectable local cuisine, warm people, and immense value for money, Vietnam’s tourism is luring travelers worldwide.

For us, it was three nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia followed by a week in Vietnam and yet, it was hectic!! Read below and set your itinerary as per your travel goals! Do keep an eye on the “DOs and DONTs” at the end!

Each part of 1000km long Vietnam offers something different and unique: Buzzing city life of Ho Chi Minh City, beautiful beaches of Nha Trang, fascinating culture in the port town of Hoi An, intriguing walk down history lane in Hanoi, enormous jaw-dropping caves in Halong Bay and exciting shopping fiesta! It is an unparalleled tropical experience packed with delightful attractions for all travellers.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCM- 3 nights)

Day 1 - This is Vietnam’s commercial centre offering ample sight-seeing, new experiences and innumerable party options!

Nguyen Walking street;
Notre Dame Cathedral

We started our evening at Nguyen Hue Walking Street. With Christmas round the corner, the beautifully lit and decorated town hall, statue of the president Ho Chi Minh, surrounding shops, restaurants and hotels, all seemed like a carnival.

We then visited the iconic “Notre Dame Cathedral” and “Saigon Post Office” influenced by Renaissance architecture. With people singing carols and the brilliant play of colorful lights, the atmosphere was indeed merry and festive.

Bui Vien Walking Street

Our next stop was Bui Vien walking street! It was lined up with bars, restaurants and massage parlours. With people selling snakes, squids and other unexpected things on their bicycles and tables set on the road, different music at every 50metres, with literally no place to walk, this was a crazy paradise for sea food lovers! For busy nightlife seekers, Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham Street, backpacker district of HCM with very similar vibe to Khao San Road in Bangkok is also a good place to be.

Day 2- Full day tour to Cu chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta

Lucky enough to have an excellent guide Ducn and wonderful company of a family from Sweden and two solo women travellers from Netherlands and Switzerland. (Yes, Vietnam is quite safe!!), the 2 hour drive (60kms) to the tunnel was quite interesting.

Cu Chi Tunnel

Our first stop, the incredible network of 220km long Cu Chi Tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War was mind-boggling. We took the opportunity to shoot AK47 with real bullets, crawl through tiny tunnels and got an insight into how Vietnamese soldiers managed a life under-ground.

Mekong Delta

After a 2-hour drive, we reached our next destination - The gorgeous Mekong delta. As we boarded here the boat to Ben Tre, it felt like a welcome change from the energy of HCM city. It is amazing how simple and small experiences like tropical fruit tasting over live Vietnamese local music, sporting the Vietnamese hat, taking pictures with python and honey bees, travelling in a horse cart, doing a sampan ride in tiny waterways,can be so refreshingly enchanting.

After a long yet not-so-tiring journey of 2 hours, we concluded our night at the popular Chilli Sky Bar, a vibrant rooftop club and lounge bar.  

Day 3– We went to see War Remnant Museum which has display of exhibits from Vietnam War. It is indeed intriguing and sorrowful how Vietnam fought for its Independence for 19 long years. It is like literally watching a country rebuild itself and you can’t resist giving your heart and soul to the country.

Rest of our day was dedicated to spending money on good food at “Benaras Indian restaurant”, shopping at Saigon Square and Ben Thanh market, relaxing massage at Cat Moc Spa and playing in a casino at Hotel New World Saigon. (Shopping in Hanoi is better and more reasonable!!)

If time permits, you may see the A O Show featuring live acrobatics and Vietnamese music at the historical Saigon Opera House, Vinh Trang Pagoda and Chinatown.

Nha Trang (2 nights)

View from the room

Day 4 - Nha Trang boasts its beauty with incredible blue beaches with the long, white sand banks that stretch gracefully along the city. With rich aquatic life, active night life, splendid beach resorts and entertaining recreational activities, Nha Trang has the perfect holiday vibe.

We stayed for two nights at Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel located right across Nha Trang Beach in the VIP suite having a fabulous ocean-view at an unbelievable price of Rs.7000!! With an agenda to relax, we strolled by the beach, pampered ourselves with a massage and satiated our hunger pangs at “Vandana Indian Restaurant”(It was all at walking distance!!)

Day 5- As suggested by a local Indian, we visited Po Nagar Cham Towers, a well-preserved Hindu temple that is truly a masterpiece representing Cham culture. Beautiful views, Champa dance performances every hour, religious significance and architectural beauty makes it crowded with tourists.

Just like that!

To pamper us more, we headed to Thap Ba Mud Bath. We spent here ~3 hours indulging in mud bath, mineral bath, hot swimming pool, Jacuzzi, etc. It was a fun and relaxing way of therapeutic cleansing of the body. One can choose from the multiple common/private packages.

Z Club!

There is no dearth of party places in Nha Trang, but we chose to walk to the best ones in our vicinity, Z Club and Hawana which were both pretty good.

Depending on one’s interests, there are plenty of other interesting and must-go-to places in Nha Trang -

* Interested in water activities? Opt for a boat tour from Nha Trang to visit four pristine islands of Nha Trang Bay and do snorkelling to see the colourful coral reefs at Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, visit to aquarium and a fish farm

* Travelling with kids? Take them to Vinpearl Land, also called “Disneyland Of Vietnam” to enjoy indoor and outdoor games, golf course, aquarium and a water park. To get there, take the Vinpearl Cable Car – the world’s longest oversea cable car

* Longing for more sightseeing? Located within 5 kms of Nha Trang city center, visit “Long Son Pagoda- the 24m high white Buddha statue”, take pretty pictures from the white spiral stair in Hoang Phu Residence and witness the sunset at iconic Hon Chong

Hanoi (2nights)     

Day 6 - The capital city of Vietnam is like a mini Asian version of Paris. It is a city of contrasts with its pagodas and monasteries, karaoke bars and dance clubs.

At the Hanoi Lake Palace
(lake in the background)

 We stayed at the luxurious “Hanoi Lake Palace and Resort”. It was almost on the lake and even had a golf course. It was cold (unlike rest of Vietnam) and we had reached before the check-in time, so they offered us to use the steam, sauna, Jacuzzi services and believe me, it was sheer bliss.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Water Puppet Theatre

Great thing about Hanoi is that all the sightseeing is concentrated within 3kms of radius. One can book a half day city tour which typically include attractions from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water puppet show, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A UNESCO World Heritage Site concluding with free time at the Old quarter. One can also visit the Presidential Palace, the Temple of Literature, and watch Bamboo circus at Opera House.

On a time crunch, you can alternately take a 60-minute tour around the Old quarter starting from the Hoan Kiem Lake. Once the sightseeing is done, delve into shopping spree at the famous Night Market – a shopper’s paradise with amazing products at unbelievable prices.

It is difficult to leisurely enjoy all the attractions and shop in one day, so I would suggest 2 days in Hanoi in addition to Halong Bay. If craving for Indian food, eat your heart out at “Namaste Indian Restaurant”, it is a dreamland.

When you just can't stop clicking!

Day 7- This was dedicated for excursion of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day is systematically planned with first stop at the Pearl factory wherein one can witness pearl in-the-making and buy its beautiful jewellery. Then embark on the cruise at Tuan Chau Harbour, savour on-board Vietnamese traditional lunch and appreciate the extraordinary scenery of thousands of limestone islands and islets in Ha Long Bay. Soak in the real beauty of Ba Hang by kayaking or bamboo boat. Believe me, this storybook, ethereal paradise will pamper and captivate you in ways like no other.

The stunning caves!

Get mesmerised by Thien Hung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. It’s impossible not to fall in love from the get-go with this unique and magnificent museum of natural arts elaborately created by the magic hands of Mother Nature. Later make a stop at the legendary Dau Go Cave to relish the labyrinthine maze of stalactite and stalagmite structures inside this grotto.

VIETNAMESE FOOD – Slurp a bowl of Pho, the hot noodles, Vietnamese style! Whether you are a coffee person or not, you must try Vietnamese Coffee! They have so many versions of it, with egg, condensed milk and what not!

Vietnamese love their food and practically eat everything under the roof and beneath the sea; crocodiles, snakes, and a lot more!! You can relish Vietnamese flavour in vegetarian and vegan dishes too at Liu Riu.

We had to return to Jaipur after these three beautiful cities, but if you are in for more, here are the places you can add -

o   Danang – Visit Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge

o   Hoi An – Overnight journey from Danang, is Hoi An - Wander around the local market, Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House and Fu Jian Assembly Hall. Take part in a cooking class, get tailor-made clothes, roam the markets, explore the countryside and bike through the rice fields

Take a day trip from Hoi An to explore My Son sanctuary. Similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, My Son features many Hindu temples and is designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.

o   Phu Quoc – With mostly unexplored, clean and uninhabited beaches and grand luxurious resorts, it is just the perfect getaway for honeymooners!

Don’t just listen to what I say, go see!! Vietnam is the place to be!!

Cambodia

Cambodia is a charming union of experiences and emotions; right from the ancient ruins of the Angkor Wat complex and riveting stone architecture to the affable locals, plush hotels and a rapidly advancing modern lifestyle. Read more about it in the next post.

DOs and DONTs –

o   Language can be a barrier, always have google translator. Pre-ask the estimate fare at the hotel for any particular place and have name of your destination in Vietnamese on your phone

o   For any meal-inclusive tour, pre-mention your food preference… vegetarian or anything that you don’t want

o   Start the day early as most of the museums and historical sites close up early in the evening.

o   For local transport, use Grab/Uber or reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun or motorcycle taxi Xe Om

o   The visa is on arrival but it is always better to pre-apply. Check all the requisite documents and whether you need single entry or multiple entry visa depending on your itinerary

o   Insanely shop but Bargain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

o   Fixed fare of taxi from Khanh Hoa airport to Nha Trang City center is ~350,000VND and airport minibus is 65,000VND per person.

o   Halong Bay – Opt for a day/ 1N2D/2N3D cruise. Choose wisely from plethora of cruises and service providers. Look out for cruise with seating arrangements on the upper deck to absorb the beauty and take classic photos

o   You may use services of

a.      Kim Travels in HCM City – +84 936362240

b.      Hanoi Airport transfer - +84 921262222

A special Thanks to beloved Ankit, an amazing life and travel partner!!
Shruti

A big Thank You!!

Not everyone has their life figured out at 30 years, and I guess I am no exception. I just believe in Karma and luck and follow the mantra to give my 200% in whatever I do.

Flashback!

I may not be super successful career woman but I am in a happy place. Oh 2019, I by your side have grown to be a person with multiple roles of a homemaker, student, teacher, entrepreneur, manager and much more!

Fam Jam!

I feel blessed to be surrounded by
positive and inspiring people, particularly my parents who have always supported me, be it with respect to education, career, hobbies or literally anything else. It has indeed been their bend towards education, enthusiasm towards financial planning and providing of a learning-conducive environment that I identified and nurtured my potential. Dear 2019, it has felt great to showcase what I can accomplish and manage entire family's personal finance post marriage.

Motivators!

Starting with writing poetry, short stories and experiences on my personal blog, I feel privileged to be associated with various publishers and magazines. Writing personalised messages for birthdays, kid’s recitation competitions, love letters on behalf of others, this year, I have secretly enjoyed it all!  Big thanks to my dear friends Poonam & Khushboo and my dear mom for their all-time guidance.

I believe every person has a right to choose his destiny and I chose to support my family with something I am good at. Started in 2013, today I continue with SMARTYs – the Kids Clothing Boutique with my sister Shilpa wherein I handle accounting and content writing. After incessant efforts of 6 years, this year has been fulfilling on the entrepreneurial front. Successful fashion shows, extensive media coverage, recognition and handsome revenue have only made me realise that it does not matter how slowly we go as long as we don’t stop. https://wordsspeakformind.blogspot.com/2019/09/smartys-boutique-for-apparels.html

French Students!

I have been in love with French language since 6^th standard. However, moving out for higher studies and a finance job later, I got distanced from the language. But as they say, kindling fire cannot be contained and so I resumed it as soon as I got the opportunity 10 years later. Dear 2019, you have got wonderful things in my kitty by way of the tremendous support from my new family, specially my sister-in-law Ruchi, who not only encouraged me to start my own teaching classes but to pursue higher international certification programs in French. So, if I have any advice to give, it is to not write off a hobby. Whatever you do, don’t do your side projects like they don’t mean anything. Clearly they do, or you wouldn’t still be doing them. I turned by hobby into my career and I’m stoked about it.

I was always fascinated by law centric movies and sitcoms but never happened to be acquainted in that space in reality. As fate turns out, I got married to a lawyer. Oh 2019, you surprised me time and again. A random suggestion from father-in-law “I think you should do Law!”, instant submission of application form, extensive preparation and taking the entrance test for Rajasthan University on my birthday and securing admission on my husband’s birthday, it feels as if it was all planned.

Vacay.... Yayy!

Dear 2019, you have literally flown by but the inexplicable memories created at a family trip to Singapore and Bali, short break with friends to Udaipur, all-girls trip to Agra, religious weekend at Kundalpur and the much awaited holiday with parents to Vietnam & Cambodia will be cherished forever. Thank You Ankit for being one amazing life and travel partner. All these trips were not just about taking a break from the routine; they have been my gateway to research, learn and explore, experience life differently, being out of the comfort zone, follow my passion of photography by capturing the memories and pursue my hobby of writing by putting up travelogues as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.

I think that my steepest learning curve would be as a homemaker. Be it cooking, budget rationing, taking responsibility of the entire house and trying the utmost to keep everyone happy, I strongly experienced that homemaking is more than housekeeping. Serena Williams said “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on” and I can never thank enough my mother-in-law and my mother for being two rock solid pillars of my life.

IPL with mumma

Fun with the girls

This time around, due to some reason or the other I had to skip the yearly rituals- Literature festival, Dandiya Utsav and Theatre Festival but happened to have a lot of firsts. From watching a live cricket match to celebrating Valentine’s Day with family, from an amazing surprise-loaded birthday to a romantic second anniversary, from full-on time pass to attending really inspirational talk-shows, this year was so much fun.

There have been times when I have been scared and reluctant to make commitments but my little experiences and valuable advice from friends and family has taught me the secret to get ahead is to get started. I have had my share of sorrows and cried a few nights, but I guess if today I don’t even remember what those tears were for, we are Okay.  

I know that 2019, you have bestowed upon me good luck and rewarded me generously for my hard work, but it is time to part ways. You have taught me lessons that will stay with me forever…. You have made me understand that “Time is NOW!” You have inspired me to take the leap of faith to live the dream and the belief that we get in life what we have the courage to ask for. As we say goodbye, I strive to be little more patient, more optimistic, more open to challenges and more accepting towards things I cannot change.

Thank You 2019….. Welcome 2020; let’s make more stories to tell!

Shruti

SMARTYs : Boutique for Apparels & Accessories By Shilpa & Shruti Jain

As a co-founder, I take this opportunity today to introduce to you my better half - Mrs. Shilpa Jain and our baby SMARTYs!

Here's a glimpse of our chat : 

With my daughters
wearing SMARTYs!

Shruti : Tell us a bit about yourself!

Shilpa : I have completed MCom and CFA charter and I am a happy mother of two angels. Few years back, I co-founded SMARTYs. 

Shruti: What does fashion mean to you?

Shilpa : Comfort and Style! It is about being happy by dressing according to your core personality.

Shruti : What is your product line!

A Sneak Peak!

Shilpa: Be it ethnic, casual, party wear, be it for a new born or even his great grand-mother, be it a boy or a girl, be it theme based or family coordinated dresses, we CUSTOMISE for all! At SMARTYs, we constantly innovate, put up regular exhibitions, sponsor events, conduct/ participate in fashion shows and give personal attention to every customer. We strive to bring happiness by our customised clothing that fits every budget and requirement.

Shruti : Tell us about your journey. 

Shilpa: Ever since I was a kid, I experimented with my clothes, desired a career in fashion designing and often dreamt of having my multi-storied store. However, I instead ended up studying commerce. Soon, I got married and got busy with the new chapter of my life. However my passion for designing kept kicking inside.

I was later blessed with two beautiful daughters, Khanak and Tisha who gave a positive direction to make my dream come alive. I loved to design and they loved to dress up. Be it school events, competitions or family functions, I used to design their clothes and accessories. We as a trio frequently participated in fashion shows and were soon noticed! People appreciating our clothes and I was often asked as to from where do I get such clothes.

This was the time; I enrolled in a designing course, bought an advanced stitching machine, and started making outfits for just friends and family. Soon, they started referring me to others and queries started pouring in. With two small kids, I was a little sceptical about starting something professionally. Gracefully with the support and encouragement of both sides of the families, I co-founded SMARTYs- Kids Clothing Boutique with my sister Shruti.

It hasn’t been easy but who said business is! We kept on researching, hit and tried various models, identified our shortcomings and ultimately returned to my forte of designing. Every parent wants a perfect dress for their child. I as a mother understand this and design with the thought what I need for my kids… their special birthday dress, attend a wedding, or literally anything else!

Shruti : What inspires you? 

Shilpa: Hmm... From being awarded with the best designing student to winning trophies in numerous fashion shows, it indeed feels amazing to get noticed for my work. Awards like “Sashakt Naari Samman” and “Woman of Excellence from ICOM” have been very encouraging and helpful personally and professionally. Being highly recognised and rewarded for being the fashion designer for shows like Aarunya, Cinelanza and now for India Kids Fashion Week making almost 150 kids walk the ramp has been very overwhelming. Candid and promising feedback from our clients and extensive media coverage for all our exhibits and shows is no less than an award.

Shruti : What is your favourite part being a fashion designer?

Shilpa: It is my passion and I love every bit of it. I like to get creative, play with colors, fabrics and designs. Although my favourite part is to see the kids smile in their new dresses!

Shruti : What is your success mantra? 

At Fashion Show - ICOM

Shilpa: Happy faces of my kids, superb sister as a partner, support and encouragement from both my families. I celebrate my victories and learn lessons from my failures, I get excited when rewarded and motivated when I just miss the mark.

Shruti : What is your happiness quotient? 

With Team JITO!

Shilpa: With SMARTYs, I try my small bit of being a helping hand to the society. To do so, I teach kids of my house-help and also contribute towards the school fee of my tailor's daughter. To ensure a regular support, I contribute for Jaipur Foot, Kodiyo ka Ashram and many others on every occasion, be it our birthdays or anniversary. It feels great to be an aid to Mamta Ghar in my locality which works towards creating a livelihood for underprivileged women. I thoroughly strive to share knowledge with other women entrepreneurs and stay connected with various business groups and social organisations, namely JSG Gem City, JITO Ladies Wing, Indian Circle of Moms, Jaipur Moms etc. I dream of making happy kids and mommies by making designer clothing available for everyone at affordable prices.

Shruti : Where can we find SMARTYs and its collection? Shilpa: We are majorly an online boutique delivering happiness all over India and are available on 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/smartys.kidsclothing

Instagram - www.instagram.com/smartys.kidsclothing

We can be contacted at 9828495552 and at our workshop at Mansarover, Jaipur

Shruti : Thank You Shilpa.... You really have come a long way and we wish you and SMARTYs all the best!

Shilpa : Thanks a lot! 

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!!!