UDAIPUR : Venice of East

Flashback!!!! I had been to Jaipur on a work trip and was instantly awestruck by the royalty of the place. That very moment I added Rajasthan to my bucket list.

Udaipur topped my list for its Grand City Palace, Sunset ride at Lake Pichola, Fatehsagar lake, and Quaint cafes. In January 2019 I visited Udaipur also It was the best time to visit and experience the cold weather.

I spent 2 nights and 3 days in Udaipur based on my experience have listed down the “Places to visit” in the order which would help you all to plan the itinerary.

“Other places to explore” at the end of the blog - which can may to the Itinerary if planned accordingly.

Happy Reading!!

What is in the Blog?

Places to Explore in Udaipur ✅

Restaurant/Cafes and Romantic dinner options 🥘

Places to stay 🏨

How to reach Udaipur ️ ✈️🚃

Getting around🚗

Best time to visit🌨️

Shopping🛍️

Places to Explore:

Day Trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort:

⏰ 8 am to 6 pm 💴 Rs.15/- 🚖 90 kms – 2.5 -3 hours approx

The fort is a historical marvel. It is a Mewar Fortress on the western range of Aravalli Hills. When in Udaipur make sure to plan a day trip to the fort. The Sheer size of the fort with overwhelm you; it has a 38 km long wall which ranks one of the longest walls in the world.

The trek to the top of the fort will take close to 2 hours (Depends on capacity to walk). The soothing view will completely make you forget the long trek and tiredness.

I would suggest you spot a location and immerse yourself in the magnificent view of the city,

Tips:

• I reached Udaipur at @09.00 hrs and decided to a day trip to Kumbalgarh on Day 1. Started the Journey after an early lunch.

• Travelling to and from Udaipur city to Kumbhalgarh plus the trek to the top and return would take almost half a day, so start early in the morning.

• Rent a cab (Do not travel in an Auto Rickshaw) and reach back to Udaipur well in time. As advised by the hotel staff and Locals it is not safe to travel on the Kumbhalgarh – Udaipur road late in the evening.

• The Light and Sound show starts at 6.45 pm and has entry fee of Rs.100/-.

• In case you plan to watch the show, best option would be to book an overnight stay near the fort.

Started day 2 by visiting the Fatehsagar Lake. It is an artificial lake in Udaipur named after Maharana Fateh Singh. It offers the most alluring sight and the stillness of water reflects the calmness of nature.

It is less commercialised than lake Pichola making it a good getaway to find some peace. Boating on the blue water of the lake which is overlooked by mountains is a unique experience.

Tips:

• There are many boating stations on the lake, and you can make your own choice according to the availability and preferences.

• Do not miss the Kulhadwali Coffee on the roadside.

The Museum depicts the rich history of Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh along with picturization of few instances from the battle of Haldighati. One of the thrilling features is the life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap sitting on his faithful horse, Chetak. The figure is 11 feet high and weighs about 70 tonnes. The sculpture is also seen from kilometres away. The Museum additionally offers the stunning view of Lake Fatehsagar.

Must visit place for history enthusiasts

City Palace is amongst the most popular sightseeing spots. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan.

Walking through the courtyards, the bright rooms with royal embellishment, colour glass and tinted windows is a different experience altogether. The royalty of the palace and the life of Maharaja’s will make you go bonkers.

Tips:

• The City Palace is generally overcrowded on the weekends. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday.

• Plan your visit post lunch. It takes around require around 3 hours to walk through the entire palace will which also help you digest your heavy lunch.

• Complete the tour by 4-4.30 pm, post which you can watch the sunset at the Ropeway Ride/Lake Pichola.

Ropeway Ride:

⏰9 am to 9 pm 💴Rs.80-100/- 🚗 2 km: 10 minutes

The ride connects to Sri Karni Mata Mandir. It is a ten-minute ride and offers the most spectacular views of the city. Must visit if you are a fan of altitudes and view it offers.

Catch the sunset at Lake Pichola – the picturesque lake of Rajasthan; the most soothing and mesmerising experience after a hectic day of sightseeing.

Tips:

• You can also opt for the sunset boat ride on Pichola, which will undoubtedly make you will fall in love with the city.

• The boat rides are relatively expensive for sunset tours, so brush up your bargaining skills.

Started Day 3 with a stroll on the Gangaur Ghat. You will see a different vibe at this Ghat with hundreds of pigeons being fed by locals. Sit beside the lake and soak yourself in the positivity of the place.

Tip:

• Visit the Ghat early morning to avoid the crowd and hustle bustle of the street vendors.

The Haveli was built by Amar Chand Badwa, the then Prime minister of Mewar kingdom which is now turned into a museum while retaining its heritage look. It is a marvellous assortment of huge courtyards, balconies, jharokhas, decorative archways and a great collection of puppets.

For the Rajasthani folk dance, you can visit the Bagore ki Haveli in the evening close to 6.30 pm (Night Show charges – Rs.90/-)

⏰9 am to 7 pm 💴Rs.10/- 🚗4 kms: 15 minutes

Saheliyon ki Bari i.e Garden of Maidens is a stunning symbol of grandeur of the emperors of Rajasthan. The garden also has a museum showcasing a vast collection of royal households. It is one of the rare areas in the history of India, where an amusement place was built for women.

Vintage Car Museum:

⏰9 am to 9 pm 💴Rs.250/-🚗 5 kms: 20 minutes

Saving the best for the last. I started my blog describing Rajasthan as “Royal”, wont the royalty be incomplete without Cars??

There is a museum dedicated to the Vintage cars. The museum has classic and rarest car collection. It has close to 20 antique cars, which includes four classic Rolls-Royce, rare models of Mercedes, some of the solar operated rickshaws and many other vehicles.

Other Places to cover in Udaipur:

Unfortunately many spots come to life only in the evenings and every corner of the city looks divine at the sunset, so it is hard to prioritise.

Ideal duration for Udaipur trip is 3 nights 4 days. Following are some other places which can be covered depending on time availability:

· Sajjangarh Fort/Monsoon Fort

· Trek to Lake Badi

· There ae few short trips which can be taken from Udaipur.

Mount Abu: 3-4-hour drive (165 kms)

Ranakpur Jain Temple: 2-hour drive (94 kms)

Restaurants/Café’s and Best Dinning places in Udaipur:

Any Vacation is incomplete until you savour on the delicacies of that place or Dine in at the best spot.

Rajasthani food is as Royal as the culture of Rajasthan. My most favourite dish is the “Pyaaz ki Kachori”.

I am listing down few Instagram worth visiting places in Udaipur, these are well known for the food, ambiance, and service.

📍48 D Panchwati Circle Adjoining RK Mall (2.4 kms from City Palace)

The first meal (Lunch) in Udaipur was at the Traditional Khana. The restaurant serves Traditional Rajasthani Thali loaded with flavours, Ghee, and spices.

If you want to relish the thali, make sure you have a light breakfast. The Thali costs Rs.750/- per person (Bit expensive, but totally worth it.

P.S: My personal favourite was the “Kadhi”

Ambrai :

Spend the evening at the Ambrai Ghat admiring the Lake and head to Ambrai Restaurant for a scrumptious dinner.

Imagine sitting at a table facing the Lake and looking at the lit City Palace. Isnt it dreamy??Do not miss this place, Food is as great as the ambience. (Cost of 2 – Rs.1500/- to Rs.2000/-)

Tips :

• Advance booking is must for the place because it gets overcrowded in the evening.

• Reach the Restaurant a bit early than usual dinner time to get the perfect table.

Upre by 1559 AD :

📍Near, P P Singhal Marg, Fateh Sagar Lake

A very palatial place with beautiful decor overlooking the lake. This would serve as a perfect location for a sundowner. Need not mention fancy places with great view are generally expensive. (Cost of 2 – Rs.1500/- to Rs.2000/-)

Sheesh Mahal:

Spend the evening at the Ambrai Ghat admiring the Lake and head to Ambrai Restaurant for a scrumptious dinner.

Imagine sitting at a table facing the Lake and looking at the lit City Palace. Isnt it dreamy??Do not miss this place, Food is as great as the ambience.(Cost of 2 – Rs.3500/- to Rs.4000/-)

Tips :

• Advance booking is must for the place because it gets overcrowded in the evening.

• Reach the Restaurant a bit early than usual dinner time to get the perfect table.

Upre by 1559 AD :

📍Near, P P Singhal Marg, Fateh Sagar Lake

A very palatial place with beautiful decor overlooking the lake. This would serve as a perfect location for a sundowner. Need not mention fancy places with great view are generally expensive. (Cost of 2 – Rs.1500/- to Rs.2000/-)

Sheesh Mahal:

Luxury Dine-in overlooking the beauty of City palace and the sparkling Lake was on my cards. so we headed for lunch at the Leela Palace.

Oops Moment ☹: I did not call the Hotel for reservation and I missed checking the timings of restaurant. Please Read before heading: Sheesh Mahal restaurant opens only for Dinner and make sure you have a reservation.

We had to settle with “Lunch at Raas Leela”

P.S: If you are a non-vegetarian “Laal Maas” should be on your list.

Street Food: Do not forget to savour the “Pyaaz ki Kachori” and Chai

Luxury Dine-in overlooking the beauty of City palace and the sparkling Lake was on my cards. so we headed for lunch at the Leela Palace.

Oops Moment ☹: I did not call the Hotel for reservation and I missed checking the timings of restaurant. Please Read before heading: Sheesh Mahal restaurant opens only for Dinner and make sure you have a reservation.

We had to settle with “Lunch at Raas Leela”

P.S: If you are a non-vegetarian “Laal Maas” should be on your list.

Street Food: Do not forget to savour the “Pyaaz ki Kachori” and Chai