Unboxing Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes, was the capital of Mewar, built by Maharana Udai Singh, in 1553, from whom it derives its name. It has become popular off late as a wedding destination for theme weddings, given the abundance of lakes and the Rajput era palaces. It attracts travellers from all over the world and as such has options for both premium vacations as well as budget trips.

How to reach

Located 260 kms from Ahmedabad, it was our first choice for a short vacation. It has been sometime since we have ventured out on a long drive. The weather since the last few days made us break that fast, and we set out, baby in tow for Udaipur. The roads are really beautiful and a pleasure to drive on- we went via NH 147 and 48. The journey took us around four hours, with a short stop in between for tea.

Apart from roads, Udaipur can also be reached by rails and air.

Best time End November to early February

Accommodation From budget to luxury Udaipur has something for every traveller. We recommend to book your stay near Lal Ghat as all the popular tourist spots are in a walking distance.

Little pointer to avoid Sunday rush The only hiccup was it being a Sunday the local police weren’t allowing outside vehicles to enter the main hub, and we had to park some way off. The narrow alleys can get congested and it was perhaps to keep it from choking.

Sharing with you our list of the top ten things to do in Udaipur

Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola Whatever you do you cannot miss the surreal sunset cruise on the lake. The orange hues of the setting sun spilling over the sky and the waters is something that is going to stay with you for a long time to come. The cruise starts at 5pm sharp and is for about an hour. Charges are 250 INR for adults

Visit to the City Palace An architectural wonder of the Mewar dynasty, the City Palace, Udaipur is famous for its signature mirror works and murals.

Timings for the palace tours – 7am to 11pm Charges are 300 INR and an extra 200 INR for the ‘shish mahal’ per head.

The Rajputana folk dance and puppet show at Bagore ki Haveli This 18 th century palace on the banks of Pichola is a must visit especially for the evening cultural show featuring Rajasthani Folk Dance, Puppet Show, Magic Show and Tribal Dance.

Timings for the show – 7pm to 8pm Charges – 90 INR for adults. Extra charges for cameras. Be advised it always runs to fill houses and you may want to book tickets in advance.

Walk around the city to soak in the local flavour

The little details, secrets and flavour of a place is best explored by walking…something that a guided tour may not provide you with. Long walks through the narrow lanes and by lanes of Udaipur made us fall in love with this place.

Pick up a thing or two What is a trip without some souvenirs! The leather journals, silver junk jewellery, Indian perfumes ‘ATAR’, meenakari items are some must haves.

The popular shopping destinations in Udaipur are

Hathi pol bazar

Bada Bazar

Chetak Circle

Bapu Bazar

Lake palace road

Jagdish temple street

Spend idyllic times at the numerous cafes and eateries

Café Edelweiss near Gangaur Ghat and Savage Garden restaurant is highly recommended

Dinner by the lake side
Upre or Ambrai are the perfect spots for a date below the star studded sky.

Jagdish temple
A temple built By Maharana Jagat Singh in the 17 th century. The temple consists of three stories of hand curved stone. The idols of Jagannath and Vishnu are also curved out of a single blackstone.

Take some time off to sit by the Gangaur ghat, which will give you a flavour of the old ghats of india- it transcends you to an era gone by.

Visit Monsoon palace Also known as Sajjangarh Place named after Maharana Sajjan Singh. Built to watch the monsoon clouds the palace offers panoramic view of the lakes. Time your visit at sunset