Hello travel lovers, Anmol here!!!
Udaipur, the “Venice of the East,” with its majestic palaces, serene lakes, and vibrant culture. In February, I took a road trip with three friends from Delhi to Udaipur in my car. Also, it was an overnight drive, about 8 hours.
Travelling from Delhi to Udaipur:
We opted for a road trip from Delhi, taking the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway for a smooth ride. Also, the drive took approximately 8 hours, perfect for catching up and sharing travel stories.
Where to Stay in Udaipur for a Memorable Trip:
Our stay mirrored our contrasting preferences. The first night was spent at a backpacker hostel (around Rs. 600 per bed), perfect for socialising and meeting fellow travellers. Also, the second night offered a luxurious stay at the Belmont Hotel (Rs. 12,000 for 2 nights with breakfast included), ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Day 1: Discovering the Serenity of Fateh Sagar Lake
Our first stop was Fateh Sagar Lake. Entrance was free, but there were fees for boat rides. We admired the beautiful view from the shore; the boat rides ran from 8am to 6pm.
Also, we stayed at a sponsored hostel that night. The hostels were in good condition and budget-friendly.
Pro Tip: If you have extra time, consider venturing beyond the city to explore the Monsoon Palace or Eklingji Temple for a deeper dive into Udaipur’s rich heritage.
Day 2: Exploring Udaipur’s Majesty: City Palace and Monsoon Palace
The next day, we explored Udaipur!
First, we visited the City Palace, a beautiful complex overlooking Pichola Lake. Entry fees were around Rs. 400, including parking.
Next, we drove 10 kilometres to see the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh Palace), a stunning palace on a hilltop.
Finally, we headed back to our hotel, the Belmont.
Day 3: Unveiling Udaipur’s Hidden Gems
The next day started with a stunning view! We hiked up the Bahubali Hills, which overlook the beautiful Badi Lake with the Aravali mountains behind it. Also, we were lucky to catch a gorgeous sunrise there. Bahubali Hills is a bit of a secret; not many people know about it, but the views are incredible! It wasn’t crowded at all when we went.
For lunch, we explored some cafes in old Udaipur. I can’t remember the names, but there are lots to choose from, and they’re easy to find. We even found a rooftop cafe with a fantastic view. Overall, the cafes in old Udaipur were delicious and easy on the wallet.
We also visited the Karni Mata Temple, or Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, in Udaipur. It’s on top of Doodh Talai Lake and has amazing views of the whole city.
The temple sits on Machla Magra Hills, near Din Dayal Upadhyaya Park. You can get there by climbing the 1050 stairs from Maniklal Verma Park or taking a quick four-minute ropeway ride. The temple surprised us with its large, well-maintained area that covers most of the hill.
Pro tip: Udaipur is full of beautiful sunset and sunrise points.
Savouring Udaipur Food Delights:
We went on a 2-night, 3-day tour. During the journey, we mostly snacked on crispy corn, chilli paneer, chilli chicken, and other tasty treats. We also had some beers. The total cost of food was Rs. 5,000.
Choosing the Perfect Time to Explore Udaipur’s Charms:
The best time to visit Udaipur is in the winter, from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. The temperature ranges from 11°C to 26°C. Udaipur sees the highest number of travellers during this season because the weather is cool, unlike the hot summer season. We travelled in February, the best season.
The necessary things to pack would be:
- Comfortable clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- First aid kit
- Mobile charger and power bank
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Maps or GPS devices
Additional Tips:
- Since you’re planning on snacking a lot, consider packing a cooler to keep things fresh.
- Also, make sure your car is in good working order before you leave.
- Moreover, download offline maps or get a physical map in case you lose cell service.
- Although Udaipur is a city where you can find everything, it’s a good idea to carry extra cash because sometimes UPI payments don’t work.
- Likewise, watch some vlogs before you go to get an idea of what to expect.
- Plan your trip so that each day you can watch the sunset and sunrise from different spots.
The total trip cost for four people was Rs. 35,000, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Udaipur’s charm left an indelible mark on us. From the serene lakes to the vibrant culture, this city has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to be enchanted by the City of Lakes!Engage with a multitude of travel narratives on https://sowl.in/stories/ for your wanderlust satisfaction!
