Hello, Companion Explorers! It’s Joy here, your travel buddy. I’m excited to share my incredible time in the City of Lakes, Udaipur.
JAI MEWAR!! KHAMMA GANI UDAIPUR
Ilcome to Rajasthan, the land of kings, which is rich in culture and stories. They say ‘Padharo Sa Mhare Desh’—come and discover fascinating tales at every step. One of these stories is about Udaipur, a place where history blends with beauty and calmness. Situated in the south of Rajasthan, it’s a great spot to visit during the winter. With sunny days and a cool breeze, I planned a 3- to 4-day trip over the Republic Day long Iekend (January 26–29, 2023).
Unraveled Route: Traveling to Udaipur
Plan a budget-friendly trip with a flight for the outbound journey and a train for the return, considering fluctuating rates for both airlines and railways.
- The journey started on January 26, 2023, with a morning flight from Delhi T3 to Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, with Alliance Air. The one-way flight costs approximately Rs. 3200 (booked a month in advance). The comfortable 1.15-hour flight alloId me to reach Udaipur by afternoon.
- For the return journey, I opted for the train Mewar Express with a fare of Rs. 1100/- for 3A to meet budget constraints, which took almost 11 hours to reach Delhi.
Day 1: Exploring Udaipur’s Magical Evening at Lake Pichola
After reaching the lake in the afternoon, I freshened up and set off to experience the enchanting sights of Lake Pichola. A superb dinner with a breathtaking view awaited me as I drowned in the mesmerizing lightning around the lake. Once dinner ended, I embarked on a delightful stroll through the old city lanes, adorned with charming Havelis and traditional buildings.
For solo travelers, Ola/Uber Bikes are the most economical and accessible mode of transport, with point-to-point pricing ranging from Rs. 40 to Rs. 70. Other options include city buses and shared autos or tempos. Within the old city, walking is advisable to avoid traffic and congestion.
Day 2: Exploring City Palace, Boat Ride, Jagmandir Palace Island, Karni Mata Temple, Dudhiya Talai Lake, and Gangaur Ghat
It was all about getting to know the locations near Lake Pichola. The day started with a hearty breakfast, which was enough to not feel hungry till night. I spent half the day exploring the City Palace, going on a boat ride, and visiting Jagmandir Island.
I started by visiting City Palace, which offered a stunning view of the lake. The entry fee was Rs. 30 per person. There was also a museum inside, but entry was optional. After that, I went on a boat ride (Rs. 400 per person) that gave a beautiful view of the lake and a stop at Jagmandir Palace Island. I had the option to relax and have food at the cafe on the island, although it was a bit expensive.
In the remaining time, I took a cable car ride (Rs. 100 per person) to Karni Mata Temple to seek blessings and enjoy the view of Udaipur’s skyline. On our way to the cable car point, I also visited Dudhiya Talai, a quieter lake, where I took pictures.
To end the day, I went to Gangaur Ghat, a perfect spot to watch the sunset and listen to live Rajasthani tunes.
Day 3: Exploring Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Fort with Biological Park, and Nexus Celebration Mall
I started by exploring Fateh Sagar Lake and nearby attractions. There were numerous budget-friendly eateries near the lake, but I decided to skip breakfast and had a special Rajasthani Thali unlimited.
After that, I visited Sajjangarh Fort and Biological Park. From Fateh Sagar Lake, one can reach Sajjan Garh by Ola or Uber Bike for Rs. 100/-. For entry, there are two separate tickets:
- One only for the Biological Park (Rs. 100/- for the battery car, Rs. 40/- for entry)
- Another for entry to the Fort via battery-operated vehicles (Rs. 200–400/-). I opted only for the Biological Park to explore the greenery and wildlife inside.
I opted to walk. On completing my walking tour of Sajjangarh, I came back to Fateh Sagar Lake to click some pictures and enjoy the speed boat ride for Rs. 400 per person. These two spots took almost half a day.
After a long time, I had lunch and enjoyed Saheliyon ki Bari , with its beautiful fountains and gardens. In the evening, I Int to the largest mall in the city, Nexus Celebration Mall, for dinner and a movie.
Day 4: Returning to Delhi
With most places explored, the final day is reserved for relaxation, packing, and shopping for local souvenirs, sIets, and snacks in the city center. The return journey was with Mewar Express the next day, early in the morning.
Hidden Gem in Udaipur
Next to the Gangaur ghat, there was Bagore ki Haveli, famous for its puppet shows and cultural programs (times: 06.30 p.m. onwards). The entry fees ranged from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per person, but the ticket window closed at 5 PM, so I unfortunately couldn’t attend any shows.
Where to stay in Udaipur?
You can find budget-friendly hostels like Moustache and Zostel near the city center, ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1700 (prices vary by season). For hotels, check Ibsites like Makemytrip, Booking.com, Oyo, Agoda, Trip Advisor, and more.
Best Food and Cafe Recommendations to Try in Udaipur
- Cozy cafes near Lake Pichola with terrace seating offered the perfect live music options, including Shamiana, Cafe Lago, and Sip n Bite, with each person’s meal ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000.
- A must-try is a heavy breakfast of yummy Dal Baati Churma Thali and Chhaas near City Palace. The thali cost around Rs. 200/-.
- Try lunch at Thali Chappan Bhog restaurant (near Saheliyon ki Bari). They had 2 categories of thali (Rs. 400+ standard unlimited and another Rs. 600+ deluxe). Choose the unlimited Rajasthani thali, as there are more than 20 types of dishes.
This was my memorable and enlightening visit to the City of Lakes on my own. Kumbhalgarh required a full day of preparation and was not to be visited lightly. I saved it for a later visit. Stay tuned with me for more travel stories, and do follow my Instagram handle, travelwithjoy11.
