Oh Udaipur, you beauty! I have been dreaming about this place for so long, finally have the chance to explore this place in person. Udaipur is also known as “City of the Lakes” and “the White City”, because the entire city is surrounded by many lakes and most buildings are painted in white.
All kinds of celebrations and festivals happen in India all year round, some of the biggest and most famous festivals such as Diwali and the Holy Festival should never be missed. We are lucky enough to witness the very end of the Diwali and we can’t wait to come back for more next year.
Read more below about Udaipur and our travel tips.
ACCOMODATION
There are only two kinds of hotels available in Udaipur, either the luxury hotels or budget stays, a few quite decent and nice Airbnbs you can also experience, they are mostly available unless you visit during crazy time such as Diwali and the Holy Festival. Make sure to get $30-$50 cash back when you register a new Airbnb Account with my referral link: http://bit.ly/bbf_airbnb. You can also get discount by book your hotel stay here.
Adam and I stayed at Thamla Haveli, Taj Lake Palace and another Airbnb bit out of the central area so that it wouldn’t be too noisy during the festival and wedding season at night. Thamla Haveli is right at the middle of the Udaipur city on the south side, it has a beautiful view of the Lake Pichola, City Palace and Gangaur Ghat. With a price of $10 per night, you should’t ask for too much, but they reserved a crazy view on their rooftop restaurant for you anyway.
Taj Lake Palace. Named as one of the most unique, romantic and expensive hotels in India and in the world, this hotel was a palace built in 1746. The only way going inside this isolated palace is by boat, and the entire palace is for hotel guests only. Book via this link for your special discount.
TRANSPORTATION
You can fly to Udaipur, the Udaipur airport is about 30-40 minutes drive from Udaipur central. Uber is available, which will cost you about 400 INR which is around $5/A$10. I prefer to use Uber since you can track the route and know your destinations and estimated time. Udaipur airport is quite small, and the traffic is always bad, just like most other places in India. If you insist to fly out, make sure you try to get to the airport as early as possible. The way to the airport is always has something going on and the security at the airport takes also quite long time.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
I had one of the best massages in my life at the hotel Amet Haveli, make sure you ask for Mr. Kerala, who has more than 15 years of experience. I heard anybody else there was not as good as him. Also he can help you to reserve a seat at the restaurant Ambrai, obviously everybody who came to Udaipur tries to eat there.
Those are everything I experienced in Udaipur, which is the most beautiful and photogenic place I have ever been and I am truly in love. I hope this helps you and if you have any other tips or experiences, please do share with all of us!
Kurt x
