This city holds a special place in my heart. Four years ago, our new Indian housemate moved into our uni house. For a year, he told us all about India, and the "City of Lakes" where he is from. Uni came to an end, and of course, we booked tickets to go visit him back in India as a graduation trip. It was a serious culture shock, but a trip to remember. Two years later, we were back in Udaipur for his wedding, traditional Rajhastani style! But I'm saving that for my next blog article.
good to know before you go
Do I need a visa?
If you are a European citizen like I am, you will need a tourist visa to visit India. Thankfully, the government recently introduced e-visas, which make the process so much easier! You just need to fill a few forms online and you're good to go. Prices vary depending on your nationality. NB: Don't get scammed! Make sure to buy it from this website and not any other site!
Do I need vaccination?
You won't need malaria shots if you are visiting Rajhastan only. However, if you are planning a road trip to different parts of India, check with a doctor.
What should I pack?
- Toilet paper! (This may make you laugh but you will thank me later!) Many restaurants, etc don't actually offer toilet paper, and when they do, it's the tiniest rolls, which they take forever to replace (even in hotels...) I can still see you laugh! Just trust me on this one.
- Mosquito spray (especially if you are visiting Rajhastan during monsoons)
- Clothes to cover up (which brings me to my next point)
- Cash (in your currency) You are unable to purchase rupees outside of India. Make sure to have some cash on you to be able to exchange it for rupees once you are in India.
What to wear in India?
Boys, you can wear pretty much anything you like. Girls, avoid anything short! Remember that Indian and european standards are different. My first trip, I packed shorts (which honestly weren't that short at all on European standards... but got some weird looks, from women!) so I learned from my mistakes and brought long skirts for my second trip. It can get really hot so go for light materials. After asking my local friends how to dress respectfully in India, this is what I learned:
1. Don't show your legs.
2.Try to cover up your shoulders.
3. You are completely fine walking around in a crop top: that won't shock anyone.
Note you will need to cover your arms and cleavage if you visit temples, I recommend packing a scarf in your bag which you can use to cover up when needed.
Rules to follow to avoid getting sick
- Don't drink tap water (only bottled water)
- When you buy a bottle of water, make sure you are the one to open it first (some bottles are refilled with tap water and then sold to tourists!)
- Don't eat fruit without them with filtered water first
- Don't eat street food (as tempting as it may be!)
- Only eat from places that are recommended by guide books / travel blogs / travel agencies...
- Eat a lot of yoghurt (Lassis or Raita) in the first few days of your trip
- Don't be afraid to ask waiters/restaurants to make the food less spicy
- When in doubt, go for the vegetarian option
When to visit Udaipur?
If you are a European citizen like I am, you will need a tourist visa to visit India. Thankfully, the government recently introduced e-visas, which make the process so much easier! You just need to fill a few forms online and you're good to go. Prices vary depending on your nationality. NB: Don't get scammed! Make sure to buy it from this website and not any other site!
Do I need vaccination?
You won't need malaria shots if you are visiting Rajhastan only. However, if you are planning a road trip to different parts of India, check with a doctor.
What should I pack?
- Toilet paper! (This may make you laugh but you will thank me later!) Many restaurants, etc don't actually offer toilet paper, and when they do, it's the tiniest rolls, which they take forever to replace (even in hotels...) I can still see you laugh! Just trust me on this one.
- Mosquito spray (especially if you are visiting Rajhastan during monsoons)
- Clothes to cover up (which brings me to my next point)
- Cash (in your currency) You are unable to purchase rupees outside of India. Make sure to have some cash on you to be able to exchange it for rupees once you are in India.
What to wear in India?
Boys, you can wear pretty much anything you like. Girls, avoid anything short! Remember that Indian and european standards are different. My first trip, I packed shorts (which honestly weren't that short at all on European standards... but got some weird looks, from women!) so I learned from my mistakes and brought long skirts for my second trip. It can get really hot so go for light materials. After asking my local friends how to dress respectfully in India, this is what I learned:
1. Don't show your legs.
2.Try to cover up your shoulders.
3. You are completely fine walking around in a crop top: that won't shock anyone.
Note you will need to cover your arms and cleavage if you visit temples, I recommend packing a scarf in your bag which you can use to cover up when needed.
Rules to follow to avoid getting sick
- Don't drink tap water (only bottled water)
- When you buy a bottle of water, make sure you are the one to open it first (some bottles are refilled with tap water and then sold to tourists!)
- Don't eat fruit without them with filtered water first
- Don't eat street food (as tempting as it may be!)
- Only eat from places that are recommended by guide books / travel blogs / travel agencies...
- Eat a lot of yoghurt (Lassis or Raita) in the first few days of your trip
- Don't be afraid to ask waiters/restaurants to make the food less spicy
- When in doubt, go for the vegetarian option
When to visit Udaipur?
We have been to Udaipur twice: the first time in low season (July), the second time was high season (February).
Low Season: The monsoons had just started. I was expecting heavy showers, but in two weeks in Rajhastan, we only experienced light rain. It was always slightly cloudy (which is not ideal for pictures) but still very hot and humid. Fun fact: Our friends in India would check the weather forecast and say "The weather is going to be good tomorrow!" That actually meant it was going to RAIN! Rajhastan is so dry that the locals count the days to Monsoon season. Although June/July/august aren't the best time to go, you will still have a great time. Heavy showers are mainly experienced in the South of India.
High Season: Blue skies everyday! The temperature was around 25 degrees C. everyday. NB: I found that I would get sunburnt way quicker than in Europe... bring hats and sunscreen! The temperature would seriously go down at night, down to 8 degrees C. (Bring a jacket!) This is definitely the best time to visit Rajhastan.
Low Season: The monsoons had just started. I was expecting heavy showers, but in two weeks in Rajhastan, we only experienced light rain. It was always slightly cloudy (which is not ideal for pictures) but still very hot and humid. Fun fact: Our friends in India would check the weather forecast and say "The weather is going to be good tomorrow!" That actually meant it was going to RAIN! Rajhastan is so dry that the locals count the days to Monsoon season. Although June/July/august aren't the best time to go, you will still have a great time. Heavy showers are mainly experienced in the South of India.
High Season: Blue skies everyday! The temperature was around 25 degrees C. everyday. NB: I found that I would get sunburnt way quicker than in Europe... bring hats and sunscreen! The temperature would seriously go down at night, down to 8 degrees C. (Bring a jacket!) This is definitely the best time to visit Rajhastan.
things to do in udaipur
Udaipur old city
Get lost in the busy old city. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, spices,...!
You should visit the main temple, Make sure to remove your shoes before walking in, and don't get scammed by the man trying to make you pay to "watch your shoes"! and walk down the the waterside.
You should visit the main temple, Make sure to remove your shoes before walking in, and don't get scammed by the man trying to make you pay to "watch your shoes"! and walk down the the waterside.
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city palace
The City Palace is the main attraction in Udaipur, and well worth a visit (which will take you about half a day).
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monsoon palace
We didn't have time to visit Monsoon Palace during our first trip in Udaipur... We almost didn't go the second time, but I am so glad we did! This was one of the highlights of the trip, and I strongly recommend you save some time to check it out! Monsoon Palace is located right at the top of a hill/mountain, which means the view from there is breathtaking, especially at sunset! If you want to see monkeys, this is also the place to go! (Although don't expect to visit a well kept palace... you are going for the view!) It's quite far from the city, so you will have to get a taxi or a tuktuk to the entry of the "park" (bottom of the hill) where you will buy a ticket, and a car will take you to the top, and bring you back down after sunset (expect to queue!)
Monsoon Palace at sunset
February 2017 |
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boat ride on lake pichola
We did a private boat tour which was arranged by our hotel (Udai Kothi). Beautiful at sunset!
Boat ride on lake pichola from Chloë Langer on Vimeo.
Where to stay in udaipur
During our time in Udaipur, we got to try several hotels, and these were our favourites.
Udai Kothi
This is a hidden gem! The location is perfect: 5 minutes walk from the old town (on the other side of the bridge) and less than 2 minutes walk from all our favourite restaurants! The hotel looks like an old Indian palace. There is a rooftop pool which is gorgeous and very clean. To top it off, the staff is absolutely lovely. There is a restaurant on the roof which serves delicious food by the pool (See "Where to eat"). Breakfast was a large buffet offering fresh fruit, smoothies, lassies, yoghurt, pastries, and there were two chefs who could make omelettes or pancakes for you. We stayed in a Super Deluxe Double Room which was beautiful and had a huge bath tub! The hotel can arrange transportation for you, and there are always tuk tuks waiting outside the hotel.
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Raj Kuber
We were the first customers to stay at this brand new hotel. Located in a quiet part of Udaipur, this is perfect if you are looking to get away from the noise. Our room was one of the most beautiful I have every stayed in (picture doesn't do it justice).... made me feel like an Indian princess! We checked in late at night so hadn't realised how breathtaking the view was. We didn't even need to get out of bed to admire the most amazing view of Udaipur! (first picture) There is a beautiful rooftop pool, and sunbeds. Where you can sunbathe and take in the view.
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swaroop villas
We stayed in this hotel for a night during our first trip to Udaipur. The rooms were absolutely beautiful, and so was the pool!
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Where to eat in udaipur
Upre (lake pichola hotel)
This is my favourite restaurant in Udaipur. The food is very good, but the atmosphere, is the most magical of all! Right on the lake and candle lit... you just have to experience it for yourself!
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Hari garh
Our favourite lunch spot! This restaurant is located right across Udai Kothi. Probably the best value for money in Udaipur: cheap, huge portions, super comfortable seating! (Try the tandoori chicken, and the chicken tikka masala)
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Udai kothi
Bet you saw this one coming! Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can come in for lunch or dinner. I recommend the butter chicken!
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Ambrai
One of the most famous restaurants in Udaipur. Again, although the food is very good, you will want to dine at Ambrai for the view, the atmosphere, the experience.
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Oladar village cafe
Check out this brand new restaurant for lunch. Loved both the food and the decor!
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If you have been to Udaipur and tried any of these places, I would love to hear your thoughts! Don't hesitate to comment with any questions, or other hotels, restaurants, activities you would also recommend!
