0208 843 4444
If India, as a holiday destination, has long been on your mind, chances are you have heard about the grandeur and beauty of Udaipur, popularly referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. One of the most romantic cities in India, Udaipur is stunning at the very first look. Its lakes, temples, forts and palaces are all part of its inescapable charm as are its glorious sunsets, its tranquil boat rides as well as its bustling bazaars. Exploring Udaipur, in all its magnificence in just one day, is a task that cannot avoid injustice being done to this marvellous city. However, our guide below will ensure that you are witness to at least the most fascinating aspects of Udaipur’s charm after having deboarded flights to India:
Pay Respects at the Jagadish Temple
Start your day in Udaipur by visiting the Jagdish Temple, the largest temple in the city and a place of great religious significance to the Hindus here. Built in 1651 and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple remains unmatched in its admirable architecture and grandeur. The morning aarti (prayer) is the best time to visit as number of devotees makes their way to the temple and the atmosphere is rendered spiritual and serene by their chanting and prayers.
Visit the Udaipur City Palace
The largest of all palaces in the city, the Udaipur City Palace is a jewel that must feature next on your list of desirable places of visit in Udaipur. Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, the palace is astounding in the magnificence of its architecture, which is inspired from both Rajasthani and Mughal styles of design. Drawing crowds in large number, the palace also made an international appearance in the 1983 James Bond movie Octopussy. The entry ticket to the palace costs 30.
Explore Bagore ki Haveli
The stunning 18th century haveli, on the edge of Gangaur Ghat, is one of the most beautiful sights you will lay your eyes on in Udaipur. The 138 rooms of the haveli all come attached to spacious courtyards and are a reflection of life as it was lead in the yesteryear days. The haveli has different sections that host historical and cultural displays including a weaponry section, a puppet museum as well as a turban museum. The section displaying a royal Indian wedding through beautiful 3D models is one of the most exciting for most tourists. The museum remains open from 10 am to 5:30 pm and the entry ticket to the museum costs 25.
Have Lunch at the Local Restaurant
As you might have walked a lot by this time, you must stop at a local restaurant to satisfy those hunger pangs. The Rajasthani cuisine is known world over for the richness and fine flavours of its soul-quenching dishes and it’s now time for you to experience it firsthand. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include Tribute, Ambrai in Amet Haveli, Kabab Mistri, Steam Restaurant as well as 1559 AD. The dishes that you must look out for on the menu include ‘dal baati churma’, ‘gatte ki subzi’, ‘Laal maans’ and ‘Bajra ki roti with lasun chutney’.
A Boat Ride over the Lake Pichola
Now that you have spent the day exploring, it is time to ride a boat over the Lake Pichola and to sit back and watch the sun setting over the placid waters of this beautiful lake. In the distance, you will be able to see the spectacular City Palace, Bagore ki Haveli as well as Jag Mandir Palace, and as the day turns into the night, your surroundings will be illuminated so as to create spectacle so beautiful that it will be etched in your memory for years to come.