Udaipur: The most Romantic City in India
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We have made it to Rajasthan and it is everything that we ever imagined India to be. Arriving at the bus station on a cool morning, we were greeted by a friendly man named Jamil. We always have our backs up against the wall when we arrive in a new town. Rickshaw drivers can be little schemers and we never know who to trust.
Jamil seemed nice, he quoted us a fair price to take us to the lake and he was friendly. We loaded in our bags and off we went. As we drove he handed us his book from many satisfied customers. We have seen this form of advertising before and it is an excellent idea. People had amazing things to say about him and for the 6 days that we were in Udaipur, he became a great friend and we are so glad that we got in that Rickshaw on that first day at the bus station.
We knew right away that we were going to love Udaipur.
The Sprawling City of Udaipur
Known as one of the most romantic cities in India, it is breathtaking to look at.
Situated on Lake Pichola, buildings fit for a Maharana rise from the water with architecture dating back to the 1500’s. Domed rooftops and arched windows make for a storybook setting. Days can be spent lounging on a bed with big cushions over looking the ghats (steps leading to the water) and daily life. Tourists dine on balconies and roof top patios as they overlook the cityscape of pastel yellows and creams.
The city’s main attraction is the City Palace, former home to the 19 Maharaja’s of Mewar.
It is an imposing palace. Giant and beautiful. The buildings blending beautifully with one another.
It is so beautiful that Udaipur was used as the setting for the movie Octopussy. I can still remember the scene in the movie where James Bond stays at a hotel in the middle of the water. I always wondered where such luxury could be sure enough it is right in the middle of Lake Pichola at the Lake Palace Hotel. An absolutely stunning site of white decadence in the middle of this fairy tale setting.
Lake Palace at night
We stayed on the other side of the lake at Hanuman Ghat and I highly recommend this location. It is far less busy and quieter than the main old city side. It offers magnificent views of the Old Town however and if you make your way to the far southern pier for sunset you will witness the most stunning view in town. As the sun goes down, the palace lights up and the lights of it and the city reflect in the water making for incredible photographs.
A man walks the ghats of this pier nightly. Chaupin (I think that is how he spelled his name) a retired teacher paces and does his excersizes daily at sunset as he waits for his temple to open. Have a chat with him. He is friendly and can offer excellent information about what is going on in town.
It was from him that we learned all about the two festivals that went on while we were in Udaipur. But you will have to wait for a day or two to find out about them.
Things To Do
Other sites include touring the City Palace, taking a boat ride out to the islands, seeing the God statues of Ganesh, Vishnu and Garuda at Jagdesh temple, dining at a rooftop restaurant and relaxing at Lakeshore Guest House’s chill lounge on cushions and beds while looking over the river and enjoying conversations.
For now we leave you enjoying views of this wonderful city in Rajasthan India that a person can find themselves spending too long in. The people are too nice to leave and you feel that you have not only met some people on your travels, you feel that you have made a friend.
Washing on the Ghats of Udaipur
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Information
- 75 Rs for Rickshaw from bus station to town
- Accommodation-600 Rs for large room with hot shower at Lakeshore Guest House
- You can watch Octopussy anywhere at 7:00 pm and relive your childhood obsession with Roger Moore’s James Bond (or is that just me?)
- make sure to get a room where the windows can close. We only had screens in our windows overlooking the lake. It was safe, but noisy. Women beat their clothes daily and it is like a loud tennis match going on all day long. Plus the mosques and temples can be very loud.
- City Palace charges 200 Rs for Video and camera’s, entrance fee is 25 Rs.
- 1 USD = 44 Rs
20 Responses to Udaipur: The most Romantic City in India
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we definitely found udaipur to be an amazing place to be. the moonsoon palace and the hill with the cable car are also great for sunset views. if you want to get a boat trip around the lake go behind the city palace and its way cheaper to get a boat than if you get it in the palace. loves it
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Your photos (great night images!) and description bring back good memories. Udaipur was one of our favorite places in India. We absolutely loved the markets there. I’m not sure if you’re still in Udaipur, but consider taking a cooking class with Shashi (you can find her below Sunrise Restaurant). We learned a lot about the fundamentals of Indian cooking and she has an incredible story.
Sounds like you’re having a great time! Enjoy!
.-= Audrey´s last blog ..The Trip That Was a Bitch: Scratching the Curiosity Itch in Paraguay =-.
Wow!! Absolutely breathtaking! Love the sunset picture!
.-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..San Diego With Kids – Reuben H. Fleet Science Center =-.
Your pictures make me want to pack my bags and leave chilly N.America right now for Udaipur! I’ve had my eye on staying at the Lake Palace for years – that’s another thing to save up for after this trip. Love the sunny photo of the women by the lake. Deb, have you gotten yourself a colourful floaty sari yet?
.-= Yi Lin´s last blog ..Buzios By Bardot =-.
I simply loved Udaipur as well – such a charming little city and, like Audrey, I found the markets and maze of tiny streets a lot of fun
And this was really where I began to fall in love with the friendly Indian people (it was early in my trip) – I also had, hands down, the best meal of the whole trip there…and that’s saying a lot because I *loved* the food in India! 
.-= Shannon OD´s last blog ..A Little Question…Should You Start Your Own Travel Blog Before Your Trip? =-.
oh wow! it’s really beautiful, i missed it when i went to india…
would definitely go there!!!
thanks for sharing…
.-= flip´s last blog ..Four Things You should Do in India =-.
Looks gorgeous! I thought there was something familiar about it until I read it was the setting in Octopussy. The palace photograph is simply enchanting.
.-= Gourmantic´s last blog ..Marroni Memories in Padova =-.
Wow, what amazing photos! I agree with Yi Lin – they make me want to pack my bags and head off to Udaipur right away! And I too want to know if you’ve gotten a sari yet – they’re so colorful I would be tempted to get a lot of them.
.-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..Interview: Susan Farewell, Travel Writer and Author =-.
Great pics! It looks absolutely stunning. Reading your posts has made me seriously consider changing our first stop from Italy to India.
@theplanetd Udaipur: Get Your Love On – The most Romantic City in India http://bit.ly/5rxa7T
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Somewhere In Time – Graveyard Musicians =-.
Haha Bethany, I would stick to Italy! India is interesting but very difficult at times. Italy would be heavenly. I would love to go there!
There’s just something cool about Rajasthan. A little desolate, but tons of history. I have to say it’s at the top of my Must-Do India list.
Keep blogging! I’m living through you guys at the moment.
Garrett,
Udaipur is amazing and ranks up there as our favorite in India. Don’t miss it!
Udaipur was one of my favorite spots in India. I can’t wait to go back.
.-= Johnny Vagabond´s last blog ..Please Vote and Help Me Win a Trip to Costa Rica! =-.
I agree, Udaipur is still up there as our favorite place in India.
is very beautiful places and udhayapur city i am a wonder full cities
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hay i love the picture i have lived in the palace for 18 years the city is unforgetable where every you go
I love india. I went to Kerala last year, best holiday of my life.
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Hey Alex, we agree Kerala is great!