Udaipur Hotels
Unbelievable Udaipur
With all the splendour of ancient India and the self-confidence of a Bond film, Udaipur lures up-market Westerners like mosquitoes to the lights of City Palace. It provided the backdrop for 1983’s Octopussy, but Udaipur’s inhabitants probably couldn’t care less about Fleming’s fictional spy. Simple and friendly, they are far more concerned with valour, chivalry and their city’s heroic past. ... Read more »
Your experience of the ‘City of Lakes’ (and of palaces, gardens, forts, temples and mountains) is somewhat determined by weather. Little Swaroop Sagar Lake can look more like a muddy quarry when monsoons are sparse, but the Aravalli Range and Jagat and Ranakpur temples don’t rely on massive rains for their majestic appearance. Whatever time of year you visit, you won’t wonder why Udaipur has been called the ‘Venice of the East’. Most good romances take a little work, but this one is pretty smooth sailing.
UDAIPUR’S TOP 10
10. Udaipur Solar Observatory There’s enough to see on the ground in Udaipur, but this is the best solar observing site in Asia. |
5. Bagore Ki Haveli A small museum explaining Indian life through dance, music and even scenes from the Kama Sutra. The mosquitoes and bats are all part of the experience. |
9. Monsoon Palace After the 4km (2.5mi) hike up to this ancient castle and lookout, you’ll understand why they serve cold coffee at the top. |
4. Jain Temple Finding your way out of this labyrinthine temple is made harder by the fact that none of its 1,444 white ivory columns are carved the same way. |
8. Lake Pichola Some of the peripheral areas are rather dry, but seen from the balcony of a nearby restaurant at night it’s everything you imagined it would be. |
3. Sashi’s Cooking Classes After joining Sashi for a delicious culinary experience in her home, you’ll never eat takeaway butter chicken again. |
7. Eklingji Temple Over 1,300 years old and still in use. It’s worth running the unsettling gauntlet of beggars for. |
2. Fateh Sagar Lake This artificial lake with its three inner islands looks amazing – and provides jobs to 60 per cent of the population. |
6. Machla Magra Skip the overpriced tuk-tuk ride and hike to the bottom of the cable car that will whisk you up to unmatched views. |
1. Udaipur City Palace This wonder features majestic interiors as packed with inner courts and palaces as Udaipur is with rich Westerners. |
UDAIPUR EVENTS
Spring is welcomed with religious fervour at the Mewar Festival, a two-day celebration of dance, music and fireworks in March/April.
In April, Udaipur’s women play dress-ups with the idols of Gangaur before placing them in boats and sailing them into the sea.
May’s Mount Abu Festival is marked by traditional music and dance, plus a boat race over Nakki Lake.
Westerners love the hand-woven clothes and camel-leather items at Shilpgram Crafts Fair in November/December.
As if City Palace wasn’t already drenched in enough lights, the three-day festival of Diwali illuminates it with an extravagant fireworks display in October/November.
WHEN TO GO
- Udaipur in summer is hot and humid.
- The monsoon period lasts from late-July through to September, though rainfall is rarely excessive.
- In winter, daytime temperatures still stay well above 22°C (72°F).
GETTING AROUND
- Most of the main sites around Lake Pichola can be explored by foot. Auto rickshaw is another option – just be careful if you’re female and travelling to distant locations alone.
- Taxis are needed to visit further-flung places like Monsoon Palace. Rates depend on levels of luxury.
- Bicycles are common in Udaipur and can be hired all over the city.
HotelClub Blog
The Seven Most Impressive Palaces in India
« HideAnjani Hotel Udaipur
2 Stars$50
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Haveli Anjani Ji 77 Gangour Ghat Marg Udaipur Rajasthan 313001
Offering a favourable location and relaxing atmosphere, Anjani Hotel r is the right choice of accommodation, while vis... More hotel details
Garden Hotel Udaipur
2 Stars$104
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Gulab Bagh Road Opposite Sajjan Niwas Garden Udaipur Rajasthan 313001
Built in colonial style, Garden Hotel Udaipur is a great place to stay and experience the heritage of the city. Recogn... More hotel details
Shikarbadi Hotel Udaipur
3 Stars$136
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Goverdhan Vilas Udaipur Rajasthan 313 001
Offering warm welcome and high standards of accommodation, this traditional property is an ideal place for a comfortab... More hotel details
Cambay Spa & Resort Udaipur
4 Stars$113
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Plot No 439 - 442 Bhamas Industrial Area RICCO Kaladwas Udaipur Rajasthan 313004
Set against a scenic backdrop, the Cambay Spa & Resort Udaipur offers luxurious accommodation with impeccable service.... More hotel details
$710
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Lake Pichola Udaipur Rajasthan 313 001
Visitors will feel like honoured guests of the maharaja at this exquisite white marble palace that seems to float maje... More hotel details
Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur
5 Stars$861
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City Palace Complex Udaipur Rajasthan 313001
Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur offers homely atmosphere and comfortable accommodation with quality services. It is the r... More hotel details
$287
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Near Fateh Sagar Lake Ambamata Udaipur Rajasthan 313001
Situated on the banks of ancient Fateh Sagar Lake, Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort and Spa provides great ambience and ... More hotel details
Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur
5 Stars$317
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The City Palace Complex Udaipur Rajasthan 313 001
Offering comfortable accommodation and quality services, this property is an ideal place for a pleasant and enjoyable ... More hotel details
$598
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Opposite Fateh Sagar Lake Udaipur Rajasthan 313004
With exceptional service and facilities, The Lalit Laxmi Villas Palace Udaipur is perfect for a special weekend getawa... More hotel details
$553
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Lake Pichola Udaipur Rajasthan 313001
Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur is one of the best luxurious hotels in Rajasthan, India. Situated at the rich cultural ... More hotel details
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