The Venice of the East (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
The Incredible India 5-years before Covid-19 (Part 8)
Udaipur is famous for its lakes and a destination for travelers who love history and architecture.
Not only that, this “romantic” city even became a setting to many Bollywood movies, as well as in the 13th James Bond film, Octopussy!
It was pretty easy to wander around the city center of Udaipur – the most interesting places to visit are situated right there.
Udaipur City Palace
The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and was erected in the mid-1500s.
This palace was built in granite and marble, with a blend of Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture!
<<<SWIPE>>>
Visit the city Palace for only ₹300 ($4)!
Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
Just 3-kilometers away from the City Palace, you’ll see the Museum Bagore Ki Haveli. “Haveli” means a “mansion”, in Arabic.
This haveli was built in the 18th-century as a symbol of power and prestige. It even has more than 130 rooms!
Visit the Museum Bagore Ki Haveli for only ₹100 ($1.3)!
Gangaur Ghat
Right next to Bagore Ki Haveli Museum is the Gangaur Ghat, and it’s one of the main ghats of Udaipur.
A century later, after the Bagore Ki Haveli was constructed, the Tripolia gate (three-arch gate) was built by Maharaja Shakti Singh.
An annual festival is celebrated here in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The streets of Udaipur or as most streets of India are busy, so walking on the Gangaur Ghat was peaceful and pleasant. A lot of people recommend watching the sunset over here too!
Jagdish Temple
You should definitely not miss this 79-feet high marble temple that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu just right in the middle of the city.
Its walls and tower are decorated with detailed carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life, and figurines of nymphs.
The Jagdish Temple was constructed in 1651 and an estimated ₹1.5 million (about $22,000) was spent to construct the temple at that time!
You need to take 32 steep marble steps to reach the temple. Sigh!
Jagdish temple is free of charge!
Mansapurna Karni Ropeway
We also had a cable car ride at the Mansapurna Karni Ropeway to have a better look at the whole city.
You’ll see the whole city light up at night. The golden color of the lights at the City Palace made it look majestic too. It was indeed romantic to see the city from above!
This is ‘AdityaSthan- #LakePichola through the eyes of Aditya’.
— Rajasthan Tourism (@my_rajasthan) February 20, 2018
Aditya Sandhya beautifully enhanced the night view from #KarniMata in #Udaipur through his spectacular click.
Please share your videos/images at rajasthan.featuresthan@gmail.com.#FeatureSthan #JaaneKyaDikhJaye pic.twitter.com/VPQru8VvfA
I’m pretty sure that we’ve missed visiting few places, please share what other places in Udaipur that are worth a visit!
Where we stayed
We stayed at Hotel Ramnivas which is only 2km away from the City Palace and 1.5km away from the train station. We think it’s a great location for its price! They only charge ₹300-₹400 ($4.10-$5.40) per night.
How to get to Udaipur
By Train
Take a train to Udaipur City railway station (Station code: UDZ) which is right in the city center.
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
By Air
Maharana Pratap Airport is about 27km away from the city center. Prepaid taxis are available near the arrival gate and city buses are outside the terminal.
Time to pack up and go to the blue city
Disclaimer:
We’re not sure if the hotels and restaurants in the blog are still open due to Covid-19.
Please help us know by writing in the comment box
Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to support them if ever you visit India as we enjoyed their warm hospitality!
