One silver lining of the pandemic? Consumers are doubling down on sustainability. It’s predicted travelers will take on the role of “concerned citizens” demanding responsible travel policies. The industry will respond with active measures to prioritize a healthy world over profit margins. Don’t be surprised if countries mandate ‘fly-free days’ and other measures to control climate change.Travelers can make a difference in small towns that were already struggling economically before the pandemic.
So, after the restrictions eased in India post pandemic we decided to go to the city of Lakes ” Udaipur “.It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This ‘Venice of the East’ has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. Everyday travel rules for entering Udaipur during pandemic is changing.During my time no nagative covid report was required (13th Dec 2020- 15th Dec 2020) but it may change any time.
You can reach Udaipur by flight, road or railways.We traveled by road from our city Vadodara to Udaipur.Several people prefer not to fly to Udaipur, especially if they are coming from cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, etc. It is easy enough to reach Udaipur by road from within Rajasthan. However, you may also drive to the city from other cities like Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad and even Mumbai.
Do note these distances if you are travelling to Udaipur in your own car or bus:
From Delhi: 663 km
From Ahmedabad: 252 km
From Agra: 637 km
From Mumbai: 760.5 km
If you are coming from outside Rajasthan and not from any of the cities mentioned above, then we suggest that you break your journey into two parts. Choose to fly to Delhi, Ahmedabad or Mumbai from your home town, and then drive to Udaipur from there (again, note the distances mentioned above to get an estimate of actual travel time from start to finish). This will save time and you will experience less fatigue as compared to a full road journey.
Be sure to use navigation tools like Google Maps to get the best routes.
The best time to visit Udaipur:
As mentioned above, most people head to Udaipur during the tourist season falling between October and March. This is also the most ideal time to visit this city, since the weather is quite pleasant. However, winter sets in earnest from December to February, so be prepared for chilly nights and foggy, cold mornings. However, you will love your time in Udaipur from October to end of November when the daytime and night time temperatures are quite pleasant. Check a comprehensive Udaipur travel guide for a list of recommended tourist spots, best time of the day to visit, what you can expect to see there, and other associated information. Since you are likely to be out all day exploring, mostly on foot, it is better to pack your bag with canvas shoes (look for thick rubber or cork soles), a sun hat, sunscreen lotion, and loose cotton clothing.
The best places to visit in Udaipur
Here’s our list of the top tourist spots and Things to do in Udaipur:
* Lake Pichola:
The man-made lake is one of the wonders of Udaipur. Boating on this lake is highly recommended. Many locals visit this area and sit on the banks of the lake awaiting sunrise, sipping on kulhads of chai or simply chatting with each other. The lake has a hill range on one side, and bathing ghats and several old palaces on the other. Peaceful and pretty, Lake Pichola will warm the cockles of your heart and calm your frazzled nerves.
* Ambrai Ghat:
Just like palaces and forts, Udaipur abounds in ghats and kunds. The Ambrai Ghat offers a beautiful view of Udaipur and is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in the city. It is located just outside the City Palace and is also close to the famous Hanuman Ghat. If you are in Udaipur with your partner, then you should certainly catch the mesmerising sunset at this ghat. If it’s some quality time you seek with your partner, then this is an important Udaipur tourist place.
* Jagdish Temple:
This is a majestic temple featuring splendid carvings and murals. As per Udaipur travel guides, it was built in 1961 by one of the last kings in the region, Maharana Jagat Singh. It has a black Lord Jagannath stone idol on its premises. The public throngs the temple every day, and particularly during the sunrise and sunset aartis. It is an essential Udaipur tourist place if you are spiritual or religious in nature.
* Eklingji Temple:
This curiously-named temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws lakhs of devotees every year during Shivratri. Boasting of a magnificent two-storey structure, it features a pyramidal roof and a carved tower – nobody quite knows how these un-Hindu elements made their way into the temple architecture. There is a series of steps leading to a lake located behind the temple.
* Jag Mandir Palace:
Every Udaipur travel guide lists the Jag Mohan Palace as a must-visit spot in the city – and with good reason. The Palace is a three-storey structure crafted out of yellow sandstone and marble, and it gleams like a flame in the night when the lights in the area are switched on. It features a majestic entrance depicting eight large elephants carved out of marble. It was built in the 1550s by the then Rajput rulers, but was later usurped by the Mughals. It is said that the emperor Shah Jahan used it as a hideout from his enemies.
* Bagore ki Haveli:
This is one of the grandest palaces in Udaipur, built to house a whopping 100 living quarters scaled lavishly. It dates back to the 18th Century and is located on Lake Pichola. The palace was used by the royal family, their ministers and companions, and also the domestic staff. It features airy courtyards, many terraces and pretty gardens. Also check out the intricate mirror work and frescos on the walls. Today, the palace is a remastered arts and crafts museum whose most famous element is the puppet gallery.
* Sajjangarh Palace:
On the subject of palaces, you might also want to visit this Udaipur tourist place named after its creator, Maharana Sajjan Singh. The king was a keen astronomer and commissioned this building to be built as the largest observatory of the country. The building indeed lives up to this vision: it is nine stories high and built entirely of stone. It is said that the building also had modern star gazing equipment. However, for reasons unknown, it was later refurbished and converted into a palace for the king and his household.
* Maharana Pratap Memorial:
This imposing memorial is dedicated to – and is conceptualised on – the brave Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap and his faithful steed Chetak. This significant Udaipur tourist place shows Maharana Pratap astride Chetak and ready to charge into battle. The statue is minutely detailed and is carved out of bronze. It was installed in the year 1948.
* Haldighati:
History remembers this site as the place where the bloody Haldighati battle was fought between Maharana Pratap and Raja Mansingh, the king of Amber province. The battle resulted in the death of the former and scores of officers and soldiers on both sides, along with several animals. The huge amount of bloodshed on the battlefield is said to have permanently stained the soil red. You will love the serenity and mystery of this important Udaipur tourist place.
* Doodh Talai Musical Garden:
It would appear that there is a garden or a public park in every corner of Udaipur – and you would be right. Part of this tradition of having the city decorated with public squares and gardens, the Doodh Talai Musical Garden is a garden comprising an interesting formation of rocks and fountains, interspersed with flowering plants. Sound and light shows take place here in the tourist season. Go look at it to tick off an important site of Udaipur tourism.
* Saheliyon Ki Bari:
Since you’re visiting the Garden City of Udaipur, do make a pit stop at the famous Saheliyon Ki Bari. Located on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake, the garden was created for the companions of the Maharana Sangram Singh’s queen after she got married to him. The maidens would use the garden away from prying male eyes – nobody was supposed to visit the vicinity when the Queen and her companions were using it.
* Mansapurna Karni Mata ropeway:
Away from the history and sedateness of Udaipur, head to the dazzling Karni Mata Temple at Doodh Talai for a thrilling cable car ride. Take a 5-minute cable car ride up the hill, starting at Deendayal Park and ending at the temple. The cable car offers panoramic views of the city, and you will be entranced by the sunset at the top. But get in line early or pay more to skip the queue – there is always a crowd waiting to try the cable cars, so the wait is long.
* Shilpgram:
Far from statues and monuments and gardens, is the little artists’ village of Shilpgram. The place is like a moving museum, showing the lifestyle and artistic culture of not just Rajasthani artisans, but those from Western India. It was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and it was built to create awareness about the lifestyles of tribal artisans and their work, most forms of which are now becoming obsolete. Shilpgram is located about 3 km from the city centre and is an important tourist attraction.
* Vintage Car Museum:
All lovers of old cars should make a stop for this unusual museum. It houses a sizeable collection of old and expensive cars, from Rolls Royces to Mercedes models. Most of the cars in the museum have been sourced from the stables of the erstwhile Mewar families of Udaipur, which were amongst the richest royal families in India. Many of the cars on display were custom-made for their owners, and you can study the plaques alongside to get more information on each car.
* Hathi Pol Bazar:
Our list of the best Udaipur tourist places would be incomplete if we did not include the famous Hathi Pol Bazaar. This market is a magnet for those looking for a variety of things to take back home: from colourful juttis to embroidered kurtas, and from junk jewellery to home décor items. If you have just a day free to yourself, we suggest you go to this market and indulge in some retail therapy.
Can you really travel without any risks during the Coronavirus outbreak?
Unfortunately, it’s not completely safe or risk-free to travel during the Coronavirus outbreak regardless of your age, health or the country you’re visiting. Although the mortality rate of people affected with the COVID-19 appears to be quite low, it’s recommended to avoid travelling as much as possible to prevent any chances of infection. That’s because people may return from a trip without any symptoms of the coronavirus or health issues, but they may still be infected and spread the virus to others. The following are some of the things to consider before you travel.