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Udaipur to Mt. Abu: 4 days of the Indian Romance

udaipur to mount abu - streettrotter

Think Rajasthan, think grand! One of the best tourist attractions in India, this is the to-be-in destination if you wish to see the royalty that makes India magnificent. The culture and rich heritage that you’ll get to witness here will leave you completely mesmerized. Udaipur, also known as the ‘White City’, is one of the main reasons for the appeal it has. Founded in 1559, this city is located in the Aravalli Ranges and exemplifies a rich history.

It is called the ‘Venice of the East’ and the ‘City of Lakes’, and for good reason. This four day trip gives you a chance to delve deeper into its opulence and enjoy the beautiful architectural marvels along with the picturesque lakes that fill the city.

Note: The best time to visit Udaipur is during its winter months (anytime between the months of September to March), as you wouldn’t want to be caught sightseeing in the scorching summers or during the monsoon rains.

Day 01: Arrive at Udaipur 

After you’ve reached Udaipur, you can check-in into one of the many heritage properties or the other cultural hotels in the city. Once you’ve settled into a hotel and eaten to your heart’s content, prepare yourself for a glimpse of the royal Rajput life. The hotel will definitely offer you a sightseeing package which you can opt for or go ahead and make a pick of the places you want to visit yourself.

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City Palace, Udaipur

Whatever you choose, you cannot afford to miss out on the City Palace! Located on the East bank of the Pichola Lake, the view from atop is breathtaking. It has several palaces within its complex – 11 to be precise, which means 3-4 hours of walking. It’s the perfect place to begin if you want to see the Rajput and the Mughal architecture. Getting a guide will be a good idea for a detailed tour of the palace.

You can then head to the famous Pichola Lake which was built by a gypsy tribesman in 1362 A.D. The lake is calmingly beautiful and best visited during sunset. With green hills serving as the backdrop, the lake looks stunning in the evening hours with the dim sunlight illuminating its waters. The Lake Palace that is situated in the center has now been converted to a stunning heritage hotel. Don’t forget your cameras to capture this bewitching beauty.

The Lake Palace - streettrotter
The Lake Palace – Photo Credits: Nico Crisafulli (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicocrisafulli/)

You can then head to the hotel or try the Ambrai Restaurant that is located close to the lake itself.  If you’re a foodie willing to try out some Rajasthani delicacies, then the traditional Dal Bati Churma is a must try. Some dinner and a good night’s sleep should get you ready for the long day tomorrow.

Day 02: Sightseeing galore

After you’ve made your tummy happy with some good mouth watering breakfast, sightseeing of the regal city awaits you. Start the day with a visit to the Fateh Sagar Lake which gave Udaipur another nickname – ‘Second Kashmir’. Its placid blue waters will soothe you while the three little islands around just add to the beautiful landscape. The speed boat ride is absolutely thrilling and will make you the happiest if you’re a photographer.

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Saheliyon ki Bari – Photo Credits: Amaury Laporte (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alaporte/)

Post that, head to the Saheliyon ki Bari which is known for its lush greenery, marble art and scenic fountains. You can then have lunch at Hukam, which is situated very close. Later make a move to the Kumbalgarh Fort, the birth place of Maharana Pratap. It gives you a magnificent view from atop and involves a lot of walking and climbing, so make sure you have enough water with you. You’ll get to watch a splendid sunset, followed by the famous light and sound show. You can stay the night here if you wish to or head back to your hotel in Udaipur for a restful night.

Day 03: Soak in all the culture

On your third day, the first place to visit would be the Maharan Pratap Memorial, which is situated atop the Pearl Hill on the banks of Fateh Sagar. There you can find a life-size statue of Maharana Pratap sitting on his favorite horse. If you’re a history buff, this is a must-visit place for you. The last place to visit in Udaipur is the Bagore Ki Haveli. Dating back to the 18th century, this place displays mesmerizing glass work and intricate carvings. A tour of the mural paintings, Rajput collections and the inner rooms of the royalties will leave you drowning in the richness of that era. The museum closes by 5:30, after which you can stay back for the traditional dance and puppet shows that Udaipur is famous for.

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Bagore Ki Haveli – Photo Credits: Molesworth II (https://www.flickr.com/photos/molesworth2/)

Later in the evening, pack your bags and take that beautiful drive to Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. Located about four hours away, the hill station is situated at an altitude of 1200 mt. also known as the ‘Oasis in the Desert’. This place will leave you completely transfixed with its lush green hills, rich flora and fauna and the peace that it is most celebrated for. Take your time and settle into the hotel and call it a day-well-spent.

Day 04: Love is in the air

Being one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centers in the country, Mount Abu has beautifully structured temples in abundance. But more than that, it is one of the most romantic places in Rajasthan. Renting a two-wheeler for the day would be a good idea to start the day with.

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Dilwara Jain Temples – Photo Credits: Rakhee (https://www.flickr.com/photos/olderock/)

Visit the famous Dilwara Jain Temples, which is a group of many remarkably made Jain temples. The carvings on the walls are so fine, that the marble almost becomes transparent in some places. Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous Jain temples in the region. Once you’re done taking in all the architectural beauty, drive to the Guru Shikar, the highest point in the Aravalli Range and a must visit for photography and trekking lovers. The climate, the temple and the giant brass bell outside is a major attraction.

After breathing in all the nature, head to the Nakki Lake which is located in the heart of the hill station. Legend goes that it was scooped out by a God with one nakh (nail), hence, the name.  Gandhi’s ashes immersed in the lake and the Gandhi Ghat was then built alongside. You can shop for beautiful silver jeweler in the adjoining market; just make sure you bargain. And while you’re at it, try out some of the local ice cream in the area.

You can take a peaceful boat ride in the lake but make sure you are done at least two hours before sunset, because the Sunset Point awaits. This enchanting place lies to the southwest of the Nakki Lake which will give you a lovely view of the entire mountain valley and the entire lake. You’ll have to walk a bit, so don’t carry much except water and least necessities. Once you reach, all you have to do is to take in all the natural beauty the place has to offer. The temperature drops in the evening sky and you’ll feel at peace as the sun descends in the sky.

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Nakki Lake – Photo Credits: Koshy Koshy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kkoshy/)

Remember to enjoy the Rajasthani or even Gujarati cuisine here for dinner. It’s totally worth it. Sadly enough, it is now time for the trip to end and as much as you would love to stay back, the four days are up. You may stay back another night or leave after dinner, as your heart desires. So lets bid our farewells as this is where ‘Udaipur to Mount Abu’ comes to an end. Click ahead for more details on various other Rajasthan Tour Packages. 


This article is a guest-post by Deepika Singhania who works with Holidify.com, a platform to discover holiday options and weekend getaways from Delhi and other places in India. 


 

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StreetTrotter is a Travel, Culture & Lifestyle blog, inspiring people everyday with real stories to look good and travel even better. Founded in 2012 by Shraddha Gupta, Founder & COO, this space is all about experiencing new things in life, be it a daring mountain trek, a frugal backpacking trip, a runway look made local, or simply anything that scares you enough to live a little more deeper.

    1. And I luckily have been there more than twice. Loved the place every time I visited, and specially ending the trip in Mount Abu. I have a thing for those Jain temples I guess.

    1. You are sure missing something if you haven’t been. Make a trip soon and avoid going in summers for sure. You can plan it longer too, adding more places – it an easy 10 day destination.

    1. Please do. And do visit. You will be surprised how developed India is as compared to the perception of it abroad. Not only a budget destination, but you can actually splurge and have a luxury holiday in India! I hope you guys get to see it and your husband falls in love with it too 🙂

  1. I love elaborately decorated buildings! I loved the Alhambra, and I’m pretty sure, judging from the photos, that I’d love the Dilwara Jain Temples as well. I’m sure I’d enjoy all the other places mentioned as well. India is such a fascinating country!

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