Easy Tourist Guide

Udaipur – the city of picturesque lakes, grand palaces, massive forts and beautiful temples, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and aptly known as the ‘Venice of East’. Udaipur is undoubtedly a dream destination for a romantic holiday. Every year, thousands of tourists come from all over the globe, especially Westerners, visit this romantic city. The flavour of romanticism surrounding Udaipur makes it a favourite marriage destination. Many celebrities from around the world got married in Udaipur. Americans and Europeans are so fascinated and obsessed by the beauty of Udaipur, that an online poll by Travel & leisure Magazine, in 2009 voted it as the world’s best city for travelers.

Where is Udaipur?

Udaipur – founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II is presently the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India.

About Udaipur

Udaipur – capital of the former princely state of Mewar is a picturesque city around azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers.
The historic city of Udaipur with patriotic fervour revealed in its forts and palaces, picturesque location in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains and three interconnected lakes makes it one of the most popular and favourite destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists. Regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the world, Udaipur witnesses large influx of foreign tourists from around the globe, throughout the year.
Captivating lakes, massive forts, aesthetic temples, museums, beautiful gardens, picturesque monuments are some of the snapshots that best describes Udaipur. Various colorful festivals of Udaipur allure tourists to visit the city. With numerous tourist excursions around Udaipur and so many sightseeing destinations in the city itself, tour to the romantic city of Udaipur would certainly become an unforgettable memory to cherish throughout life.

Sightseeing in and around Udaipur

City Palace – The splendid City Palace Complex, posing over the fascinatingand picturesque Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful palatial structures on the globe. The palace complex built entirely in granite and marble by Mahrana Uday Singh II rises 30 meters above Lake Pichola and extends up to 244 meters. The Palace Complex comprises of 11 wonderful palaces built by different rulers, museums, gardens and some exquisite temples. Present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.
This architectural marvel of Rajasthan is the most-visited and the most popular tourist attraction of Udaipur. From 1974 onwards a part of the City Palace and the ‘Zenana Mahal’ (Ladies Chamber) have been transformed into a museum for public viewing to have a glimpse of the Royal life. In the last few years, this palace has been transformed into a five-star hotel that is managed by Taj Group of Hotels. However, one can visit this palace without any hitch.

Considered to be one of the most romantic places on earth, the City Palace of Udaipur with imposing Aravalli Hills in the backdrop offers a heavenly view to the onlooker and creates a dream-like impression. The exquisite work of City Palace with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass is all set to amaze you and sent shiver down your spine.
Following is an account of the key destinations inside City Palace that are extremely popular among tourists :
Amar Vilas – It is the uppermost court inside the City Palace Complex with wonderful hanging gardens, towers and terraces. This pleasure pavilion reflects the richness and beauty of the Mughal style of architecture.
Badi Mahal – Also spelled as Bada Mahal, is the exotic garden palace situated on a 27 m high natural rock formation. With temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai and Shiva it is one of the most popular places inside the palace.
Fatehprakash Palace – This part of the City Palace complex has been transformed into a star category hotel inaccessible to visiting public. Unique jewel studded carpet, crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, beds, crockery, table fountains – reminiscent of the richness and glory of the royal past are its main attraction.
Krishna Vilas – This part of the City Palace is renowned all over the world for its rich collection of a unique form of painting, called miniature painting portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.
It is beyond our scope to describe all the places that one must visit inside City place Complex. Apart from the above mentioned places one must visit the wonderful Manak Mahal, Moti Mahal, Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Durbar Hall, Zenana Mahal, Rang Bhawan, Jagadish Temple, Shrine of Dhuni Mata.
Lakes of Udaipur – Romanticism of Udaipur is enhanced by the presence of a number of large and small artificial lakes in Udaipur. Lake Pichola, Udai Sagar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Rajsamand Lake and Jaisamand Lake are the five prominent lakes of Udaipur while, Doodh Talai, Badi Ka Talab and Kumharia Talab are the smaller lakes that form the part of watercourses in Udaipur and add to its kaleidoscope.
Lake Pichola – Undoubtedly the most beautiful and picturesque lake of Udaipur is lake Pichola. This artificial lake built in 1362 is the oldest lake of Udaipur and was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats. Two beautiful island palaces in the middle of the lake, now, known as Jag Niwas (popularly known as the Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir adds to the gleaming beauty of the lake. Tour of lake Pichola is considered to be incomplete without a boat ride in the pristine blue waters of the Lake, especially, in the backdrop of setting sun.
A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. Within the garden complex is a library having huge collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Also, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy mini train, track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo.

Fateh Sagar Lake – Situated on the north of lake Pichola, this artificial lake was constructed in 1768 by Maharana Jai Singh. Though it was initially built for irrigational purposes, but at present it serves as the major source of drinking water for the people of Udaipur and a popular tourist’s destination. This pear-shaped lake is embellished by three small islands, which can be reached by hiring pedal boats or motor boats from the bottom of Moti Magri Hill.
The largest island of the lake is developed into a park by the name of Nehru Park. The garden comprises a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island park is the favorite picnic spot of Udaipur dwellers. The Second Island has been converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the Government of Rajasthan. The third island houses Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is the best solar observing site in Asia. The observatory is claimed to be one of the Asia’s largest and was built in the year 1976 by Dr. Arvind Bhatanagar following the model of the Solar Observatory at Big Bear lake in Southern California.
Udai Sagar Lake – Built by Maharana Udai Singh between 1559 and 1565, it is another most striking lake of Udaipur at a distance of about 13 Km from the city. This historically important lake is frequented by visitors in large number every year. The calm and placid waters of the lake, coupled by serene surroundings makes it extremely popular among tourists and visitors.
Rajasamand Lake – Built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 at a distance of about 66 Km from Udaipur, it is another most popular lake of Udaipur. The lake is also known by the name of Rajsamudra Lake and was formed when a dam was constructed across the Gomati, Kelwa and Tali Rivers. On the southern end of the lake, there is a huge embankment made in white marble. It has marble terraces and stone steps that touch the waters of the lake. Here, one can also see the five arches, where Maharana Raj Singh and his descendants organized the event of Tuladan (Kings used to weigh themselves in gold and then distributed it amongst the Brahmans). Nine pavilions or ‘Nauchowki’, which were constructed by Maharana Raj Singh having beautifully carved pavilions are festooned with pictures of the Sun, chariots, Gods, birds and wonderful carvings. The history of Mewar is inscribed in 1017 stanzas, on twenty seven marble slabs, that are called as ‘Raj Prasasti’. All these and many more makes it a popular and preferred destinations for tourists visiting Udaipur.

Jaisamand Lake – This second largest artificial lake of Asia was built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685 at a distance of about 48 Km southeast of Udaipur. This massive lake built by constructing a dam on River Gomti has a temple of Lord Shiva on the dam. Summer palace of Udaipur Queens makes the perfect backdrop to Jaisamand Lake. The lake embankment also boasts of six interesting cenotaphs carved from marble. On the northern shore of the lake, there is a stunning palace with a courtyard and on its southern shore, there is a pavilion of 12 pillars. The lake comprises of seven islands, the largest being ”Babaka Bhagra”. One can boat ride in the lake or can simply relax. The forest around the lake, which was once the hunting ground of Maharanas of Mewar have now been converted into a game sanctuary. This sanctuary hails a large variety of resident and migratory birds and animals including panthers, leopards, deer, wild boars and crocodiles.
There are numerous other places in and around Udaipur that have their own unique history and beauty. So a real tour of Udaipur can only give you a real idea of its befitting charm.

How to reach Udaipur?

By Air – Dabok Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport is just 24 Km from the city of Udaipur. Many domestic airlines including Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, and Kingfisher Airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail – The railway station of Udaipur is located just 4 Km from the city centre and lies on the main broad gauge railway line. Udaipur is well connected with all the major cities of Rajasthan and India including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmadabad and others.
By Road – The National Highway 8 links Udaipur to Delhi as well as Mumbai. Udaipur is well connected by road to major cities in India by brilliant road network that ensure relaxed and comfortable journey to and from Udaipur. State Transport Authorities and private tour agents operate daily buses between Udaipur and other important cities of Rajasthan and adjoining states. Some of these buses also have sleeper coaches for a comfortable journey. Volvo super deluxe buses are available from Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad to Udaipur.

Where to stay at Udaipur?

The city of Udaipur is tailor made for tourists, so there are innumerable hotels to choose from. You will find luxurious star category hotels as well as cheap and budget hotels in plenty. Here, only a few of the hotels are mentioned.
Hotel Lake Pichola - The Hotel offers accommodation in 28 spacious and lavishly appointed double rooms, and 4 luxurious suites. All rooms of the Hotel are one of its kinds, with traditionalist architecture and fixtures, Rajputana style furnishing accompanied by all up to date modern services that makes your stay extremely comfortable and unique. Each room is reflection of the hotel’s heritage and has a balcony with a commanding view of the ancient city and serene water of Pichola Lake. For booking, contact at – 0294-24311, 2431465, 2430387.
Hotel Mandiram Palace – Situated near Lake Pichola, the Hotel offers rooms from the Standard, Deluxe and Super-Deluxe Categories. All the rooms are well furnished, air conditioned and are equipped with all basic amenities of modern comfort and modern fixtures. The Rooms feature window seats (Jharokhas) offering stunning views of the Old Town, Ghats and the Pichola Lake. Attractive rooftop terrace offers spectacular panoramic view of Pichola Lake towards the charming water front of the old city with its temples and palaces; then beyond to the country side and the surrounding Aravalli Hills. The terrace is a perfect spot to relax, away from the noise and bustle of the city streets with the restaurant close-at-hand to supply you with drinks, snacks or meals, and musical entertainment in the evening. For booking, contact at – 0294-2434279, 09783826836, 09352526836.
Hotel Ranganiwas palace – This heritage hotel was a palace built during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-84) as a platform to watch the ceremony of Sithala Asthami and later dancing performances. In 1975 Maharaj Arjun Singh converted Rangniwas into a Palace Hotel. With twenty well appointed rooms furnished with period furniture welcome discerning travelers the hotel is Located in the heart of city, near famous places of tourist interest like Lake Palace. Most suites and rooms have private balconies. A rare blend of modern, comfort in tranquil surroundings, it is one of the best hotels of Udaipur. For booking, contact at – 0294-252 3890 / 3891.
Oberoi Udaivilas – Adorning the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures all the romance and splendour of a royal era. Conceived as a traditional Indian palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas showcases the rich heritage of Rajasthan with its rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, placid pools and verdant gardens. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artifacts create an ambience of regal splendour. Rooms with terraces that open on to semi-private swimming pools present exquisite views and are a unique feature of Udaivilas. Magnificently decorated suites with private swimming pools and outdoor dining pavilions serving the very best of international cuisine along with authentic flavours of Rajasthan and a quiet drink make your holiday a journey into the romance and grandeur of another century The luxurious spa with its own swimming pool overlooks the lake and is a haven of serenity. Trained therapists pamper body and soul with rejuvenating treatments. The resort also offers the opportunity to undertake private Yoga, meditations and Pranayam sessions with the resident Yoga teacher. For booking, contact at – 0294 2433300.
Hotel Inder Residency – Surrounded by lovely gardens, misty hills and breathtaking lakes and ponds of Udaipur, the Inder Residency is ideally located, with the airport and the railway station within easy reach. The Inder Residency featured with 88 garden View rooms, 35 Super Deluxe Pool View rooms, 14 Hawa Mahal Balcony rooms, 5 Grand Suite, 1 Maharaja Suite & 1 Presidential Suite room. With all modern amenities of comfort at your command, your trip will be a memorable experience. For booking, contact at – 0294 – 2489888, 09414155139.
Hotel Lake Palace – Often considered to be the ultimate example of a luxury hotel, Hotel Lake Palace is located on a natural foundation of 4 acre rock on the Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. The hotel operates a boat which transports guests to the hotel from a jetty. This 83 room luxury hotel featuring white marble walls is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight which easily transport you to fairyland. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake and lofty palaces on the other this royal luxury hotel is in itself a place to visit in Udaipur. For booking, contact at – 0294- 2428800.
Hotel Trident – Located on the bank of Lake Pochola, Hotel Trident is set in forty three acres of lush green landscaping. This Star category hotel with architecture reflecting the ancient heritage of Udaipur provides a perfect base to explore the fabled city. For booking, contact at – 0294-2432200.
Apart from the above luxury star category hotels, some budget hotels of Udaipur are :
Hotel Padmini Palace – Situated in the heart of the Udaipur city with all modern facilities. For booking, contact at – 0294-2414191.
Hotel Gangaur Palace – This hotel has a faded haveli charm and is set around a courtyard. For booking, contact at – 0294-2422303.
Hotel Kumbha Palace – The hotel is a charming and peaceful budget-hotel situated in the heart of Udaipur’s old city with spacious, clean and bright rooms. For booking, contact at – 09828059505, 09828059506.
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel - A 17th century haveli with its charm and aesthetics has been restored back to their old charm and glory to cater to the needs of travelers. Being surrounded by ancient havelis and temples around a central courtyard, this is a classic example of value for money hotel. For booking, contact at – 0294-2422860.

Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) – is one of the most visited tourist destination of Kerala. The cosmopolitan city of Kochi has one of the finest and most beautiful natural harbours of India. The city of Cochin with a beautiful sea front is actually a cluster of islands and peninsulas with a colourful mix of eclectic cultures including Dutch, Portuguese, British and even Chinese and Jew influences. The lovely sea side city of Cochin, With Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty which is worth a visit.

Where is Kochi/Cochin?

Kochi – the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala is located in the Ernakulam district on the south west coast of India.

About Kochi/Cochin

Built around a saltwater lagoon, the bustling seaport city of Kochi has been a major centre for trade and commerce for centuries. In spite of being the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, the beauty of Kochi has such an immense attraction that it is one of the most-visited and prime tourist attractions of the state.
Kochi was the centre of Indian spice trade for many centuries, and was known to the Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs, and Chinese since ancient times. Portuguese were the first European nation to come to Cochin. After them one by one came the Dutch and the British. Kochi – known to be the first place in India to have European settlement, still retains its colonial flavours with a blend of tradition and modernity.
Kochi – often referred to as the “Gateway of Kerala” is an ideal place to start the tour of Kerala. Several backwater routes starting from Kochi is perfectly ideal to have a glimpse of the beauty of the Kerala, often called, God’s own country”. The strategically located port town of Kochi bustles with tourists almost throughout the year, prompting it to feature in National Geographic Traveler’s “50 greatest places of a lifetime”.

Sightseeing in and around Kochi/Cochin

When you are at Kochi, you will have to make your own choices and preferences as what you should see and what you should leave as there are a plenty of choices available. Only a few of those places which are hard to avoid are mentioned here.

St. Francis Church - Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is the oldest European church in India. Situated at the Fort Kochi area, it is a place of must visit for every tourists touring Kochi. It is also the place where Vasco Da Gama, the first European traveler to reach India, was buried in 1526. The tombstone of this famous traveler is a popular tourist attraction of Kochi.
Santa Cruz Basilica - Located close to St. Francis Church, it is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is one of the finest and impressive churches in Kerala. Apart from being a place of devotion and a center of historic significance, Santa Cruz Basilica is endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur of gothic style. Originally built as a church by the Portuguese, it was elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 and still latar it was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.

A visit to this Basilica is an experience not to give away and tour the inside of this Basilica as well as enjoy its majestic exterior.
Dutch Palace - Situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, the palace was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD as a compensation for a temple they destroyed and partly as a bribe to gain favors from the ruler. It took on its present popular name ‘Dutch Palace’ after 1663, when the Dutch took control over the palace and carried out some extensions and renovation work. This double storied palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi back waters has an exquisite collection of murals. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics – the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu. The museum housed in the Palace exhibits a rich collection of regal memorabilia including costumes, palanquins, turbans and weaponry from the days of the Cochin rajas. In the courtyard of the palace stands a small temple dedicated to ‘Pazhayannur Bhagavati’, the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family. There are two more temples on either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord Krishna and the other to Lord Siva.
This Dutch Palace which is a living testimony of Indian culture and European tradition is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations for tourists visiting Cochin.
Bolghatty Island - A short boat ride away from the mainland of Kochi is this picturesque island which houses the splendidly beautiful Bolghatty palace. Bolghatty Palace – built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British is presently a popular hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Set in the middle of a fabulous garden and spectacular backwaters of Cochin in the background, the scenery around the palace is simply breathtaking.

Cherai Beach - Located on the northern end of Vypeen Island, just off the shore of the mainland Kochi, the beautiful and picturesque sandy beach of Cherai is lined by luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields. Having a coastline of 15 Km, the clean and shallow Cherai beach is ideal for the purpose of swimming and sunbathing. Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, the Cherai Beach is a beautiful combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by greenery of coconut palms and paddy fields. Often referred to as ‘The Princess of the Arabian Sea’, the beach at Cherai offers variety of water sports and other beach activities. It is one of the most popular beaches of not only Kochi but of the entire state of Kerala as well.
Hill Palace Museum - The Hill Palace Museum is Kerala’s largest archaeological museum and the first heritage museum of the state. It was set up in the year 1865 and now is an important tourist attraction. Located 10 kilometers from Cochin at Thripoonithura, it was originally the residence and administrative office of Kochi Rajas. Situated on a hillock, the complex at present has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children’s park. The museum has 14 galleries, which display some beautiful and rare artifacts including paintings, weapons, arts, ancient carriages, beautiful statues, murals, majestic beds and royal ornaments that used to belong to the former rulers of Kerala.
There are quite a few other places in and around Kochi that are worth a visit. Some of them are – Veega Land, Willingdon Island, Parikshith Thampuran Museum, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort, Vasco House, Chinese Fishing Nets and a quite a few others as well.

How to reach Kochi/Cochin?

By Air- Kochi has its own world-class modern international airport, located 30kms north-east of the city, with regular flights to major cities in India and other countries as well.
By Rail - There are three main railway stations in Cochin, – Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Cochin Harbour Terminus. Kochi is well connected by rail to most of the important cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
By Road - An extensive network of national and state highways and local roads link Kochi to rest of the country. Three important National Highways – NH 47, NH 17, NH 49 pass through Kochi. Private and public transport services are available to and from all major cities of South India from Kochi.
By Boat - Regular boat service to and from places like Kottayam, Kumarakom and Alleppey are available through the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Kochi has an all weather natural port and can be reached by sea in yachts or the occasional cruise ship from Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male. There is a direct ferry service between Kochi and Lakshadweep. The outlying islands that make up Cochin, like Vypeen, Mattancherry, Bolghatty, etc are connected to the mainland Kochi by regular public and private boats.

Where to stay at Kochi/Cochin?

Being a popular tourist destination, Kochi has a wide range of hotels and resorts to choose from. Informations on some of the best hotels of Kochi are provided here :
Bolgatty Island Resort – With 24 Deluxe rooms and 06 Lake front cottages, it is one of the best hotels of Kochi, located on the Bolgatty Island. Facilities like, Ayurveda therapies, Restaurant, Beer Parlour, Swimming Pool, Ayurvedic Centre, Conference Hall, Nine-hole golf course, Large lawn for banquets, Health club, Boat Cruises, Internet Browsing has made this as one of the most popular and sought after hotel of Kochi. For booking contact at – 0484-2750500/2750600.
Ramada Resort – Nestled in a picture-perfect locale, amidst an ambience of absolute serenity, Ramada Resort is a haven of leisure set within 8 sprawling acres, beside the picturesque lake of Kumbalam, in the outskirts of Cochin. With 42 centrally air-conditioned accommodation facilities, comprising 24 Lake-facing cottages and 18 deluxe rooms, it is one of the best hotels of Cochin. The Ayurvedic Centre at Ramada Resort provides specialized treatments as well as general rejuvenative therapies, in strict adherence to Ayurvedic principles. For booking, contact at – 0484-3011100.
Cherai Beach Resort - To experience the unpolluted atmosphere, crystal clear backwaters, beautiful lagoons, long clean golden beach, swaying paddy fields one should visit Cherai Beach Resort. Some of the cottages at this resort are made on individual islands and some are on coconut pillars. There are 20 Modern Villas, both A/C and Non A/C. For booking, contact at – 0484-2481818.
Hotel Cochin Towers – It is a budget hotel with all necessary modern amenities. For booking, contact at – 0484 2401910.
Star Homes – It is another budget hotel of Kochi. It is a popular accommodation option in Kochi and stands for unstinted comfort and a blissful stay. For booking contact at – 0484-23223051.
Hotel Sea Lord – A real value for money hotel is located at Marine Drive, which is in the heart of the city, facing the backwaters. With 39 centrally air-conditioned beautifully furnished and tastefully decorated rooms and suites, it is a good staying option. For booking, contact at – 0484-324169/2382472/2382473.