Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a picturesque city of Rajasthan which is among the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is steeped in history, culture and natural beauty which makes a trip here truly memorable. Though there are many popular tourist spots in the city that are a must-visit for all tourists, there are plenty of hidden gems and secret spots as well that are waiting to be explored. If you want to explore them, here is an ultimate travel guide to Udaipur’s best-kept secrets that will help you make the most of your trip:
1- Shop for Handicrafts at Shilpgram – Shilpgram is a cultural and craft village which is located on the outskirts of Udaipur. It is designed in a way that it beautifully showcases the traditional arts, crafts and culture of Rajasthan. Here you will find as many as 70 stalls selling a variety of handcrafted items, which include textiles, jewellery, pottery and paintings. You can buy them for yourself or use them for gifting purposes. While you’re here, you can also enjoy cultural performances of folk music and dance by talented artists. Shilpgram is a great place to pick up souvenirs to take back home and learn more about Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
2- Visit the Vintage Car Museum- If you’re a fan of vintage cars, you’ll surely love the Vintage Car Museum in the city. It is home to a beautiful collection of vintage cars, including Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz. This museum is located in the garden of the magnificent City Palace, and is a great place to spend an afternoon or an evening. Besides the cars, here you will also find vintage carriages and bicycles, as well as a range of antique accessories and memorabilia that will take you back in time.
3- Take a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola- Lake Pichola is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous lakes in the city. It is surrounded by grand palaces, including the iconic Lake Palace, which has now been converted into a luxury hotel. The best way to explore the stunning Lake Pichola is by taking a boat ride. You can choose from a variety of boats, which include small paddle boats to larger motorised boats, and enjoy a boat ride. As you glide along the calm waters of the serene lake, you’ll get to soak in the stunning views of the nearby palaces, the hills and the city.
4- Stay in a Haveli- Havelis are traditional mansions or palaces, and staying in a haveli is a unique and luxurious experience. In Udaipur, you will find many havelis that have been converted into hotels and guesthouses, and staying in one of these is a great way to experience the rich history and culture of Udaipur. One such palace that is now one of the finest 5 star hotels in Udaipur is the LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace which was built by Maharana Fateh Singh in the year 1911. Overlooking the Fateh Sagar lake, this hotel is known for its luxury ambience and great hospitality, where you are sure to enjoy a royal stay.
5- Experience the Rural Life at Badi Village: This small village located on the outskirts of Udaipur is known for its traditional way of life and beautiful surroundings. If you want to get a glimpse of rural life, exploring this village would just be one of the best things to do in Udaipur. During the tour, you can explore the local farms, and you can even try your hand at ploughing the fields or milking a cow. Don’t forget to taste some delicious local cuisine of the area, and learn more about the history and culture of the region.
We all know Udaipur for its stunning lakes, grand palaces, and colourful markets. However, if you want to truly experience the magic of Udaipur, you need to explore its best-kept secrets. Now that you know about them, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the City of Lakes like never before!
