Udaipur & Jodhpur with Mount Abu

The ‘Venice of the East’ is an absolute delight to the eyes and mind, with its numerous picturesque manmade lakes, posh palaces that provide glimpses of the city’s regal past and refreshing greenery beckoning you to the lap of Mother Nature. The ‘City of Lakes’, founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1553, also has an abundant resource of zinc and marble. It is separated from the Thar Desert by the Aravalli Hills. Apart from such wonders, the several festivals that are hosted throughout the year, is an essential boost to your artistic self. Udaipur is one city that effortlessly draws you closer to its vibrant culture.

Start your day on a royal note that truly befits one of the city’s outstanding features. Visit the magnificent Udaipur City Palace, comprising four major and several other minor palaces, towering over Lake Pichola. The palace has some astounding and unique architectural marvels to offer, like its balconies, cupolas and towers, and you can also take a look at the several artifacts put on display in the museum. After the two-hour palace visit, take a boat ride in the Pichola Lake. Now a luxury hotel, featured in many movies, the Lake Palace, also known as Jag Niwas is a sight to behold. Head towards Bagore Ki Haveli next, where you can get to know more about Mewar’s culture and lifestyle, through the antique collection that belongs to the Rajputs, including jeweler boxes, copper vessels, etc. You can also attend the folk music and dance shows that are often hosted there. Apart from more lakes like Fateh Sagar Lake, and palaces, you can also drop by at the grounds of Garden Hotel to check out the vintage car collection. There are also wildlife sanctuaries in and around the city. Visit Shilpgram, a traditional centre for arts and handicraft, to return home with souvenirs.

You reach the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu, after a 3 hour-ride from Udaipur. The small hill station, naturally replete with lakes, waterfalls, interesting rock formations, some ancient colonial bungalows and misty green folds, serves a refreshing gust of a break from the otherwise bustling parts of Rajasthan. The eateries and markets surrounding Lake Nakki where you can also go for a boat ride, the Dilwara Temple carved out of white marble of great spiritual significance, Achalgarh Fort, Guru Shikhar are some of the main attractions of Mount Abu, apart from its wildlife sanctuaries . It is also a paradise for those who are interested in trekking, caving, camping and rock climbing. It also has a sunset point where you can wrap your day on a beautiful note.

Another four and half hours of travel and you are in Rajasthan’s blue city – Jodhpur, situated in the Thar Desert. The city gets this reference from the buildings that are all painted in shades of blue, once a symbol to differentiate houses occupied by upper caste Brahmins. Abiding by the main characteristic of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, the second metropolitan city in the state, too, has abounding palaces and other remnants of the royal era. Simply take a stroll down the blue streets and watch the everyday life of the city add colour to your memories of the place, apart from visiting the other main attractions.

Sightseeing in Jodhpur is best begun at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, made out of red sandstone, which stands out in stark contrast to the blue city it towers over. It is one of the largest forts in India built by Rao Jodha around 1460. The fort, situated 410 feet above the city, has thick walls for boundaries. The glorious fort has more in store inside, with unique museum shops with elephant’s howdas and palanquins and restaurants where you can catch a splendid view of the city below over a romantic meal. On the north side of the fort, you can get your adrenaline rushing by going zip-lining. The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is another experience you shouldn’t miss. Go exploring this once rocky wasteland, now transformed into an exciting park, with walk trails and mesmerizing views. Your Jodhpur trip would indeed be incomplete if you don’t visit the clock tower and the bustling market surrounding the iconic tower that still functions perfectly well. You can also visit The Jaswant Thada, which is a cenotaph, built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father. It is an architectural marvel and has used white marbles.

Your trip comes to an end on the 6th day. You will be dropped off at the airport or railway station.