A simple story of how Udaipur made me slow down and enjoy every little moment.

The recent trip to Udaipur was full of lovely sights, delicious food, and a peaceful stay that made everything go like a dream. The tour to the famous places and discovering the local cuisine filled me with a real feel of what makes Udaipur unique. I stayed there through CheQin.ai — it made the check-in experience hassle-free and speedy, and I could enjoy my time to the fullest without the usual booking hassles.

First Impressions of the City of Lakes

I could already understand why Udaipur has been given the nickname of Venice of the East as I walked into it. The lakes were shining in sunlight, palaces stood high with eternal beauty, and the tiny streets were reverberating with the sound of rickshaws and smiling voices.

Unlike bigger cities, Udaipur is warm and cozy. It’s a place where you can stroll comfortably, soak up the views, and never feel rushed. From Lake Pichola’s lapping waves to City Palace’s majestic curves, every thing in Udaipur appeared to beckon me in.

Getting Comfortable Quick

I had established my preferred hotel choices — location, cost, and amenities — on CheQin.ai prior to departure. Before long, I had been offered alternatives from nearby hotels, each offering convenient options. I chose a quiet stay near the old city, on the lake but away from too much noise.

Check-in was easy, and the room was ideal — clean, comfortable, and well-located for taking in the big sights. Having arranged my accommodation in advance meant that I could concentrate entirely on what I was doing here: taking in the views and sampling the city’s renowned food.

City Palace & Lake Views

My first choice was the City Palace. It’s a huge complex with balconies, courtyards, and detailed carving that is full of stories of the Mewar dynasty. The view from the rooftop of Lake Pichola is postcard perfect — especially when boats glide across the lake and the sun starts to set behind the hills.

A short walk led me to the Lake Palace, standing in the center of the lake. Although I did not spend time there, witnessing it shine under the evening lights from the lakeshore was sufficient to imprint itself on my memory.

Boat Ride to Remember

One of the most serene experiences on this journey was a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. The breeze was soft, the water was smooth, and the golden light on the palaces was a dream. The boat glides past Jag Mandir, another stunning island palace, and offers you the best panoramic views of the city.

Flavors of Udaipur

Impressive as the impressions were, so did street food make its presence felt. I began my food journey with Dal Baati Churma, a Rajasthani treat, hot and served with ghee and bursting full of flavor. Street foods in the old city provided kachoris, mirchi vadas, and kulhad chai — ideal munchies amidst city ramblings.

One of my favorite meals I had was plain thali from a small, family-owned joint hidden away near Chandpole. Everything was homemade, and the warmth of service staff made me feel like in a home environment.

For desserts, I literally could not get enough of gorging malai ghewar and mawa kachori — each one rich and sweet and completely satisfying.

Outside the Usual

Aside from the upscale tourist sites, I loved walking along Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar’s narrow lanes, selecting local handicraft knick-knacks and trading pleasantries with artisans. Udaipur is not a postcard city — it’s a city of tales. Whether it was a elderly shopkeeper telling city tales or a rickshaw wallah suggesting his favorite chai shop, each encounter contributed its own richness to my traveling experience.

Another serene location was Saheliyon Ki Bari, fountained garden, marble pavilion, and serene nooks. It’s a great refuge from the congested roads and an ideal place to sit, unwind, and simply enjoy listening to water.

Evenings to Remember

Evenings in Udaipur are soft and golden. I’d walk long hours along Ambrai Ghat, looking at the shine of palaces and temples reflected in water. Sometimes I’d sit out on a rooftop café and just sit back and see the city lit up gradually as sunset plunged behind hills.

I spent one evening at a folk dance and music performance at Bagore Ki Haveli. The drums, the colors, the energy — it provided me with a stunning glimpse into Rajasthan’s cultural heart.

Final Thoughts

Udaipur had surprised me in the best possible way. It was not just the palaces and lakes — it was the quiet smiles, the rich food, the serene walks, and the joy of just being there. Travel does not have to always be grand or cumbersome. Sometimes it’s the sheer joy of a hassle-free check-in, a hot meal, or an impromptu conversation that lingers with you the longest.

Finding the correct accommodation in time allowed me to concentrate more on these experiences and less on details. Everything fell into place. To any visitor to Udaipur, I would suggest: visit for the lakes, remain for the hospitality — and let the city do the rest.

Udaipur in My Words: A City Full of Colors, Calm, and Culture