Exploring Udaipur and Jaipur: A 5-Day City Experience

Saturday, October 7: Arrival in Udaipur

Welcome to Udaipur! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the beauty of this city known as the "Venice of the East." In the morning, visit the iconic City Palace, a stunning palace complex offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola. Explore the intricate architecture, royal artifacts, and beautiful gardens. After lunch, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, an island palace with a serene atmosphere. In the evening, wander through the bustling markets of Udaipur and indulge in some shopping for traditional handicrafts.

• City Palace: INR 300 ($4) per person, 2-3 hours
• Boat ride to Jag Mandir: INR 500 ($7) per person, 1-2 hours
• Shopping in local markets: Varies, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Head to Cafe Edelweiss for breakfast and enjoy a delightful spread of freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• For lunch, visit the Ambrai Restaurant and enjoy a scenic lakeside dining experience with a variety of Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
• In the evening, dine at the Garden Restaurant which offers a charming ambiance with its lush green surroundings and live music. Indulge in delicious Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.

Sunday, October 8: Exploring Udaipur's Cultural Heritage

Start your day with a visit to the famous Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden adorned with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool. Learn about Udaipur's history at the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, showcasing royal artifacts and cultural exhibits. Afternoon is the perfect time for a visit to the stunning Lake Palace, an enchanting palace-turned-hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola. In the evening, witness a cultural extravaganza at the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, which hosts vibrant Rajasthani folk dances and music performances.

• Saheliyon Ki Bari: INR 10 ($0.14) per person, 1-2 hours
• Bagore Ki Haveli Museum: INR 100 ($1.4) per person, 2-3 hours
• Lake Palace (external view): Free, 1 hour
• Cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum: INR 100 ($1.4) per person, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Millets of Mewar, a charming cafe known for its healthy and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Ambrai Restaurant, located on the banks of Lake Pichola with breathtaking views of the City Palace. Indulge in delicious Rajasthani cuisine, with an average cost for a meal around 700-800 INR per person.
• For dinner, make a reservation at Sheesh Mahal, an elegant rooftop restaurant offering a fine dining experience with a stunning view of the Lake Palace. With a fusion of Indian and international flavors, the average cost for a meal is around 1500-2000 INR per person.

Monday, October 9: Journey to Jaipur

Today, bid farewell to Udaipur and embark on a scenic drive to Jaipur, the Pink City. On the way, visit the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the grandeur of this ancient fort, home to palaces, temples, and intricate carvings. After reaching Jaipur, spend the evening leisurely exploring the vibrant local markets like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, known for their traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.

• Chittorgarh Fort: INR 30 ($0.42) per person, 4-5 hours
• Travel time from Udaipur to Jaipur: Approximately 6 hours
• Shopping in Jaipur markets: Varies, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• The Breakfast Club: Start your day at The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Rajasthani Thali Restaurant: For a traditional lunch experience, head to Rajasthani Thali Restaurant. Indulge in a wide variety of authentic Rajasthani dishes served in a thali (platter) style. Don't miss the dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• The Royal Tandoor: Enjoy a regal dinner at The Royal Tandoor, known for its exquisite Mughlai and North Indian delicacies. Feast on flavorful kebabs, biryanis, and buttery naans in a royal ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday, October 10: Discovering Jaipur's Historical Gems

Start your day by visiting the iconic Amer Fort, located on a hilltop overlooking the city. Marvel at its impressive architecture, intricate mirror work, and stunning views. Afterward, explore the enchanting Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, with its intricate latticework. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a magnificent palace complex showcasing a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. End your day with a visit to the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory.

• Amer Fort: INR 500 ($7) per person, 3-4 hours
• Hawa Mahal: INR 50 ($0.7) per person, 1-2 hours
• City Palace: INR 200 ($2.8) per person, 2-3 hours
• Jantar Mantar: INR 200 ($2.8) per person, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Jaipur is Anokhi Cafe, known for its delicious organic fare and relaxed atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Bar Palladio, an elegant restaurant with a stunning blue decor and delectable Italian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
• Indulge in a memorable dinner at Copper Chimney, which serves authentic North Indian dishes in a contemporary setting. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Wednesday, October 11: Jaipur's Cultural Delights

On your last day, immerse yourself in Jaipur's cultural experiences. Start with a visit to the Albert Hall Museum, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. Continue to the Jawahar Kala Kendra, a cultural center promoting traditional art and performances. Indulge in a traditional Rajasthani thali for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the markets of Jaipur for some last-minute shopping. End your trip with a visit to the beautiful Jal Mahal, a palace floating on the picturesque Man Sagar Lake.

• Albert Hall Museum: INR 150 ($2.1) per person, 2-3 hours
• Jawahar Kala Kendra: INR 50 ($0.7) per person, 2 hours
• Traditional Rajasthani thali: INR 300-500 ($4-7) per person, 1-2 hours
• Shopping in Jaipur markets: Varies, 2-3 hours
• Jal Mahal (external view): Free, 1 hour

Restaurants

• A great breakfast option is Chaisa Cafe, known for its delicious chai and mouthwatering breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For lunch, head to On The House, a popular restaurant serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Italian, and Continental. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Rajasthan at Spice Court, offering a delightful range of traditional Rajasthani dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience in Udaipur, head to Shilpgram, a rural arts and crafts complex located just outside the city. Here, you can witness traditional folk performances, explore artisan workshops, and shop for authentic handicrafts. In Jaipur, make sure to visit the lesser-known Galta Ji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills. This serene temple complex is home to monkeys and offers panoramic views of Jaipur. Don't forget to try the mouthwatering street food specialties like pyaaz kachori and lassi, which can be found in various stalls throughout both cities.

Plan your trip to Udaipur and Jaipur using Kayak to find the best hotel and flight prices.