Hello, future leaders, managers and entrepreneurs! When you join IIM Udaipur, it is not only the beautiful campus located in the
'City of Lakes', Udaipur attracts your attention but also in and around Udaipur which symbolizes grandeur, heritage, delicacy, extravagance, and royalty. From royal architectures and serene lakes to mouthwatering cuisine and colourful shopping centres — the royal city has it all. Right here, in this city, you can witness an eclectic fusion of what’s gone and what’s on. Here is a brief snapshot of a few places to eat and go in and around the
'City of Lakes':
Delicious Joints In Udaipur
Egg Curry Stand:
Located near the well-known Chetak Cinema, the Egg Curry Stand is highly recommended for all the egg lovers. It is known for its
Egg Bhurji, which is a healthy recipe of scrambled eggs and sautéed vegetables and has the right blend of mild spices.
Vinod Coffee House:
Vinod Coffee House is a well-known youth hub in Udaipur. Having Fateh Lake as the background, Vinod Coffee House is the best place to hang out with friends while enjoying good snacks. It is famous for its steaming hot coffee, which mostly served in
Kulhad (Earthen Clay Cups).
Shiv Shakti Chaat:
The Shiv Shakti Chaat centre in Bapu Bazaar is widely known for the tastiest
chaats in Udaipur. Located in one of the most chaotic markets of Udaipur, Shiv Shakti Chaat centre is famous for its
Dahi Kachori chaat.
Hotel Natraj:
Hotel Natraj is famous for its tastiest Rajasthani thali, from
Gatte ki sabzi to
Laal Maas, from
Daal Baatichurma to
Paranthas, the Rajasthani thali has all and so, there is no chance that you want to miss it while wandering in Udaipur.
Bhole Mishthan:
Bhole Mishthan, located on the streets of Delhi Gate, is one of the best options for all those who have sweet tooth. It offers probably the tastiest
Jalebis in Udaipur.
Places To Go In Udaipur
Lake Palace:
Lake Palace, previously known as Jag Niwas, is one of the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. It is located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, Udaipur. It encompasses 83 rooms and suites featuring white marble walls. The hotel operates a speed boat which transports guests to the hotel from a jetty at the City Palace.
Pichola Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake:
Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake (to the north of Lake Pichola and connected by a canal) are the most popular of man-made lakes. Because of these lakes, Udaipur is known as the ‘City of Lakes’.
City Palace:
Udaipur City Palace, known for its beauty, splendid architecture and rich history, is a testament of the royalty of the Rajputs. It is one of the major tourist places and located on the banks of Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Jag Mandir:
Jag Mandir Palace, also known as Lake Garden Palace is famous for its beautiful interiors and grandeur architecture and has been built by Maharanas of Mewar on the island of Lake Pichola. It gives the majestic view of the lake from the palace.
Vintage Car Museum:
The Vintage Car Museum gives car lovers a chance to appreciate the collection of cars of the Maharanas of Mewar. Many of the vehicles are more than 70 years old but each one of them has been beautifully restored. The vintage car collection is placed in the Mewar State Motor Garage, which is also home to a famous garden restaurant, The Bougainvillea. This garage was built during a time when only the Maharanas of Mewar had owned cars.
Places To Go Around Udaipur
Chittorgarh:
Chittorgarh, the Mewar dynasty’s most important fort, was the capital of their kingdom until Mughal Emperor Akbar captured it in 1568. This massive fort is the home of palaces, temples towers, a reservoir and a royal cremation ground. The Tower of Victory offers outstanding views across the fort and the town. There is a sound and light show in the evening that narrates the story of the fort. This fort is about two hours northeast of Udaipur, along the Udaipur-Chittorgarh Road and open daily. In June 2013, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kumbhalgarh Fort:
Kumbhalgarh Fort, the most important fort after Chittorgarh was built by Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha during the 15
th century. It is perched high in the Aravalli Range and its wall, which is often referred to as the Great Wall of India, is thought to be the second largest wall in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the attractions are hundreds of ancient temples, palace ruins, step wells, and cannon bunkers. This fort is about two hours north of Udaipur, in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district and is open daily.
Ranakpur:
Ranakpur is majorly known for the astonishing Jain Temple Complex. Dedicated to the first Tirthankar (saviour and spiritual teacher) who founded Jainism, it's the country's biggest and most important Jain temple complex. The main temple, Chaumukha Mandir, is made out of white marble and was built in the 15th century. It has 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1444 engraved pillars. It is about two hours northwest of Udaipur. Ranakpur is frequently visited along with Kumbhalgarh on a day trip. The travel time between each place is around 90 minutes. Non-Jains can enter the temple from noon to 5 p.m. Mornings are reserved for prayers.
Mount Abu:
Mount Abu, at 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) above sea level, is the highest peak in the Aravalli mountain range and Rajasthan's only hill station set up by the British. Mount Abu has a reputation as a honeymooner's haven but Indian families flock to the area as well. It remains an offbeat destination for foreigners though. Nakki Lake, Toad Rock, The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Trevor's Tank, Jain temples at Delwara are major site-seeing in Mount Abu. It's situated close to the Gujarat state border, approximately four hours’ drive from Udaipur.
Shilpgram:
Shilpgram (meaning "craftsmen's village") is a rural arts and crafts complex, located three kilometres from Udaipur and set up by the government in 1986. It showcases rural life and traditions from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The complex has huts from each of the states, incorporating their distinctive architectural features. Artisans also sell their wares and perform folk dances. Horse rides and camel rides are offered as well. The complex really comes alive during the 10-day Shilpgram Arts & Crafts in late December.
Other than the above-mentioned places, there are a number of options to enjoy the scenic beauty and culture of Rajasthan. Out of these, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jaisalmer etc are the major places to visit around IIM Udaipur.
P.S. This is not an exhaustive list.