Follow Travelguru
on Google+
Showing posts with label udaipur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label udaipur. Show all posts

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Best-Loved 6 Luxury Hotels in Udaipur

The Romantic City of Rajasthan, Udaipur can be visited any time of the year. Of course, considering the heat during summer, it is always advisable to visit it during the monsoon season and winters. Udaipur is truly a destination for all – whether it’s a honeymoon trip, a family getaway or simply a relaxing weekend break, the city has much to offer. The entire city is concentrated around the Pichola Lake, which is the hub of all activities. Udaipur is also known for its marvelous heritage palaces, most of which have been converted to stylish hotels, its beautifully crafted gardens and ample shopping opportunities. Visit this romantic city & carry home bright puppets, handcrafted wares and tons of wonderful memories.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Owned by the Taj Group of Hotels, Taj Lake Palace is located in the midst of Lake Pichola. Crafted in pure marble, the Aravalli range forms a beautiful backdrop against it. The hotel is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels to treat yourself to in this city. There are 83 opulent rooms & suites along with a range of other amenities, including Heritage Champagne Walks, Jiva Spa, Vintage cars available for transfers and exotic meals.

Devigarh, Udaipur
One of the finest hotels in Udaipur, Devigarh is probably one of the few that are an all-suite hotel. Rebuilt & restored, the hotel has 39 suites which are built in marble and feature semi-precious stones. The hotel has a choice of fine dining options, its own Devi Garh Spa, ethereal wedding arrangements and conference facilities.

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas - Rated 4.6 / 5
Undoubtedly one of the most luxurious hotels in Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas resembles an opulent Indian palace. Showcasing the true Mewar culture, the hotel is crafted with huge courtyards, shining pools and grand rooms. Other facilities here include the finest in dining, boat ride to reach the hotel, exotic spa therapies and rooms with private dining & private swimming pools.

Fatehgarh, Udaipur
Located atop a hill, this fort-like hotel showcases the distinct architecture of the traditional Rajasthani culture. The rooms are spacious and bright and done up in traditional architecture. There are numerous dining options too along with a Moksha Spa and several recreation activities. This hotel is also rated as one of the top 12 recommended hotels to stay in Rajasthan by Conceirge.com.

trident, Udaipur
Trident - Rated 4.2 / 5
Located on the banks of Pichola Lake, Trident is one of the most preferred hotels in Udaipur. It is set amidst 43 acres of landscaped gardens and offers rooms that reflect the traditional heritage of Rajasthan. The hotel also provides a choice of dining options, together with a host of other facilities, including business facilities, fitness centre, kids room and swimming pool.

Jaisamand Island Resort, Udaipur
Jaisamand Island Resort - Rated 3.6 / 5
Built on a private island, Jaisamand Island Resort offers 20 Deluxe rooms and 15 suites that are simply luxurious. This beautiful resort provides a range of amenities, including swimming pool, spa & ayurvedic centre, recreation activities like camel rides and live music, and a range of exotic cuisines.

Friday, June 11, 2010

10 Places that are Every Travellers Favorite

Undoubtedly India is one of the most colourful lands to ever exist. It blends everything together, from seas to deserts and mountains, you can find it all here. While there are numerous places to visit here and many more that are discovered everyday, there are a few locations that would always remain a traveler’s favourite. Here I put down a list of the top 10 destinations that would and should always be visited.


Goa beaches
1. Goa
The clichéd title of ‘sun, sand & sea’ still holds true for this place. Endless blue seas with intermittent moss covered rocks, swaying palms and lines of shacks serving the best of cuisines. There are, of course, lots you can do in Goa – whether it’s sun soaking or a tour through the various sights & sounds. The place has a curious mish-mash of it all – churches, throbbing pubs, vibrant carnivals & festivals and temples dedicated to loads of Gods & Goddesses.


2. Ooty
Ooty tea estates
The site of many a Bollywood movies Ooty is simply marvelous. Abounding in natural beauty and so many interesting attractions, this site in South India is obviously a tad crowded. Nevertheless, the views and experience make it totally worth it! From gushing waterfalls, flower-decked gardens, busy lakes with picnicking families and wildlife parks with rare animals. Probably what makes it even more special, is the miles of rolling tea estates amidst misty clouds. Totally worth it!


Agra - Taj Mahal
3. Agra
Now this place needs no introduction. Agra is home to the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal built by an Indian emperor in memory of his wife. Agra is also the land of the Mughals who gave the country some of its finest monuments. The Agra Fort with its numerous palaces within, the marble memorials and tombs, the brilliant architecture of Fatehpur Sikri and the well-laid out gardens are popular tourist spots. Of course, among all this, one thing surpasses all views – that of the pristine white Taj Mahal shining bright like a beacon on a full moon night. Simply splendid.


Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
Snowy hills, skiing competitions, quaint markets with smiley Tibetans – there’s not much that can beat these sights. Shimla was once the stronghold of the British and the summer capital of India. Visit it and you’ll know why. The hills are lined with oak and pine trees and thick forests abound in picnic spots. There are a number of British style structures here too, such as the Viceregal Lodge and the State Museum & Library. What tourists really visit in Shimla is The Mall, which is the busiest area of the city with its churches, shopping stalls and food joints.


Jaipur - Hawa Mahal
The most colorful city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a fine blend of everything traditional and modern. The stronghold of the valiant Mewar rulers, they have left their marks here. The beautifully done monuments, palaces and gardens are a fine example of their architecture and craftsmanship. The Hawa Mahal with its hundreds of windows, creamy City Palace and various Havelis with intricate designs are simply surreal. Hear tales of the brave Rajputs, savour some delicious cuisine and watch a traditional puppet show or two – it’s bound to keep you coming back.


Queen of Hill Stations, Darjeeling is like a city from the old Victorian times, complete with cobbled roads, cottages with rose trellis and unending tea estates. With the increase in tourism, the city is mostly crowded whenever you go. But that cannot take away from it its charm. With a huge Tibetan settlement, there are plenty of monasteries in Darjeeling with showcase elaborate designs and architecture. A rather popular place here is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was founded by Tenzing Norgay, the first person to conquer Mount Everest. Of course, tea aficionados have much to do here, what with the lush tea estates here that produce some of the finest teas in the world.


This is the land for those who want a holiday mixed with therapies. Kovalam is located in South India and is known for its distinctly crescent-shaped beach, palm groves and an old lighthouse. But what it is most famous for is the ayurvedic massage, which beckons travelers from far & wide. Managed by professionals and experts, there are a host of therapies, including back spas, full body treatments and foot spas. Truly rejuvenating!


One of the most striking lands in Rajasthan, Udaipur is rightly the most romantic city in India. While there really is a lot to do here, probably tourists come here most for the views of the beautiful Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace located in the middle of it. Udaipur is great for those who wish to walk the trail through history, through the mazelike markets and picture perfect gardens. Another striking offering here is the rare Classic Vintage Car Collection belonging to the Mewar royal family.


Land of the holy, Haridwar is also known as Gateway to the Ganges. No matter when you visit, you are sure to find thousands of people engaged in various activities – offering prayers to the Ganga river, Sun God, yoga on the ghats or simply chit chatting. The most enduring image here is the view of the Ganga Aarti that happens every evening when thousands of lamps are lit and set afloat on the Ganga river, turning it almost ethereal! Of course, what most people visit it for is the Maha Kumbha Mela that happens once every 12 years & Ardha Kumbha that happens every 6 years. It is then that you can see lakhs of devotees arriving here to cleanse their souls and offer prayers.


10. Puri
Land of Lord Jagannatha (Lord of Universe), Puri is visited for its Jagannatha Temple with idols of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and their sister Subhadhra. Tourists visit this holy land to take part in the annual Ratha Yatra or Pulling of the Chariots on which sit these 3 gods and take them around town. Puri is also famous for its beach, which is said to be one of the finest in India – crystal clear and pristine. Of course, whenever here, you must not forget to partake the holy Prasad, which is 56 varieties of different foods prepared for the lord!