Lakeside Rooftops & Shopping Escapade In Udaipur

Our journey through Rajasthan began in Udaipur, a city often hailed as the "Lake City" due to its abundance of picturesque lakes, with Lake Pichola standing out as the most renowned. During our Udaipur adventure, we immersed ourselves in the grandeur of the City Palace, discovered the enchanting Bagore ki Haveli, strolled through the bustling streets of Chand Pol and Hathi Pol Bazaars, and enjoyed leisurely walks along the serene and peaceful ghats. In my future posts, I'll whisk you away to the City Palace and Bagore ki Haveli. In today's post, let's delve into our accommodation, culinary delights, and the shopping experiences. Exciting, right?

Our stay: Strategic but cramped

We opted to stay at Casa by the Lake due to its close proximity to the tourist attractions we planned to visit in Udaipur. Recognizing that Udaipur's charm would keep us out exploring most of the time, we didn't prioritize room size or service. The location was ideal, just a 2-minute walk from the City Palace and within walking distance of our chosen destinations. The place offers a terrace café with decent food, but it may not be the most inviting spot. However, it's surrounded by a variety of dining options, from street food to North Indian restaurants and cafes serving both Indian and international dishes. 

In summary, this accommodation is suitable for a brief one or two-day stay. However, if you plan to extend your visit in Udaipur, I'd encourage you to consider alternative lodging options.

Delectable Restaurants

View from Jheel's

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery: This café and bakery by Lake Pichola offers delicious food and stunning nighttime views of the lake and its surroundings. While the menu is limited, the attentive staff and the breathtaking scenery make the visit truly delightful. Udaipur boasts several lakeside rooftop cafes, so you may consider exploring one near your accommodation.

Mayur Cafe: This rooftop café offers a diverse menu of Indian and continental cuisine, accompanied by scenic views of the charming Chand Pol area, evoking the nostalgic ambiance of the old Indian city. The delectable dishes make the experience truly delightful.

Hathi Pol Bazaar

Situated in the heart of Udaipur, Hathi Pol Bazaar is a lively and dynamic marketplace, a must-visit destination in Udaipur located approximately 1 kilometer from the City Palace. If you're up for it, taking a leisurely walk down the main road from Chand Pol is a delightful way to soak in the charming ambiance of the old city. Alternatively, you can opt for an autorickshaw ride. Keep in mind that auto drivers may sometimes overquote, so it's advisable to confirm the fare with locals to ensure you pay the right amount.

Hathi Pol Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace known for its diverse range of shops and stalls. Visitors can explore a variety of intricately designed traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. The market is especially famous for its textiles, including colorful fabrics, clothing, and turbans.

In addition to shopping, Hathi Pol Bazaar offers a delightful culinary experience. Visitors can savor a range of local street food and snacks, providing a taste of Rajasthan's flavors. However, if you're considering a visit to Jodhpur, you may want to save the culinary experiences for your trip there, as it offers a wider and more diverse range of food.

Due to my limited time in the market, my exploration was rather brief. I had the chance to browse through Bandhani sarees and dress materials, bedspreads, and mojarees for my kids. What pleasantly surprised me was that all of these items were offered at very reasonable prices. 

I must highlight the delightful encounter I had at an old-school perfumery, Prince Perfume Centre. The elderly couple running the store offered authentic attars and perfumes, along with a warm and enthusiastic tasting experience. They took great care in packing the perfumes for us. In today's world, where many shops and malls employ robotic and less knowledgeable salespeople, encounters like this are becoming increasingly scarce. I truly treasured this genuine and personal experience. 

All in all, my visit to Hathi Pol Bazaar with my daughter was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend allocating a few hours for this.

I want to highlight an important tip: Google Maps navigation can be unreliable in the narrow, winding lanes of the old areas of Rajasthan's cities. In these situations, it's often best to ask locals for directions by striking up a conversation. Alternatively, you can meticulously study the maps in advance, plan your route, and navigate with confidence.

I trust you found this post both enjoyable and enlightening. In my upcoming post, I'll be sharing my firsthand experience visiting the City Palace and recounting intriguing stories from its fascinating history.