Shikarbadi Hotel

Its the flight of the startled deer and the loud calls of the peacocks that greet you at Shikarbadi hotel. Located on the foothills of the Aravalli mountains that provide a picturesque backdrop to this sanctury resort. Shikarbadi cut awar from the hustle bustle of the city was the former hunting lodge of the Maharanas of Udaipur. It houses one of the oldest polo fields of Udaipur. Innumerable stables and the equine institute where the famous Marwari breed of horses is bred.

For the adventerous there are horse safaris taking you around the 250 scre sanctury resort filled with long tailed monkeys, deer and majestic peacocks. The deluxe suites and rooms reflect Shikarbadi's unique outdoor character rugged, stony walls with large windows capturing the rocky mountains. The landscaped gardens overflow with flowering shrubs and trees.

Manek Chowk

The palace ground of the City Palace has retained the character of the royal past when the Maharanas used to participate in the major festivals and ceremonies here. With the imposing backdrop of Mardana Mahal lit up, the Manek Chowk ios transformed into a memorable venue for sit down banquets and special dinners.

Innumerable glamous shows and mega events have been hosted here with a live audience of over 500 guests enjoying the shows.

Jagmandir

An island palaceon Lake Pichola Jagmandir has been painstakingly restored and developed as an exclusive venue. Built in the early 1600s Jagmandir is said to have inspired the Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan to build his monument of love the Taj Mahal. Today Jagmandir plays host to esteemed corporate and leisure travellers from all over the world. Cocktails, theme dinners, musicals soirees are regularly held here. It is a auspicious venue for wedding cermonies.

Durbar Mahal

Located in Fateh Prakash Palace Durbal Hall is awesome and imposing. It recreates the lifestyle of the Maharanas of Mewar. Huge crystal chandeliers light up the royal insignia, potraits, historic swords and artefacts displayed here. It is a uniue ambience and ideal for formal banquets and sit down dinners and corporate meetings.

Zenana Mahal

The palace for the royal ladies Zenana Mahal in the City Palace complex has been restored and developed as an open air venue for special dinners, theme evenings and banquets.

The Vintage and Classic Car Collection

The grand limousines and cars showcased in this new museum belong to the house of Mewar and are stillin perfect running condition. The magnificient Rolls Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, a 1936 Vauxhall, a 1937 Opel and an MG-TC 1946 convertible are all on display. An original Burmah Shell petrol pump is also located on the premises adding another touch of nostalgia.

The Crystal Gallery

The Crystal Gallery is probably the single largest private collection of crystal in the world. Photography is strictly prohibited in this gallery housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace. In 1877 that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal collection from Birmingham based F&C Osler company. An exquisite collection of crystal objects d'art, dinner sets, perfume bottles, furniture and many other items are on display. The Crystal Gallery also houses the only crystal bed in the world that you have the privelege to see and marvel.

Solar Boats and Horse Safari

Boat rides on Lake Pichola are popular through the day with visitors enjoying the scenic expanse of the City Palace from the lake and watching rare birds nestling in the sanctury on the western edge. Udaipur made history in the early 1990s when the first solar boat in the world was introduced on Lake Pichola. Solar boats are available for the eco conscious in Udaipur. Horse Safaris are carefully planned out by expert guides for the adventerous visitors. Safe, sturdy horses make riding across the city a pleasure and not an endurance test.

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Only 42 km. north of Udaipur, Nathadwara is easily reached by plane or car. Constant stream of pilgrims has resulted in plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathadwara. Cheap and cheerful rooms start at 50p per night, moving up to high quality accommodation at £20 per night. Price of accommodation rises as you move away from centre of Town. Reasonable rooms, with on suite toilet and bath, can be easily found for £5 per night. The more luxurious, air-conditioned hotels, are mainly situated out of town. Restaurants in town cater for a wide range of vegetarian tastes, however, it is illegal to consume alcohol within the town limits.

The Havali is the centre of attraction in the Town. Its inner sanctum is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord Shrinathji. Rest of the time, it is relatively free of crowds, ideal for those wanting to explore the beauty of Rajasthani art and architecture. The entire place seems to be in a time capsule, still living the regal life long abandoned by Maharajahs of India. Temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era, serving the Lord of Nathadwara as the beloved prince and darling of Nanadaraj and Yashodaji.

Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect, resides in regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jewelled. Exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mogul India, are worn by Shrinathji on daily basis. Here at least the jewels are not kept behind glass, but used for what they were intended. Everything in the inner temple, from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are of the finest quality. Havali itself employs some 1000 people, whilst rest of the town thrives on the business given directly or indirectly by the Havali and the pilgrims.

The best thing about the place is its mystic tranquillity. The feeling of peace and spirituality seems to rise above the humdrum of the town. Numerous groves, gardens, parks and fields outside the town provide perfect escape from the crowds, you can also cool off in the river Banas nearby. Town itself is small enough to be explored on foot. Rickshaws and horse carts are available for those who do not wish to brave the heat of Rajasthan.