Popular Topics

Trip Report

Exploring India

Travelling to India has really been life changing in terms of mindset, understanding of life or just enjoying flavour-burst food.

  • Mumbai+ 26
  • Udaipur
  • Udaipur
  • Exploring  India
maria’s_travels
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

AsiaIndia17 days / May - June 2022

Highs & Lows

Rajasthan is a cultural gem, whether you are a foodie or a site explorer!

Travelling between April - June could be difficult for some as temperatures rise up to 45 degrees!

Itinerary Overview

Arriving at Rajasthan, Udaipur, after a 12 hour flight from London, I took a taxi to my hostel that was located a little further outside from the city. Buses are also available but I preferred to stick with a safer option due to being very new to solo travelling. The ride was very pleasant and relatively cheap. 

Travelling in such hot weather can be risky for anyone that is not used to such high temperatures so caring a small fan would be beneficial. The taxi likely had AC, but buses usually do not so be mindful about what you choose. 

From Udaipur I flew to to Mumbai which was a sweet, short and easy flight. Most people in India do speak English so it was easy to ask for direction and advice about where I was going.  

India was indeed a great adventure and I would recommend to anyone looking to travel to a country rich in culture, customs and certain way of living Rajasthan is without fault the place for it. 

  • 10 Nights: Udaipur
    Teaching English and helping market the Homestay
  • 7 Nights: Mumbai
    City exploration
Udaipur - Teaching English and helping market the Homestay
1

Udaipur Teaching English and helping market the Homestay

Udaipur - Teaching English and helping market the Homestay - null
Udaipur - Teaching English and helping market the Homestay - null
Udaipur - Teaching English and helping market the Homestay - null16+

I can certainly say flying to India was one of the easiest and smoothest long flights I have ever taken. I flew economy with Vistara, which I definitely recommend, as they offered snacks and beverages numerous times which is a nice plus for long flights. 

Finding a taxi at the airport  was very easy since Uber is functional in most cities in India. The drive was less than 45 minutes and relatively cheap. I would recommend taking an Uber or arranging a pick up with the owner of the place you are staying for extra safety precautions. 

The Airbnb itself was beautiful and had three Saint Bernards living with the owner on the found floor. You will only encounter one as the other two are usually indoors. Samvit, the owner, and his family were extraordinary always helpful, giving tips and even lifts to a place or another (for a small fee). 

Udaipur felt like a little gem in Rajasthan‘s district. It had palaces where you could dine and stay in, Chunda Palace, to cultural centres that were filled with non funded uncommon artists that created crafts from raw materials or performed over and over again for the crowd. 

The city is surrounded by water, with lakes being their main attraction for tourists. If you are looking for something more than a touristic vacations there are many opportunities for volunterring work, preferably through Workaway.

Overall and unforgettable place filled with beautiful places and very kind people that are always willing to help and curious to learn more about you.

Mumbai - City exploration
2

Mumbai City exploration

Mumbai - City exploration - null
Mumbai - City exploration - null
Mumbai - City exploration - null7+

Arriving in Mumbai I had a shock in the weather as it was 10 degrees less than Udaipur, however due to humidity being so high it felt more suffocating once you walked out the airport. The drive from the airport to the hotel was beautiful since almost all streets are filled with palm trees. 

I did feel the increase in the population and it also had a city vibe; loud and busy, polluted and less friendly. 

I did a few tourist attractions, such as the Elephant Caves or the Gateway of India, which was  built spectacularly with amazing architecture and materials. 

Eating outside was very easy as most places felt more European centric with a touch of Indian culture. Mango was in season so I kept having multiple mango shakes and juices which tasted amazing! 

The hotel was located right in central which was an ideal location, however the noice was extremely high which made it hard to fall asleep on the first couple of nights. 

Visiting Mumbai is ideal for anyone looking for a Bollywood cultural exploration or just a busy city break.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I would have probably gone a different month as the heat was unbearable midday so most people will stay indoors. Definitely visit the Rajasthan district it planning to go to India.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Realising I got charged almost 5x-10x the original price for products. But it was still cheap when converting it into pounds.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Asking for recommendations from locals you know is the safest way. Chunda Palace has a restaurant with a beautiful view if you are looking for something more fancy and it is still cheap.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Be careful for people overpricing you. If you look foreign or do not speak Hindi then you will probably be given a much higher price than locals.
  • Packing tips?

    Light airy cotton clothes. If you do choose to go between those months, you will be sweating most of the time so have that in mind when packing. Also more conservative clothing is advised.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Uber is functional and extremely cheap! Walking is easy and safe in daylight as well if the weather allows it.
  • Any surprises?

    I got used to the heat and constant sweating which I was not expecting.

Lodging