Location: Located in Southern Rajasthan near the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh borders, Udaipur lies at the foothills of the Aravalis that make for some sublime views.
Climate: A tropical climate and proximity to the desert make summers in Udaipur almost inhospitable with the temperature ranging from 24 C to 44 C. Winters are pleasant with chilly nights, with the temperature ranging from 3 C to 26 C.
Altitude: 598 metres above sea level.
Local languages: People speak the Mewari dialect of Rajasthani here, although Hindi is widely spoken and understood. English is understood in the touristy areas such as Lal Ghat, Gangaur Ghat and Lake Road of the old city.
Phone Code: 0294
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Udaipur, like most of Rajasthan, is in winter (October to February). The desert nights get chilly but the days are cool with plenty of lovely sunshine. Monsoon (July - September) makes another good time to visit, when the Aravalis turn a glorious green.
Getting Connected: There is an HSBC ATM at the bus stand and an ICICI ATM near the Jet Airways office at Madhuban.
Local Transport
The best way of exploring Udaipur, particularly the old city, is on foot. The narrow lanes offer much to see, from old havelis to quirky accessories on display, that can be missed when in a vehicle.
If travelling a longer distance, auto rickshaws are the common modes of transport in Udaipur, the roads too undulating to make travelling by cycle rickshaws impossible anyway. However, the autos are plentiful, if noisy, and the drivers quite cordial as they are used to tourists. Haggle for rates in your most practiced Hindi. The rates to go from anywhere on the same side of Lake Pichola should not be more than Rs. 30. Concede Rs. 40 if you have to cross one of the bridges and go to the other side.
Tourist Office
Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation (RTDC)
Fateh Memorial
Suraj Pol Tel: 0294- 2411535
* (Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm)
There are branch offices of the RTDC at Bagore Ki Haveli, the railway station and the airport. Look out for information on accommodation, guides, information booklets and maps.
