"Luxury is a service, not a price point"
I read these words a few years ago, and they have been etched into my memory ever since. I used to shy away from the word ‘luxury,’ thinking it just meant ‘fancy.’ What it really means is being exceptionally well looked after – having every detail handled so you can enjoy the experience fully. That’s what I focus on as a travel advisor. In India, this comes to life perfectly. You’ll stay in stunning hotels with world-class service, and then step out into the heart of the country … bustling markets, colorful streets, and remote villages that are not ‘luxurious’ in the traditional sense. However, you are guided, cared for, and immersed in authentic experiences without having to worry about a thing. That’s what true luxury travel feels like.
Jaipur & Udaipur: A Journey Through Rajasthan’s Heart
Rajasthan is a land of contrasts – bustling cities filled with history, tranquil lakeside escapes, and moments of cultural connection that can not be scripted. My journey between Jaipur and Udaipur was where India revealed two of its most captivating sides. Jaipur was the city that made me fall in love with India – bold, energetic, and alive at every turn. Udaipur, by contrast, was a breath of fresh air, where life slowed to the rhythm of water and village life offered a glimpse of something timeless. Experiencing these two destinations back to back created the perfect balance of color, calm, and connection.
Jaipur: The City That Made Me Fall in Love With India
I was already smitten with India, but Jaipur is where I truly fell in love. From the moment we arrived at our hotel and were welcomed with a dinner alongside the warm and friendly sales team, I had a good feeling about Jaipur.
Jaipur, the fabled Pink City, is a feast for the senses. One of our first adventures was a jeep ride up to Amber Fort. The fort itself is extraordinary with grand courtyards, mirrored halls, and sweeping hilltop views, but even the journey there was unforgettable. Driving through the winding streets and hills by jeep, it was impossible not to be swept up in the energy of Jaipur.
Another standout was our ride with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, an organization that empowers local women by training them to drive electric rickshaws. Zipping through Jaipur’s busy streets with these incredible women at the helm gave us not only an authentic view of the city but also a meaningful glimpse into how tourism can create opportunities for local communities.
We also visited two heritage properties in Jaipur, both steeped in history and culture. For premium clients, these properties offer an immersive place to stay, while for luxury clients staying elsewhere, they’re the perfect venue for hands-on cultural activities like cooking classes or even kite flying. These experiences connect travelers with India’s traditions in a personal way.
But the highlight of Jaipur (and truly one of the highlights of the entire journey) was our grand dinner at the City Palace. Dining within the walls of this royal residence was nothing short of magical. We were greeted by a Rajasthani folk band that paraded us into the palace as flower petals were thrown from overhead. To make the evening even more special, we had all purchased traditional Indian attire, which added a fun and immersive touch to the celebration. The setting, the service, and the sense of history all came together to create a night none of us will ever forget. It was one of those rare travel moments where you stop, look around, and realize just how lucky you are to be there. Just look at us basking in the glow of our pinch me moment!
Where We Stayed: The Oberoi Rajvilas
Our stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas was the perfect complement to Jaipur’s vibrancy. Just outside the city center, the property offers a peaceful escape within 32 acres of gardens where peacocks roam freely, reflecting pools, and Mughal-inspired architecture. Even relaxing by the pool felt infused with local culture, as I had the chance to get henna done by a skilled artist.
The rooms were an ideal retreat in their own right. I stayed in a Premier Room, thoughtfully designed with a cozy reading nook and a luxurious sunken tub. It felt like a private sanctuary, the kind of space where you could linger and truly appreciate the balance of modern luxury with timeless Indian style.
Before departing the Oberoi Rajvilas, we were welcomed into a Hindu temple on site that is more than 300 years old. A priest offered us a blessing, creating a moment that was both grounding and humbling. It was a rare chance to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with Indian culture and spirituality. Experiences like this are a reminder that travel is not just about the bucket-list moments that dazzle, it is also about the quiet ones that leave a lasting impression on your heart.
Udaipur: A Breath of Fresh Air
After the whirlwind energy of Jaipur, arriving in Udaipur felt like a breath of fresh air. Known as the City of Lakes, it has a lively city center but moves at a gentler pace. Shimmering waters, palaces rising from the lakes, and scenic streets make it a place that feels vibrant yet refreshingly calm.
One of the most memorable experiences was our tuk-tuk ride through the countryside and hills above Udaipur. It was a chance to step off the tourist trail and see another side of India – people carrying crops on their heads or piled onto motorbikes, children playing in the streets, and neighbors gathering in bright bursts of color.
Along the way, we stopped at a local school in the countryside. The children were so curious and eager to interact with us – wide smiles, enthusiastic waves, and an energy that was absolutely infectious. It was a humbling experience to see how education shapes the lives of these children, and it reminded me of the importance of connecting with communities beyond the tourist sites.
Our guide then welcomed us into his home, where we were given a traditional greeting and introduced to his family. His daughter and her friend offered to create henna designs for us, which we eagerly accepted, while the village cow wandered in to nudge us for food – a reminder of the sacred place cows hold in Indian culture. It was a beautiful, unscripted window into village life.
Back in the city, we explored the City Palace of Udaipur, a stunning complex overlooking Lake Pichola. Within its walls is also a heritage hotel, where we enjoyed lunch surrounded by history.
After lunch, we wandered the narrow lanes of Old Town Udaipur, which gave us yet another perspective – small shops, local life, and the rhythm of a city that balances the ancient with the everyday.
Cultural Highlight: Jal Sanjhi
Among the many cultural treasures we encountered, Jal Sanjhi offered a fascinating glimpse into Udaipur’s artistic heritage. This centuries-old art form of painting on water is now kept alive by just one family. Using colored powders, the artists create intricate depictions of Lord Krishna on the surface of the water. The paintings last only briefly before dissolving back into the water, a gentle reminder of both devotion and the impermanence of life.
In India, where traditions are deeply rooted and cherished, Jal Sanjhi is a beautiful example of living cultural practices passed down through generations.
Where We Stayed: The Oberoi Udaivilas
If Udaipur itself is magical, then The Oberoi Udaivilas is where that magic comes alive. Perched on the banks of Lake Pichola, this resort is spread across sprawling gardens, with domes, courtyards, and reflecting pools that echo the palaces of old. It is particularly beautiful at night when the city lights glisten off the water.
The Premier Room at The Oberoi Udaivilas was a serene retreat, with Mughal-inspired details, elegant furnishings, and a terrace that opened to peaceful garden views. The spacious bathroom, complete with a soaking tub, felt especially indulgent after days spent exploring Udaipur. It was the perfect place to recharge and take in the property’s tranquil atmosphere.
At Oberoi Udaivilas, the service was impeccable, the dining exceptional, and everywhere you turned, there was beauty, from the architecture to the lake views. Udaivilas isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience that embodies the elegance and tranquility of Udaipur itself. An prime example of this was our final dinner on the hotel’s terrace, overlooking the shimmering lake, as live local music played and dancers performed traditional routines – an evening that perfectly captured the city’s charm and spirit.
Together, Jaipur and Udaipur revealed Rajasthan’s perfect balance. Jaipur dazzled with its energy, history, and color, while Udaipur soothed with its lakes, hills, and culture.
With the expert guidance of our partner in India, Distinct Destinations, we didn’t just see the highlights. We experienced India in ways that felt personal, authentic, and unforgettable – from palace dinners to tuk-tuk rides through villages. It’s this blend of history and modern life, grandeur and simplicity, that makes India so endlessly captivating.
If Jaipur and Udaipur have captured your imagination, it’s time to start planning your own journey. From vibrant palaces and bustling markets to serene lakes and unforgettable cultural experiences, these cities offer a side of India you can’t experience anywhere else. Let us help you craft a trip where every detail is taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and soak it all in.
