Unforgettable Road Trip: Mumbai to Udaipur with Toddlers

Our road trip from Mumbai to Udaipur was nothing short of an adventure—a mix of chaos, challenges, and some serious leap-of-faith moments! Why? Well, for starters, this 750+ km journey was a completely last-minute decision, with no clear plan except to hit the road the next morning. Add to that the wild card: traveling with twin toddlers who’d never been on a car ride longer than 125 km. Let’s just say we were mentally prepared for anything, including the possibility of making a U-turn if things went south.

And as if managing toddlers wasn’t challenging enough, I caught a nasty viral fever right at the start, losing my sense of taste (and patience) for the first three days of the trip. But hey, the silver lining? We had a professional driver behind the wheel, so while the journey was far from smooth, we still managed to pull it off. What followed was a whirlwind of memorable moments, surprises, and plenty of stories to tell!

The Road Journey: Mumbai to Udaipur

Day 1: Starting From Mumbai

Our road trip to Udaipur spanned 1.5 days, with a brief detour through Vadodara. We left Mumbai at 5:30 AM (a bit later than our planned 4:00 AM start), brimming with excitement. However, the enthusiasm quickly gave way to exhaustion, thanks to heavy truck traffic and road construction in several stretches across Maharashtra. After 13 grueling hours on the road with two toddlers (a first for us), we finally reached Vadodara at 6:30 PM—too late to catch the grandeur of Lakshmi Niwas Palace as we had hoped. This was a slight detour from Bharuch which went in vain. In desperate need of rest, we checked into Banyan Paradise Resort on the city’s outskirts, as most decent hotels were already sold out.

Day 2: Reaching Udaipur

The next morning, feeling slightly recharged, we hit the road at 8:00 AM. Thankfully, the second leg was much smoother, with better roads and a stretch on National Expressway 1. This was also a discovery, as we did know about any National Expressway on this route. We made it a point to use the National Expressway (1 and 4) on our way back to Mumbai to save time. After 6.5 hours, we finally arrived Udaipur, with 6 km of circuitous narrow lanes ending the trip, thanks to Google Map’s weird algorithm which failed to suggest broader city route. One key learning here was never to completely rely on Google Map in Udaipur, as it failed us many times for city tours as well.

Our Stay at Aurika, Udaipur by Lemon Tree

When it comes to luxury stays in Udaipur, you typically face two choices: the opulent lakeside hotels like the Taj, which promise a dreamy setting but can burn a serious hole in your pocket, or properties like Aurika, nestled atop a hill, offering equally mesmerizing views at a more accessible price point.

For budget travelers, there are plenty of city-based accommodations that come without the lake or hilltop views but are much easier on the wallet. However, if you’re looking for something unique and memorable without breaking the bank, a hilltop stay like Aurika is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Other Luxury Hotels to Consider:

• Taj Aravali Resort & Spa (Excellent service)
• Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa (Excellent food)
• Zana Lake Resort (Panoramic lake view)

After capturing a few conventional and uninspired shots of this part of the property, I decided to let my creative instincts take over, composing this image as a frame within a frame to bring out its aesthetic charm.

Since we hadn’t made any prior reservations, we managed to snag a last-minute deal at Aurika after some savvy negotiations. And let me tell you, the moment we arrived, it felt like we had hit the jackpot. This palace-like property, perched majestically on a hilltop in the majestic Aravalli range, exuded grandeur that made every penny worth it.

What truly sets Aurika, Udaipur apart is the unique experience of staying in a property that feels like an authentic Mewad fort, perched atop a hill with breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. From its vantage point, you can soak in the beauty of Udaipur’s shimmering lakes, distant hills, and charming cityscape—an absolute visual treat, especially during sunrise, which you can witness right from the comfort of your room.

Architecture and Design

The hotel’s entrance, marked by the bastion gate aptly named Antara (meaning ‘to pause’), invites guests to take a moment, pause, and savor the refreshing air of the Aravalli hills. The property’s design is a masterful blend of traditional Rajasthani grandeur and modern luxury. Grand courtyards, terraced gardens, and intricately gilded interiors evoke the opulence of royal palaces. Elements like arches, jharokhas, chattris, chajjas, brackets, cornices, architraves, collonaded passages, jaalis, columns, marble floor patterns, indows and doors patterns, each celebrate Udaipur’s rich architectural heritage, immersing guests in an ambiance that feels like stepping into a bygone era of regal splendor. More about its design here.

The property is adorned with a myriad of intricate details that will captivate art connoisseurs and interior design enthusiasts alike. From exquisite stone lanterns and traditional Rajasthani paintings to beautifully curated antique furniture, every corner tells a story of craftsmanship and heritage.

While researching for this blog, I discovered that Aurika has been featured in prestigious publications like Condé Nast Traveller, Luxury Escapes, and Economic Times, as well as acclaimed design platforms such as The House of Things and Good Homes India. Its stunning design is no surprise, given that Lemon Tree Hotels entrusted the entire project—including interiors, landscaping, and lighting—to the renowned architecture and design studio Bobby Mukherji & Associates (BM&A).

Amenities

The hotel boasts a dedicated library, a children’s playroom equipped with a PlayStation, and serene terrace gardens perfect for leisurely strolls. In the evening, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rajasthan by enjoying a traditional folk dance performance right at the hotel, eliminating the need to seek out local shows. One drawback I noticed was the absence of diaper-changing stations, commonly found in airports, throughout the property. Additionally, guests are required to use the golf cart to reach their rooms. This means that even in the event of illness, you are exposed to cold winds in winter and occasional drizzles on the way up.

In-room Dining

Aurika, Udaipur offers an exceptional stay, but its culinary offerings fall short. The in-room dining menu, though premium-priced, delivers average food with small portions and slow service, possibly due to the logistics of transporting meals uphill. However, the gesture of complimentary baby food, thoughtfully prepared and delivered with care, was a welcome touch. Despite this, the uninspired flavors and sluggish service left the in-room dining experience more forgettable than remarkable.

The Breakfast

The breakfast, on the other hand, met expectations for a hotel of this caliber, offering a decent spread with quality options. However, it fell short of the expansive variety and standout taste we’ve experienced at other premium properties like Radisson Karjat, Westin Mumbai, and Taj Lucknow, where the breakfast truly sets a higher benchmark.

The City of Lakes, Udaipur

I’ve always been drawn to the enchanting drama of early morning sun rays weaving their golden magic through the fog and mist of a crisp winter morning. While I didn’t have my high-end camera to frame this ethereal scene, I couldn’t resist capturing the moment with my humble camera phone. Sometimes, it’s not about the gear but the magic in front of you—and this morning had plenty of it.

Despite battling viral fever during our stay in Udaipur, we made the most of our time and created lasting memories. On day two, we explored the local markets to buy winter wear (having underestimated Udaipur’s December chill), all while soaking in the city’s charm. Day three began with a serene sunset at Fateh Sagar Lake, followed by a delicious Rajasthani Thali and Dal-Baati at the iconic Natraj Restaurant. On day four, after checking out from the hotel, we headed straight to Harigarh Restaurant to indulge in Rajasthan’s famed Laal Maas, a fiery and unforgettable culinary experience. We then visited the majestic City Palace, marveling at its grandeur and rich history. To wrap up our Udaipur adventure, we took a leisurely stroll through the old city, picking up unique souvenirs at a local shop, and left with beautiful memories despite the challenges.

Honestly, with two toddlers to manage, my hands were far from free to focus on professional photography. Balancing the chaos, I made the most of the moments using just one hand and my iPhone to capture whatever I could.

Restaurant Recommendations

End of an Epic Road Trip

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As we wrap up this journey through the beautiful city of Udaipur, I’d love to hear from you! Have you explored the charm of Udaipur or discovered hidden gems of your own? Share your travel experiences, tips, or favorite spots in the comments below—I’m always excited to hear your stories and insights! Happy travels!

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