Unbelievable Udaipur: ELtravo Hostel's Epic Indian Adventure Awaits!
Unbelievable Udaipur: ELtravo Hostel - My Brain (and My Backpack) Just Exploded With AWESOME! (A Review That's Way More Real)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average travel review. This is REAL. I've just clawed my way out of ELtravo Hostel in Udaipur, and I'm still picking glitter and good vibes out of my hair. "Epic Indian Adventure"? They ain't kidding. Seriously, this place is like a neon-lit Bollywood movie exploded in the heart of Udaipur, and you're invited to the after-party.
First off: Accessibility - The Good, the "Could Be Better," and the VERY Important "Let's Talk"
Right, let's be real. Accessibility in India… well, it's a work in progress generally. ELtravo does have an elevator, which is a HUGE win considering Udaipur's hilly landscape. They also flag "facilities for disabled guests" which could mean a lot of things. Honestly, I didn't personally need those specific accommodations, but potential guests need to CALL and ask SPECIFICALLY. Don't just assume. Get the details. Because a "wheelchair accessible" room could be a different story than a "wheelchair accessible" bathroom. So, call ahead! They also have a terrace, but I'm not sure how accessible the terrace is, call ahead and they will let you know!
Cleanliness & Safety - My Inner Germaphobe is THRIVING!
Look, I'm no germaphobe (but my inner voice is totally judging all of you right now). But even I was impressed. They've got the whole COVID-19 game locked down: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up (and actually wearing them!), and constant cleaning. They even had anti-viral cleaning product signs! Rooms are sanitized between stays. They've got Doctor/nurse on call, and the staff are trained in safety protocol. Seriously, I felt safer there than I do in my own apartment sometimes. Huge props for making me feel like I could breathe (and not worry about catching something nasty). They also have really good exterior security as well!
The Nitty Gritty of Comfort: Rooms and… well, EVERYTHING!
Okay, let's dive into the ROOMS. You get the basics: air conditioning (THANK GOD), comfy beds (extra long, even!), and a private bathroom. They have air conditioning in public areas. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The Wi-Fi worked like a DREAM, which is crucial because, let's be honest, we're all addicted to our phones now. You get a whole host of amenities that make the place comfy. They also got a smoking area. The rooms themselves? They're clean, brightly decorated, and have everything you need. They even have black out curtains, in case you want to sleep in a bit. My bed was a cloud of blissful sleep after long days.
Eating Your Way Through Udaipur (and Not Getting Sick!)
I have this motto: Always trust a place that offers Asian breakfast AND Western breakfast. ELtravo delivers on both. Plus, the restaurant is open, the staff is accommodating and will arrange alternative meals! They even have a vegetarian restaurant. Here's a confession: I ate so much at their breakfast buffet, that I had to loosen my belt (no shame). The coffee was surprisingly good, a welcome change from the instant stuff I became accustomed to at other budget places! They also have a bar, a coffee shop, and a snack bar. The Poolside bar is also a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (Because We're All Addicted)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? CHECK. Good Wi-Fi signal? CHECK. Worked reliably throughout my stay? CHECK. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. I could finally post those Instagram stories of Udaipur sunsets without the eternal buffering! There is also Internet [LAN] and Internet services! They really do have everything.
Things to Do (Besides Just Lazing Around - Though That's Tempting)
Udaipur itself is a treasure trove, but ELtravo also creates a truly social environment that keeps the good times rolling. They have a terrace and a swimming pool (outdoor) with a view; the photos don’t do the beauty justice! I spent an afternoon just lounging by the pool, sipping a drink from the poolside bar and watching the world go by. It’s just a way to relax. They also have a gym (fitness center), so you can keep in shape! They also have some activities in hotel, such as seminars.
Relaxing and Pampering - Because You Deserve It!
I spent a small fortune at the spa. You know why? Because I could. They have amazing massages, a sauna to sweat out all the toxins, and a steamroom to melt your worries away. I got a body scrub and a body wrap. You are in heaven! They do have a foot bath too.
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of EVERYTHING!
Seriously, the list is long. Here's a quick rundown of the things that made my stay 1000% better:
- 24-hour Front Desk: Always a comfort.
- Laundry Service: Because, let's be real, travel laundry can be a nightmare.
- Luggage Storage: So you can explore without lugging all your stuff around.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Parking can be a pain, so this is a HUGE plus.
- Cash withdrawal: So I could easily grab more rupees
- Invoice provided: Important for business travellers!
- Daily housekeeping: Coming back to a clean room every day? Pure bliss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food!
They really do know how to feed you. Beyond the breakfast buffet (which I already raved about), they have a full restaurant menu. They also serve a la carte and alternative meal arrangements. They have a pool bar, and a coffee shop!
For the Kids - Family Fun!
They are family/child friendly, with kids facilities available. Also, they offer babysitting service.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
They offer airport transfer, taxi service, car park [on-site], and valet parking.
My Wildly Imperfect Anecdote: The Rooftop Sunset (and the Accidental Karaoke)
Okay, so here's a story. One evening, I was determined to catch the sunset from the rooftop terrace. It's supposed to be EPIC. And it was. Just… stunning. The colors, the lake, the whole vibe… pure magic.
But then, the owner… well, he just started singing Bollywood tunes. Loudly. And badly. (Sorry, dude, but it's the truth.) At first, I was mortified. But then, I saw everyone else loving it. Laughing, singing (badly, like me!), dancing. It was chaotic, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. That’s the ELtravo Experience. A mix of beauty, chaos, and unexpected moments of pure joy.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously, Just Book It.
Look, Unbelievable Udaipur: ELtravo Hostel isn't perfect. No place is. But it’s got a soul. It's fun, it’s clean, it’s safe, and the staff genuinely care. I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a camera roll full of memories. If you're looking for a place that's more than just a hotel, a place to experience the real Udaipur, the place to meet some friends, and fall in love with the magic of India, then ELtravo is your answer.
Here's the Offer (Because You Know You Want To!)
Unbelievable Udaipur: Your Epic Indian Adventure Awaits!
Book your stay at ELtravo Hostel NOW and get:
- FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Stay connected and share your incredible experiences.
- A complimentary welcome drink! Kick back and relax as soon as you arrive.
- A 10% discount on your first spa treatment! Treat yourself to some serious bliss after those long days.
- Free Car park!!
- And a chance to experience the most memorable stay of your life!
Click here to book your adventure today! Don't miss out!
(P.S. Tell them the crazy lady who almost joined the rooftop karaoke sent you!)
Escape to Paradise: Casa Mar y Sol Awaits in Stunning Los Llanos de Aridane!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is the raw, the real, the slightly-too-much-chai-before-bed version of my Udaipur adventure, cooked up at the chaotic heart of ELtravo Hostel. Buckle up, because it's gonna be a wild ride.
The ELtravo Udaipur: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure (aka, My Almost-Perfect Udaipur Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Cultural Overload (Help Me, Chai!)
- 11:00 AM: Landed in Udaipur. Hot, humid, and the air smells of jasmine and… well, a whole lot of stuff I can't quite identify. My first impression of the taxi driver was, "He's got a story." (Turns out, he did. Later, he regaled me with tales of his goat farm. Goats. In India.)
- 12:00 PM: Reached ELtravo. Found it! I mean, it took a bit of wandering through the maze-like lanes, dodging rogue cows and insistent rickshaw wallahs (oh, the bargaining battles!), but I MADE IT. First impression of the hostel: vibrant, backpack-strewn chaos. Love it. The smiling receptionist, bless her, handed me a chai – bless her, because MY GOD, the jet lag was hitting HARD.
- 1:00 PM: Settling in. My dorm room? Let's just say "cozy" is an understatement. More like, "intimate" with my fellow travelers and their questionable snoring habits. BUT the view from the rooftop terrace? Chefs kiss Udaipur's lake shimmered below.
- 2:00 PM: Launching into the city. First REAL meal: Dal Bhat at a street-side stall. Spicy. Delicious. And possibly, slightly, questionable in terms of sanitation. YOLO, right? (Maybe not. I'm already feeling a little…rumbling.)
- 3:00 PM: Exploring the city. The City Palace felt like a Disney castle built by actual royalty. It's HUGE. And oh-so-opulent. Trying not to be too overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur, but failing spectacularly. This place is begging for an Instagram post with the caption "Living my best princess life!" But then, I'm also thinking about the fact that the "princess life" definitely wouldn't involve me being dehydrated in the hot sun.
- 5:00 PM: A calming boat ride on Lake Pichola. Amazing! Seeing the City Palace and Jag Mandir Island from the water was magical… especially as the sun started to set. That golden hour light is real, guys. It made even the slightly-murky lake water look ethereal. Pure bliss. The entire boat had one singular thought/reaction: "WOW". But then I realized I forgot my sunscreen. Face is screaming.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake. Food: phenomenal. Company: a couple of lovely (and thankfully generous with their mosquito repellent) people from Canada. Conversation: surprisingly deep for a first meeting. Topics ranged from the questionable ethics of fast fashion to the meaning of life.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hostel. Instant connection with the hostel crew. Games, jokes, and chai (sensing a theme?).
Day 2: The Palace, The Souk, and The Food! (My Tummy's On Alert)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up with a slightly… delicate stomach. Thanks, street food! But I'm a warrior. Coffee and toast, stat.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring the Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maidens). Beautiful. Peaceful. A much-needed respite from the city's bustle. I felt like a character in a Bollywood movie, although thankfully, I resisted the urge to randomly break into song and dance. (Mostly.)
- 11:00 AM: Lost In the markets. Shopping! Or, more accurately, haggling. My bartering skills are… developing. I may have overpaid for a scarf that's almost certainly going to fall apart after one wash, but hey, the vibrant colors are worth it, right? Right?!
- 1:00 PM: Quick lunch: Thali platter. Everything. Everywhere. Delicious. And I think I'm officially addicted to paneer.
- 2:00 PM: "The Crystal Gallery," in the Fateh Prakash Palace. Expensive. Sparkly. Pretty much what I expected. It's not my thing, but I can appreciate the craftsmanship. Mostly, I stood there thinking about how much that chandelier probably cost and how I’d never be able to own anything like it.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hostel and a moment of peace.
- 5:00 PM: Cooking class - Oh, what a mess! I signed up for a cooking class. I love cooking, but doing it with 10 other strangers in a tiny kitchen was… an experience. I am by no means a great cook (okay, I am a terrible cook), so everything ended up a bit burnt and a bit too spicy. But HEY, everyone survives.
- 7:00 PM: The same roof terrace restaurant. This time with a group from the hostel. Much needed social interaction.
Day 3: The Temples, The Lake Again, and The Deepest Connection (Cue the Tears…Or Maybe Just Chai)
- 9:00 AM: Visit to the Jagdish Temple. The intricate carvings were mind-blowing. All those hours of craftsmanship, the devotion… it was humbling. And then I tried to find a quiet moment to meditate, which was interrupted by a very enthusiastic pigeon. So, yeah, back to the chaos.
- 11:00 AM: Exploring the streets, getting lost in the tiny alleys and discovering hidden gems. Got delicious Indian pastries.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe, tried the traditional Indian lunch.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the ELtravo to meet my new friends.
- 5:00 PM: Another lake boat ride, but this time, it was different. We watched the sunset, and for a moment, the world felt… perfect. No noise, no demands, just the cool breeze and the feeling of connection. I'm serious, I felt like crying. I'm not sure if it was the beauty of the sunset, but for a moment, I felt a profound sense of connection to the people I was with, to the place, and to myself.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and more social interactions.
Day 4: Leaving Udaipur (With A Heavy Heart and A Full Belly)
- 8:00 AM: Packing. Ugh. I hate packing. Especially since my backpack is now filled with souvenirs and questionable street food leftovers.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at ELtravo. Chai, of course. Hugs goodbye to my new travel buddies. (Okay, maybe a few sniffles. Don't judge.)
- 10:00 AM: One last look at the lake. It's incredible how a place can worm its way into your heart in just four days. Udaipur, you've been amazing.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Final thoughts: Udaipur is so much more than just pretty pictures. It's the heat, the people, the chaos, the colors, the smells, the music, the food (even the sketchy bits!), and the laughter. It's messy and it's imperfect, yet it's somehow perfect. I'm leaving a piece of my heart here. And I'm already planning my return.
Important Imperfections (and Things I Learned):
- My stomach: Still slightly traumatized by that street food. Pack Pepto-Bismol. Seriously.
- My bartering skills: Need much, MUCH improvement.
- My sunburn: Ouch. Wear sunscreen. Every day.
- My sense of direction: Still non-existent. Embrace getting lost. It's part of the adventure.
- The Chai: The best thing ever. Drink it all the time.
Final Rating: 10/10 (Would absolutely get lost and eat questionable food again!)
So, there you have it. My Udaipur adventure. It wasn't perfect, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Now, where is that Chai?
Escape to Paradise: Sauna & Cozy Meijel Holiday Home (Peel en Maas, Netherlands)
Unbelievable Udaipur: ELtravo Hostel's Epic Indian Adventure Awaits! (Or Does It?) FAQs - The Real Lowdown
So, Udaipur... Is it *actually* unbelievable? Like, headline-grabbing, Instagram-filter-worthy unbelievable?
Alright, let's be honest. "Unbelievable" is a bit much. It's more… *believable*. Udaipur is beautiful, yeah. The lakes are sparkly (especially after a good rain – which, side note, I got caught in, and the rickshaw driver charged me triple! Grumble, grumble...), the palaces are impressive, the food's delicious, and yeah, the sunsets are pretty darn stunning. But it's not like you're going to teleport to another dimension. It's India. Things happen. Like, you'll order "mild" and it'll still burn your face off. You'll haggle over a scarf for an hour and then realize you probably still paid too much. You'll see a cow casually strolling down a busy street. That's part of the charm, right? Right?! Mostly...yeah, it's charming. Mostly.
ELtravo Hostel. Sounds… exotic. Is it actually luxurious? (Because backpacker 'luxury' can be a slippery slope.)
"Luxurious"? Hahaha. Nope. But also, not a total disaster. Think… clean-ish. The dorm rooms are… functional. I'd seen worse, I've *slept* worse (that bus ride from Jaipur… don't get me started!). The showers… well, let's just say they're not always hot. Sometimes they're lukewarm. Sometimes they’re a torrential downpour of ice water, which is, frankly, fantastic after a long day in the sun, even if it does give you goosebumps that last for an hour. The rooftop area is the real winner, though. Good vibes, decent coffee (essential!), and the view… now *that's* something. You sit up there with the lake stretching out, and the city lights twinkling… You'll be forgiven for feeling, 'Yeah, I'm actually living the dream.' Just don’t look *too* closely at the paint peeling off the walls. That's just character, right?
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it going to destroy my stomach? (I'm a worrier.)
The food! Oh, the food! It's glorious. And it *might* destroy your stomach. Look, you’re in India. Your gut bacteria are going to be doing a conga line of confusion. Eat street food cautiously. Listen to your gut. Literally. If it starts churning… run! But seriously, I didn't get horribly sick. I mean, a little queasy maybe after that *amazing* roadside samosa, but nothing a few hours spent hugging a toilet couldn't handle. (Okay, maybe a *few* more hours…) Try the dal makhani (so rich!), the paneer tikka masala (spicy!), the lassi (sweet, milky, and potentially… a gamble!), and don't, under *any* circumstances, skip the street-side chaat. Live a little! Just pack some Imodium. Trust me. I learned the hard way!
Activities! What cool stuff is there to *do* in Udaipur? Beyond, you know, just staring at the pretty lakes.
Okay, so, yes, staring at the lakes is a major activity. It's *required*. But beyond that, you've got the City Palace (go early to avoid the crowds and the heat!), the Jag Mandir (that island palace!), the Bagore-ki-Haveli museum (which is actually kinda cool), and the Sajjangarh Fort (aka Monsoon Palace – it’s uphill, be prepared to sweat!). And the boat rides! You HAVE to do a boat ride. Sunsets from the lake are something else entirely. Honestly, I loved just wandering the streets, getting lost in the maze-like alleyways, and stumbling upon hidden temples. Don't be afraid to just *be* lost, that's where the real adventure is, like the time I got completely turned around and ended up in a random wedding procession. Talk about color!
Solo travel in Udaipur: good idea or nightmare fuel?
Look, solo travel in India... it's an experience. It's *intense*. It can be exhilarating, terrifying, lonely, and the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do, all in a single day. Udaipur, though, is pretty good for it. The hostel is great for meeting people. You'll find yourself chatting with other backpackers on the rooftop over chai. Safety-wise, I didn't feel threatened (though keep your wits about you, as always). The local people are generally friendly (though sometimes they'll try to overcharge you, but that's just part of the game). The hardest part is the constant attention that comes with being a solo traveler, especially if you're a woman. You'll get stared at. You'll get approached. You'll sometimes feel overwhelmed. But embrace the chaos, keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to say "no" (firmly!). You'll have a story to tell, or two, or a whole book. Bring your camera, bring your patience, and bring your sense of humor... you'll need it!
The Nightlife: Is Udaipur a party town? Or do you mostly just chill?
LOL. Party town? Um… not really. Udaipur is more about sunset cocktails and chilled rooftop bars. There *are* a few places that get lively, but it’s not Goa. You’re more likely to be enjoying a quiet dinner by the lake and then heading back to the hostel for a chill night of cards or, you know, actually, I spent most nights writing in my journal. The lack of a raging party scene is actually kind of nice. It lets you truly soak in the atmosphere and the beauty of the city. That’s my opinion, anyway. Plus, all that chili I'd consumed earlier demanded a quiet place!
ELtravo Hostel - The Staff: Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they actually speak English? (And can they get me an amazing chai??)
The staff at ELtravo... mixed bag. Some are super helpful, always smiling, and genuinely want to make your stay awesome. They'll give you tips, help you book tours, and even (sometimes) convince the stubborn rickshaw drivers to lower their prices just a *little* bit. Others... well, let's just say their English wasn't always perfect, which could lead to some *interesting* misunderstandings. But overall, they were nice. And yes! They *can* get you amazing chai. That’s the most important thing, right? A steaming cup of spiced tea at sunrise while you watch the city wake up... that's pretty much perfection. Seriously, some of those chai wallahs (tea sellers) deserve *medals*. I might've missed a few trains because I was too busy sipping chai on the platform. No regrets!
