Uncover Udaipur's Hidden Gem: The Hunting Lodge Awaits!

The Hunting Lodge Udaipur India

Uncover Udaipur's Hidden Gem: The Hunting Lodge Awaits!

Uncover Udaipur's Hidden Gem: The Hunting Lodge Awaits! – A Messy, Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Go)

Okay, folks, settle in. I'm about to spill the (admittedly delicious) tea on The Hunting Lodge in Udaipur. Forget those glossy travel brochures – this is the REAL deal. Prepare for a whirlwind of luxurious pampering, unexpected delights, and maybe, just maybe, a slightly existential crisis. Because, let's be honest, sometimes that's what a really good vacation does to you.

First Impression – The Wow Factor (and a Little Bit of "Lost in Translation")

Right, so the website photos? They don’t even come close. The Hunting Lodge isn't just a hotel; it's a vibe. Think colonial charm meets Rajasthan royalty, with a dash of, well, let's call it "quirky elegance." The entrance? Majestic. The lobby? Breathe-takingly beautiful. But here’s my first messy observation: the check-in. Efficient, yes. But also, slightly… impersonal? There was a tiny hitch with my room key at first, a classic "lost in translation" moment, but thankfully, the lovely staff (who, by the way, are always super helpful) sorted it out with smiles and apologies. A little small imperfection, the whole experience was quickly smoothed over.

Accessibility - A Mostly Smooth Ride (with a Few Tiny Bumps)

• Wheelchair Accessible: The Hunting Lodge does have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which is a huge plus.
• Accessibility overall: Very good. The only small thing was some slightly high thresholds to go to dining spots

Rooms - Where Dreams (and Your Sleep) Come True

Okay, let's talk rooms. I booked a "regular" room, and honestly, I felt like I'd wandered into a Bollywood movie set. (In a good way!).

• Available in all rooms:
  • Air conditioning: essential!
  • Alarm clock: I actually used it. Wow!
  • Bathrobes: Luxurious!
  • Bathroom phone: fancy, but you probably won't use it.
  • Bathtub: Absolutely soaked in it!
  • Blackout curtains: Needed after those late-night cocktails at the bar!
  • Closet: plenty of space for all my (excessive) outfits.
  • Coffee/tea maker: Morning savior!
  • Complimentary tea: Yes please!
  • Daily housekeeping: Perfection.
  • Desk: for when you pretend to work.
  • Extra long bed: finally, a bed that fits me!
  • Free bottled water: always appreciated.
  • Hair dryer: essential.
  • High floor: My room was on a higher floor - great views!
  • In-room safe box: peace of mind.
    • Interconnecting room(s) available: great for families.
  • Internet access – LAN/wireless: both available, but the Wi-Fi was faster.
  • Ironing facilities: didn't need it, but good to have!
  • Laptop workspace: Again, pretend work.
  • Linens: Crisp and clean.
  • Mini bar: a temptation.
  • Mirror: for selfies.
    • Non-smoking: always a must for me.
  • On-demand movies: a nice touch.
  • Private bathroom: of course!
  • Reading light: perfect for nighttime reading.
  • Refrigerator: convenient.
  • Safety/security feature: always important.
  • Satellite/cable channels: good variety.
  • Scale: gulp.
  • Seating area: perfect for chilling.
  • Separate shower/bathtub: another luxury!
  • Shower: great water pressure!
  • Slippers: the little things matter!
  • Smoke detector: safety first.
  • Socket near the bed: essential for charging.
  • Sofa: a great place to relax.
  • Soundproofing: bliss.
  • Telephone: surprisingly useful.
  • Toiletries: lovely.
  • Towels: fluffy!
  • Umbrella: handy for those surprise showers.
  • Visual alarm: great for anyone who needs it.
  • Wake-up service: reliable.
  • Wi-Fi [free]: a blessing.
  • Window that opens: fresh air!

My Room – Oh. My. Goodness. The Bathtub.

I spent a frankly embarrassing amount of time in that bathtub. Seriously. It was a huge, claw-footed, Instagram-worthy masterpiece. With complimentary bath salts and a view of… well, I’m not exactly sure what, but it was all green and lush. I pretty much lived in that tub. It was the perfect blend of opulence and relaxation.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (with a few unexpected twists)

• Restaurants: There are several restaurants. All great options, which is amazing.
• A la carte in restaurant: always a good choice.
• Alternative meal arrangement: Available, helpful for dietary requirements.
• Asian breakfast: available.
• Asian cuisine in restaurant: fantastic!
• Bar: Great for a nightcap.
  • Bottle of water: free, always appreciated.
  • Breakfast [buffet]: massive!
  • Breakfast service: great.
  • Buffet in restaurant: good value.
  • Coffee/tea in restaurant: excellent.
  • Coffee shop: great coffee.
  • Desserts in restaurant: oh my gosh, the desserts!
  • Happy hour: lovely.
  • International cuisine in restaurant: something for everyone.
  • Poolside bar: perfect for a day by the pool.
  • Room service [24-hour]: convenient.
  • Salad in restaurant: healthy options.
  • Snack bar: just what you need for quick bites.
  • Soup in restaurant: good.
  • Vegetarian restaurant: also an option.
  • Western breakfast: also available.
  • Western cuisine in restaurant: good for a change.

Let's talk food! The Hunting Lodge doesn't disappoint. Breakfast is a spectacle – a vast buffet with every imaginable delight (including a seriously addictive masala chai). Lunch? Head to the poolside bar for a light bite and a cocktail (the Mango Mojito is a must). Dinner? Explore the different restaurants. I highly recommend the Indian cuisine – the curries were out of this world.

The ONLY slight drawback: One of the restaurants was slightly understaffed one evening, which meant a bit of a wait for our food. But honestly? It was a minor blip in an otherwise flawless dining experience.

Things To Do & Ways To Relax - Spa Days and Poolside Paradise!

• Body scrub: a delicious treat.
• Body wrap: a perfect way to relax.
  • Fitness center: to work off all the delicious food.
• Foot bath: a lovely touch.
  • Gym/fitness: again, if you're feeling energetic.
  • Massage: YES! The best massage I've ever had!
  • Pool with view: stunning.
  • Sauna: a classic.
  • Spa: the ultimate indulgence.
  • Spa/sauna: great combo.
  • Steamroom: perfect.
  • Swimming pool: beautiful outdoor pool.
  • Swimming pool [outdoor]: another option.

Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to gush about the SPA. Oh. My. Goodness. I had the most incredible massage of my life. The spa itself is gorgeous – serene, calming, and smelling of exotic essential oils. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and I literally melted into the massage table. Seriously, for an hour, all my worries just… vanished. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I highly recommend it! Just book in advance, as it's understandably popular!

And the pool? Seriously, the pool is amazing. Crystal-clear water, stunning views, and plenty of sun loungers. I spent a whole afternoon just lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and reading a book. Pure relaxation. Oh, and the staff are constantly circulating with complimentary water and snacks. Talk about service!

Cleanliness and Safety - Peace of Mind (and Lots of Hand Sanitizer)

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Reassuring!
• Cashless payment service: convenient.
  • Daily disinfection in common areas: important.
  • Doctor/nurse on call: just in case.
  • First aid kit: good to have.
  • Hand sanitizer: everywhere.
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing: essential.
  • Hygiene certification: a great thing to

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The Hunting Lodge Udaipur India

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my Udaipur adventure at The Hunting Lodge. Forget flawless itineraries, this is going to be a glorious, gloriously messy, and utterly authentic account of my time there. Consider this less a schedule and more a… well, a sensory explosion.

Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Pigeon-Related Crisis

• 11:00 AM - Arrival: Touchdown in Udaipur. Honestly, the airport? A little chaotic. But hey, that's India, right? My driver, bless his heart, was holding a sign that read "MR. [MY NAME]." Apparently, “Mr. Adorable Mess” wasn’t an option. The drive to The Hunting Lodge was a kaleidoscope of colours, smells, and… well, cows. So many cows. I immediately felt the urge to write a sonnet. Or maybe just take a very long nap after the flight.
• 12:30 PM - Check-in & Initial “OMG, It’s Beautiful” Moment: The Hunting Lodge. Holy moly. This place… it’s like stepping back in time and snuggling into a ridiculously comfortable velvet armchair. The architecture is stunning, the courtyards are lush. My room (a "Garden View Suite" – fancy pants, I know) was spacious, cool, and had a view that could legitimately induce swooning. (And I might have actually swooned a little.)
• 1:30 PM - Lunch & the Pigeon Incident: Lunch at their outdoor restaurant. The food was incredible! A spicy chicken curry, some melt-in-your-mouth naan, and… the pigeons. Oh, the pigeons. These cheeky birds were everywhere, seemingly plotting world domination. I swear one practically tried to steal a samosa right off my plate. This, my friends, is when the initial serenity experienced went to a chaotic incident of pigeon. I had a very strong reaction that was, to be honest, bordering on unhinged.
• 3:00 PM - Pool Time & Existential Dread: The pool beckoned. And it was divine. Floating in that turquoise water, looking up at the Rajasthani sun… Pure bliss! And then… existential dread. I started thinking about the meaning of life (again). Maybe it’s just all about eating samosas and avoiding pigeons. Okay, maybe not.
• 6:00 PM - Sundowner Cocktails & the Whispers of History: Cocktails on the rooftop terrace. The view! The sunset! The cocktails! Okay, I’m starting to get the hang of this Rajasthan life. The air was filled with the scent of spices and the distant sounds of drums. It was a moment. Then, I found myself thinking about all the people who had probably watched the same sunset from this very spot, centuries ago. History's whispers. I'm seriously going to check out the history of the lodge.

Day 2: Lakes, Palaces, and a Near-Death Experience with… Spices?

• 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Sweet, Spicy, Divine: Breakfast was a buffet of deliciousness. I decided to try a local breakfast dish that definitely had more flavors than I was used to. It was… intense. And then, the spices! I sneezed about 17 times, my eyes watered, and I was pretty sure I saw the ghost of a chilli pepper. My taste buds? Forever changed.
• 9:30 AM - City Palace Exploration & Total Overwhelm: City Palace. Oh. My. God. This place is a masterpiece. Seriously. The artistry, the history, the sheer scale of it all… It was overwhelming. I wandered from room to room, my jaw perpetually dropped. I feel like I need to go back just to process it all.
• 12:00 PM - Boat Ride on Lake Pichola & the "Is This Real Life?" Feeling: A boat ride on Lake Pichola. The water was so still, reflecting the palaces and the sky. It was a truly magical experience. I felt like I was in a movie. For a moment, I forgot about the pigeons.
• 1:30 PM - Lunch at Ambrai: Lunch at a popular restaurant was a total delight. But there were people. Everywhere. And I realized a deep truth: I do not like crowds. I am not a crowd person. I want to be alone with my feelings, which again, got very real.
• 4:00 PM - Cooking Class & Spicy Apocalypse, Part 2: I signed up for a cooking class. I thought, "How hard can it be?" Famous last words. It turned out to be VERY hard. I sliced (and then accidentally bruised) my finger, nearly set my apron on fire, and poured enough chili powder into a curry to bring tears to the eyes of everyone in the kitchen.
• 7:00 PM - Dinner & Attempted Romanticism (Mostly Failed): The Hunting Lodge's restaurant. A beautiful setup, of course. My date was the hotel's chef with whom I took the cooking class. The food was a triumph. I, however, was still reeling from the chili powder incident. I'm pretty sure my date was a little scared of me because of my violent reactions to the spices.

Day 3: Shopping, Serenity, and the Ultimate Goodbye

• 9:00 AM - Shopping in the Old City & the Art of Haggling (or, Trying Not to Look Like a Complete Idiot): The Old City is a labyrinth of shops, stalls, and vibrant chaos. I attempted to haggle; which did not go well. I paid far too much for a scarf, but hey, at least I have a story!
• 11:00 AM - Spa Time & the Sweet Release of… Oil: A massage at the hotel's spa. The oil! The scents! The gentle hands! It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I almost fell asleep.
• 1:00 PM - Farewell Lunch & the Bitter-Sweetness of Departure: That final lunch was hard. I didn’t want to leave. The Hunting Lodge, the city, the pigeons (kidding!). I had finally begun to find peace within the chaos.
• 3:00 PM - Departure & Vowing to Return: Saying goodbye. My heart sank a little. But as the taxi pulled away, I knew this wasn’t a farewell, it was a "see you later." Udaipur, you beautiful, chaotic, pigeon-filled masterpiece, I'll be back. And maybe next time, I'll avoid the chili powder. Maybe.

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The Hunting Lodge Udaipur India

Uncover Udaipur's Hidden Gem: The Hunting Lodge Awaits! (And My Mind's A Mess!)

Okay, so you *think* you want to know about the Hunting Lodge. Fine. Prepare yourself, because my experience was… well, it was something. Let's just dive in, shall we? I haven't even had my coffee yet.

What even *is* the Hunting Lodge in Udaipur? (Is it actually a hunting lodge anymore?!)

Alright, alright, basic info first. So, apparently, it *used* to be a hunting lodge. Like, proper, "lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" kind of hunting lodge. Now? Not so much. It's been transformed, thank goodness, into a heritage hotel. Think old-world charm, thick walls, and a vibe that whispers "I've seen things, and I'm not telling." It's nestled away, you know, hidden gem stuff, in the Aravalli Hills, so you escape the Udaipur city madness. The roads getting there… well, let's just say my (rental) scooter felt like it was auditioning for a stunt double role.

What's the *vibe* like? Is it spooky? Romantic? Instagrammable? (Be honest!)

Vibe check! Okay, the vibe… It's definitely got a certain *atmosphere*. Not spooky, not explicitly, but definitely a lingering sense of, "Whoa, history." Think creaky floorboards, portraits that *might* follow you with their eyes, and a constant sense of being watched… in a charming, old-fashioned way, of course. (I swear I saw a shadowy figure once… but that could have been the wine!) Romantic? Potentially! There are hidden courtyards, stunning views, and the kind of silence that begs for whispered secrets. Instagrammable? Absolutely! Every corner is a photo opportunity, but, frankly, sometimes I just wanted to *be* there, not document it. You know?
Oh, and the staff... They *do* make you feel like you've stepped back in time. In a good way. No, wait, a *great* way. Most of them, at least.

The Rooms! What are they like? Luxurious or rustic?

The rooms... Ah, the rooms! Mine was a beautiful, big, airy, and very old room. It had the thickest walls I've ever seen. Seriously, I think I could have survived a small earthquake in there. The furniture was antique, the bed was HUGE and comfy, and there was a little balcony overlooking what I *think* was the valley. The bathroom? Well, it was clean, but also reminded me that plumbing technology hasn't always kept pace with interior design. (Let's leave it at that.) Luxurious? Not in a modern, minimalist way. Rustic? Definitely! Comfortable? Absolutely. But, and this is a big but… the hot water was a bit of a gamble. Plan your showers strategically. (Pro tip: early morning seems to be the sweet spot.)

Food! Is it any good? What's on the menu? Tell me everything! (Especially the food!)

Okay, LOOK. The food. This is where the Hunting Lodge *really* shines. I mean, forget the history, forget the views, just give me the food! They had a traditional Rajasthani thali that was… honestly, it still makes my mouth water thinking about it. Every curry was a masterpiece. Every roti was perfect. And the sweets? Oh my god, the sweets. I may have consumed more sugar in that one meal than I had in the previous month. (Worth it.) Breakfast was a bit more basic, but still delicious. Fresh fruit, eggs, and some of the BEST chai I had on my whole trip.
The menu… it's not a sprawling encyclopedia of options. They’ve got a smaller, refined selection. Mostly Indian dishes, lots of dishes with local ingredients. But honestly, I wouldn't have minded eating the same thing every day. Except maybe the goat curry… it was a bit… spicy. And I usually LOVE spicy! But, yeah, bring the Rolaids. Or your stomach of steel. Whatever.

Is it good for kids? (Or should I leave them with the grandparents?)

Hmm... Kids, eh? Well, that depends on your kids. Are they the "running around screaming" type? Maybe not the best fit. Are they the "quietly observing the world" type? They might love it. There's not much in the way of dedicated kid-friendly activities. No pool, no playground, no… anything specifically geared toward children. But they *might* like the old-world charm and the sense of adventure. Think of it like a giant, slightly dusty, history lesson. Depends if your kids are history buffs, or if they are the type to whine through an entire lecture. (My own childhood was *full* of whining about the history museum.)
Personally, I'd leave them with the grandparents and enjoy the peace and quiet. Just sayin'.

What about activities? What can you do *besides* just sit around and eat amazing food?

Okay, okay, so, yes, the food is amazing. But you can also… well, you can explore the area. They offer guided walks around the hills, you know, get some exercise. I attempted one, but I got distracted by the view… and then by a cow… and then I just sat under a tree for an hour. (Don't judge me, it was hot!) You can arrange for a driver to take you to Udaipur for the day (highly recommended!), or just chill and read a book. There’s a lovely little library, or at least a shelf with some books (it’s hard to remember, I was a bit preoccupied). Honestly, one of the best things was just wandering around the grounds, getting lost in the little hidden courtyards and listening to the birds. It's a place for relaxing, not for activity. Thank God.

Any hidden quirks or things you wish you’d known BEFORE you went?

Oh, yes! Oh, boy, do I have some quirks! First, the Wi-Fi. It's… well, it's there. Sometimes. Mostly, embrace the digital detox. And bring a good book, or five.
Second, the power cuts. They happen, and at the most inconvenient moments. Like, say, just as you're about to take a shower. (Always have a flashlight handy, the one on your phone will do).
Third, the monkeys. Beautiful, mischievous monkeys. They are *everywhere*. Keep your windows locked (I didn't, and the result was a missing banana).
Fourth, and this is important: *The heat*. Udaipur can get HOT. And the Hunting Lodge doesn't have air conditioning in every room. (Mine did, thankfully). So check the room details beforehand and plan accordingly.
Fifth… And this is my ownHotelicity

The Hunting Lodge Udaipur India

The Hunting Lodge Udaipur India

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