The tourism season in Udaipur has officially begun, bringing visitors from across the country for the biggest festival of Diwali. This year, both domestic and foreign tourists are arriving in numbers.

City Decorated for the Festivities

Udaipur's markets and major roads are beautifully adorned with decorations at every intersection. Five-star hotels and resorts are making special arrangements for their guests. They are decorated with colorful rangoli, flowers, diyas (lamps), and lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Special Arrangements in Hotels

Traditional Rajasthani dishes will be served alongside live music and DJ concerts. Many hotels are offering special Diwali packages that include various festive activities. Business owners expect a 20% increase in tourists this year compared to last year, which was affected by election restrictions and the Cricket World Cup.

Hotel Occupancy on the Rise

Rakesh Chaudhary, Secretary of the Hotel Institutions of South Rajasthan, reported the anticipated tourism boom. Lake-side hotels and resorts are fully booked, and occupancy in the walled city exceeds 60%. Rajesh Agarwal, Senior Vice President of the Udaipur Hotel Association, noted the excitement in the hotel industry as they prepare to welcome guests in traditional Mewari style.

Gujarati Tourists Lead the Influx

A significant number of Gujarati tourists are arriving for the Diwali celebrations. Many are choosing to stay in five-star hotels, while others opt for camping in villages and forests. Tourists from Maharashtra, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are also among the highest arrivals.

Advance Bookings Surge

Jamna Shankar Ameta, former president of the Kumbhalgarh Hotel Association, shared that advance bookings in Kumbhalgarh are at 85%, while Jawai is fully booked. Hotel operator Dolly Taldar noted that international tourists are also beginning to arrive for Diwali.

Emphasis on Local Artisans

In a nod to local artisans, special preparations include the use of traditional clay lamps instead of artificial ones. Hotels have been decorated with flowers to enhance the festive spirit. Diwali celebrations will run from October 31 to November 5, featuring a poolside party with live DJ performances.

Special Culinary Offerings

The chefs at local hotels have prepared special recipes for the festival, offering a diverse menu that includes Gujarati, Rajasthani, North Indian, and international cuisines. 

Source: Media Reports