Hotel Kumbha Palace in Udaipur, Indien

Kumbha Palace is a charming and very relaxing hostel centrally located in the old city, run by a Dutch/Indian couple. As the hotel is situated about 50 meters from the main road it is very peaceful. All spacious and light rooms have attached toilet/shower with running hot shower. Hot water is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.(solar-powered waterheating system.) Air-cooled and AC-rooms are also available. There is a gorgeous big garden and an excellent roof-top-restaurant with views on the old city and the city-palace. Free Wi-Fi for hotel guests.

Specialties: delicious oven baked pizzas, gratins, salads and a variety of vegetarian Indian dishes.

The owners (Dinesh and Francine Jain) also run the Krishna Ranch for excellent, professionally guided horse-safaris in the beautiful surroundings of Udaipur. Horseback-riding is an excellent way to see the country-side and traditional Rajasthani village-life. The ranch is situated in the Aravali-mountains (7 kms. from Udaipur-city)and very peaceful. It is also possible to stay at the ranch in nicely decorated rural cottages. Horse-safaris are possible for 2.5 hours, 1/2 day, full day or more.

Both the hotel and horse-safaris are recommended in many travel guide-books (Lonely Planet, Rough guide, Guide du Routard etc.)