Category Archives: India

Mementos Udaipur: Utopia in Rajasthan

If I could bottle up a dream vacation and relive it over and over, my stay at Mementos Udaipur would be it. This wasn’t just a getaway—it was a journey into unparalleled luxury, where every moment felt straight out of a fairytale. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like absolute royalty, with every detail of our stay meticulously crafted to perfection.

Mementos Udaipur

Located about 45 minutes outside of Udaipur city, Mementos Udaipur offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The serene setting allows you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and luxury, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan.

Mementos Udaipur

The Villa: A Private Slice of Paradise

Our home for this unforgettable escape was a sprawling, ultra-luxurious villa complete with a private garden and infinity pool. Mementos Udaipur delivered everything I could have dreamed of and more—imagine a spacious, exquisitely designed haven featuring the largest bathroom I’ve ever had in my life! Each morning, waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature and stepping straight into our private garden by the pool felt like absolute magic. It was truly a space fit for a queen.

Luxury Villa at Mementos Udaipur

But what really set it apart was the thoughtful personalization. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with beautifully displayed snacks and treats, along with a few framed photos of me set up in the room—such an incredibly sweet touch!

Stunning Room and Welcome Treats

Culinary Heaven at Every Turn

Every meal at Mementos Udaipur was a masterpiece. From indulgent breakfasts to decadent dinners, each bite was bursting with flavor and authenticity, prepared with the finest ingredients.

Exceptional Service at Mementos Udaipur

Whether it was a multi-course vegetarian thali feast at Royal Vega, rich North Indian flavors at Kebab & Curries, or the best South Indian dishes I’ve ever had at Udai Pavilion, the culinary team went above and beyond to create unforgettable dining experiences.

Best South Indian Food Ever!

I’ve stayed at many incredible properties around the world, but I can confidently say this was the first time I truly loved every single restaurant and every single meal. Mementos Udaipur is known for its exceptional culinary offerings, and it shows. I’ll be dreaming about these meals forever!

Royal Vega Vegetarian Feast

Magical Experiences

Our stay was filled with extraordinary moments, each more memorable than the last. At Mementos Udaipur, the focus isn’t just on luxury—it’s on creating truly immersive and unforgettable experiences. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to make guests feel special, and we were fortunate to enjoy some of the most incredible ones.

We started with a magnificent Afternoon Tea poolside in our private garden—a picture-perfect setup featuring specialty mocktails made just for us, delicate pastries, and savory treats. Sipping masala chai as we watched the sunset over the Aravalli Hills felt surreal.

Mementos Udaipur Afternoon Tea
Chai Time!

Then the next day we experienced the floating breakfast in the main infinity pool—one of those bucket-list experiences I had always dreamed of. Seeing a beautifully arranged tray of breakfast delicacies floating in the water was an Instagram-worthy moment for sure, but more importantly, it was a moment that truly made my heart sing. Something I will never forget.

Floating Breakfast at Mementos Udaipur

And then… there was THE picnic.

Nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared us for the “magic forest” picnic that the team arranged. Picture this: a breathtaking setup under a canopy of palm trees by the water, complete with colorful cushions, elegant rugs, fresh flowers, and a feast fit for royalty. It was so beyond stunning that I was literally rendered speechless. I joke that my expectations for all future picnics have now been completely skewed—because how can anything top this?!

Picnic at the Magic Forest at Mementos Udaipur
Living My BEST Life!

The Mementos Difference

What sets Mementos Udaipur apart isn’t just its luxurious accommodations or world-class cuisine—it’s the attention to detail and the warmth of the staff. The team showered us with thoughtful gifts throughout our stay, every request was met with a smile, and they anticipated our needs before we even realized them ourselves. From the moment we arrived, we felt like family.

One person who truly made our stay extraordinary was our butler, Tulika. She kept us on track with our daily activities, adjusted plans seamlessly when needed, and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. She was with us from check-in to check-out, and by the end of our stay, she felt like part of our family. There were so many times I just wanted to invite her to join us because that’s how incredible she was. The level of service here wasn’t just excellent—it was deeply personal.

Our Incredible Butler Tulika

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a trip to Udaipur, do yourself a favor and book a stay at Mementos Udaipur. This is more than just a luxury resort—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Our time there was truly the trip of a lifetime, and I’m already dreaming of when I can return. Until then, I’ll be living vicariously through my photos and the unforgettable memories we created in this slice of paradise.

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Soon!

See you soon, Mementos Udaipur!

Please Note: While this post is in partnership with Mementos Udaipur, all opinions are my own.

My Home Away From Home

These days when I visit India, my home base is Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat. My parents purchased a flat there several years ago and do the whole “escape ridiculous winters in Chicago” and head to warmer climates. Smart people I must say!

Overlooking Ahmedabad
Overlooking Ahmedabad
Complex Where My Parents Live
Complex Where My Parents Live

Having our own home in India has been an insightful experience. It has me visiting more regularly (about every other year) as well as created more of a sense of what it’s like to live in India. I enjoy the change, but won’t lie, I think I’m just used to life in the US. It’s fun for a few weeks for me, but I like coming back to my home in Chicago.

One cool thing with my regular visits is that I’m seeing how much Ahmedabad (and India in general) are changing. Even on the street that my parents live, a huge new high-rise and tons of shopping and restaurant space are under construction, so I’m sure it will be even more bustling by my next visit. And, it’s crazy to see so many chains that I’m used to in the US popping up in Ahmedabad like Burger King, Forever 21 and H & M. Also, just the sheer volume of new restaurants is unbelievable. Too many for vegtourist to explore on such short visits!

By far the best part of being in Ahmedabad are all my relatives. I have quite a bit of family in the area and I always have the best time with them. We spend most of our time hanging out, shopping and eating out, so how can that not be fun??? Here are just a few pictures of my latest visit to Ahmedabad:

For all the times I’ve been to Ahmedabad, I haven’t really done much sight-seeing. I don’t’ think there is as much to see as other cities like Jaipur or Delhi, but I made it a point to do a little research and make sure I saw something new on this trip. I came across the Adalaj Stepwell during my Google search, and I knew this was the one place I needed to visit. My cousin Arth was kind enough to take me for a little morning trip and we had a blast exploring this beautiful site that dates back to the 15th century. Just stunning!

I hadn’t even left Ahmedabad yet before my family was asking when my return visit was going to be. I’m not sure. Until then, I miss all that Ahmedabad has to offer, mostly my loving family and the out-of-this-world delicious food. Hope to you soon!

Revisiting Jaisalmer

I first learned about the city of Jaisalmer from my boss back in 2006 or so. He told me he was taking his nephew on a trip to India and one thing they were doing was going on a camel trek through the desert. I remember thinking how cool that sounded and the idea always stuck with me that Jaisalmer was definitely a place I’d like to visit.

Fast-forward to 2013 when I finally made it to this very cool and unique town in northwestern Rajasthan, near the border of Pakistan. I fell in love with the walled, fortress city, perched on top of a hill, with its tiny, winding, cobblestone streets . And, what an experience enjoying my first sunset camel trek through the Thar Desert at Sam Sand Dunes. Coupled with staying in the beautiful palace hotel called Suryagarh and then the ultra-luxurious desert camp called The Serai, it was a trip for the books.

I wasn’t quite sure how my second visit this time around in 2019 was going to top my last visit. I guess I wasn’t looking for it to top it per se, but just have the chance to see and explore more. And that mission was definitely accomplished on this trip.

It was nice to have a pretty vivid recollection of what to expect and what I’d like to see and do this time around. I knew that on this trip I’d like to stay somewhere different (we went with the new, modern Marriott Jaisalmer) and I also knew that I’d wanted to experience a more unique camel trek (Sam Sand Dunes is super touristy and busy) so we had a private high tea experience in the Khuri Dunes. We also had the chance to explore a bit more and visited the very cool site of Bada Bagh (which should not be missed) and Gadisar Lake and went back to Patwan Haveli and the Jain Temple. A full couple days of gorgeous architecture, amazing artwork and of course, some shopping! Here are some pictures:

Sporting a Rajasthani Turban at Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Sporting a Rajasthani Turban at Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer
Stunning Architecture at the Jain Temple in Jaisalmer
Stunning Architecture at the Jain Temple in Jaisalmer

Oh, and I forgot to mention that on the day we were checking out from the hotel, there was a HUGE wedding happening that evening. It was amazing to see all the vivid color decorations and how they transformed the courtyard into what looked like was going to be an awesome party. Wish we could have been wedding crashers!

Hope if you ever visit Rajasthan, that you make sure to add Jaisalmer to your list. It’s a lovely place and I might just have to go back for a third time 🙂

Jaipur- An Instagrammer’s Paradise

This was actually my second visit to Jaipur, however, I don’t really recall anything from my first visit when I was 7 years old. I’m so glad I decided to make a return trip because Jaipur is truly remarkable with its stunning forts and palaces, gorgeous architecture and amazing art; that’s why it really is an “Instagrammer’s paradise.” If it were up to me, I could have stayed for another week and just taken a million pictures while exploring!

We spent three days in Jaipur on this trip with a healthy mix of sightseeing and shopping; two of the best things to do while in Jaipur. Here’s a breakdown of our trip:

Our sightseeing included The City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahagarh Fort, Hawa Mahal,
Amer Fort and Patrika Gate. Just look at these amazing and beautiful spots, truly breathtaking.

City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
View From Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
View From Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Nahagarh Fort Jaipur
Sunset at Jaigarh Fort
Sunset at Jaigarh Fort
More From the Jaigarh Fort
More From the Jaigarh Fort
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Ride To Top of Amer Fort
Ride To Top of Amer Fort
Beautiful Amer Fort
Beautiful Amer Fort
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
Amer Fort Jaipur
The Patrika Gate Jaipur
The Patrika Gate Jaipur
The Patrika Gate Jaipur
The Patrika Gate Jaipur

For shopping, we spent most of our time in the Johri Bazaar, Babu Bazaar and shopping right outside of the Hawa Mahal.

Market Shopping in Jaipur
Market Shopping in Jaipur
Market Shopping in Jaipur
Market Shopping in Jaipur
Market Jeweler in Jaipur
Market Jeweler in Jaipur
Famous Rajasthani Block Printing
Famous Rajasthani Block Printing
Selling Turbans on top of the Market!
Selling Turbans on top of the Market!

We stayed at the Taj Jai Mahal Palace, which has some stunning interior décor (and I kind of wanted to just move in). We enjoyed so much like the life size chess game set up outside and the horse drawn carriage rides available to the guests.

Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Coolest Lifesize Chess Game Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur

As far as restaurants, I only have one recommendation this time around, which is Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (better known as LMB). Because we were busy sightseeing and shopping each day (and since we had pretty large breakfasts at the hotel each morning), we didn’t really scope out any of the restaurant scene, which I was a little bummed about. With that being said, LMB is right in the heart of it all and so incredibly good, that it’ll just have to be my one recommendation for Jaipur 🙂

Best Chole Bature at LMB Jaipur
Best Chole Bature at LMB Jaipur
Raj Kachori at LMB Jaipur
Raj Kachori at LMB Jaipur
Famous Rajasthani Dessert Mawa Kachori at LMB Jaipur
Famous Rajasthani Dessert Mawa Kachori at LMB Jaipur

Hopefully this helps give you some insight on some of the wonderful things to see, do and eat in Jaipur. Like I said, I could’ve stayed much longer on this trip. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for a memorable trip Jaipur…until next time!

Incredible India- 2019

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; India, while nearly impossible to capture through words or photographs, is a place that can only be experienced.

Right on the heels of my return from another wonderful trip to the Motherland, I’m recovering from jet lag and trying to get back into the swing of things here at home in Chicago. It’s always a bit of a brutal reentry, especially after leaving 90 degrees and sun, in exchange for 25 degrees and gloom. But, I guess that’s reality!

On this two week trip, I spent one week at my home base in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, enjoying time with my family and cousins and then one week traveling through two cities in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer and Jaipur. It’s no secret by now that I’m completely obsessed with Rajasthan. Maybe because it’s the land of royal palaces, stunning artwork and architecture, detailed craftsmanship and vibrant colors set against the desert backdrop. Whatever the reason, I absolutely love it.

I’m planning on writing separate posts to share about each of the cities I visited and some of the awesome highlights, but thought I’d share a few pictures (trust me, there are MANY). One thing I’ve come to realize is that I really do love telling a story through my adventures. It was so humbling to receive SO many compliments on Instagram about my photos and videos and experiencing India through my lens. If nothing else, I find joy in sharing what I can with others.

Enjoy these photos and stay tuned for more in-depth posts coming soon. I’m barely back home and I already miss India!

Stunning Architecture at the Jain Temple in Jaisalmer
Stunning Architecture at the Jain Temple in Jaisalmer
Sporting a Rajasthani Turban at Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Sporting a Rajasthani Turban at Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Love the Colorful Rajasthani Puppets
Love the Colorful Rajasthani Puppets
Streets of Jaislamer
Streets of Jaislamer
Gorgeous Patwa Haveli Jaisalmer
Gorgeous Patwa Haveli Jaisalmer
Always Shopping in India!
Always Shopping in India!
Who Photobombed Who in the Desert?
Who Photobombed Who in the Desert?
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Sunset at Jaigarh Fort
Sunset at Jaigarh Fort Jaipur
More From the Jaigarh Fort
More From the Jaigarh Fort
Chole Bature from Laxmi Mishtan Bandar in Jaipur
Chole Bature from Laxmi Mishtan Bandar in Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur
View of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort
View of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort
The Patrika Gate Jaipur
The Patrika Gate Jaipur
Sunset in Ahmedabad
Sunset in Ahmedabad
Sev Puri from Swati Snacks Ahmedabad
Sev Puri from Swati Snacks Ahmedabad
Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad
Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad
Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad
Being a Tourist at Adalaj Stepwell
Being a Tourist at Adalaj Stepwell