Manila to Udaipur Flights

  About Manila

The highly populous city of Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The urban city is recognised worldwide as a city prone to the maximum number of natural disasters, owing to it attracting a high number of cyclones regularly. Despite being vulnerable to natural disasters, Manila is actually known to be a fast-growing city in the Philippines. Located on the bayside, the city has been tremendously influenced by the Spanish as it was once a colony.

Best time to visit Manila

Manila is surrounded by waters on all sides, giving it hot and wet weather. Hence, it is best advised to visit the quaint city during their dry season. Manila's dry months start from January and last up to April. The rest of the year is pretty hot and humid. The flipside of the dry months is that it comes with the summer sun. This basically means you'll have to deal with hot and dry weather when you visit Manila. However, it is still a better bargain than the wet months. March and April see the peak summer with temperatures ranging from 23 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius. The weather is perfect for hitting the beach and cooling down. That is always an option that many tourists opt for. Besides, one can always indulge in renting out bicycles and riding in the streets of Manila, exploring new crevices of the lovely city. Due to the months being peak season, the city is often crowded with tourists resulting in high hotel prices. During these months, the hotel rates in Manila spike up to an exorbitant amount. It becomes quite unfavourable for budget tourists to make their bookings for hotels and flights to Manila as there is already a lot of demand for the city.

One can simply opt to make prior hotel and flight bookings to Manila. Although tourists tend to visit the city all-round the year, the safest ones are from January to April. From June to November, Manila is pretty much hot and humid with monsoon taking over. The weather gets rather unpleasant to indulge in tourist activities. This is one of the major concerns which makes tourists opt for the peak season. Monsoon is pretty bad as during this time, the streets get flooded, and the torrential rains destroy quite a lot of the habitat. Since Manila also attracts cyclones and other such calamities, it is best to avoid the wet season. It is essential to check the weather and all the reports before you make your flight and hotel bookings in Manila. Sure, the bad weather and lack of tourism does bring down the hotel prices in Manila. But it definitely wouldn't be worth it as you wouldn't be able to enjoy the city's spirits and tourist attractions. The best thing to do would be to make prior bookings of flight and hotels in Manila for the dry season.

Places to visit in Manila

As a country with some of the largest urban gardens and parks, you can start your tourist rendezvous in Manila by visiting some of them. Rizal Park is a popular garden in the city which was earlier called Bagumbayan, attracts a lot of tourists every year. The garden was built during the Spanish Colonial Period and has been a structure of historical significance. The park is beautiful and comes with lush green grasses and alluring sights. Next from here, you can visit some of the monuments in the city. You can check out Fort Santiago, a citadel created by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a known Spanish navigator and governor. The defense fortress is recognised for its historical relevance of serving as a prison during World War II. San Agustin Church is another beautiful Roman Catholic structure which is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Aside from the usual, you can always make room for visits at the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Manila Zoo and Casa Manila, to name a few highlights.

Things to do in Manila

There are many things that you can do in Manila, starting from the Manila Baywalk. The promenade overlooks the Manila Bay and offers a pristine view of the waterbody. You can actually take up carriage rides by the promenade. In the evenings, there are also some performances by locals and live band performances. Not to mention how the area has lovely cafes which serve multi-cuisines. Visiting the Manila Ocean Park should be on your list of things to do in Manila. It is an oceanarium and is owned by the China Oceanis Philippines Inc. The institute is located in proximity to Rizal Park. The place is beautiful as you get to walk through the oceanarium and view some exquisite and rare marine life. To learn more about the history and cultural heritage of the country, you should visit the National Museum of the Philippines. It falls under the government authority and is maintained by the officials. The architecture and exhibits preserved by the Philippines government in the museum will pique your interest. You can also indulge in some fine dining and relish the lavish cuisine.

Food and restaurants in Manila

The cosmopolitan city brings flavours from around the world in their cuisine. You will not miss any international cuisine as the Filipino food in itself has been derived from inspiration from aboriginal, North American, Chinese, Indonesian and Spanish cuisine. Most of the dishes in Manila would seem familiar, be it the flavours or the style of cooking. Manila's eclectic spread of food establishments is perfectly balanced with upscale restaurants and budget food joints. Wherever you go, you will be met with exquisite and memorable food. You can start with a buffet spread at Spiral Restaurant. It features some of the finest gourmet dishes with food inspired by 21 diverse countries. There's a Japanese station as well as a French station with fun cooking scenes. The place is high-priced so best to fill up your pockets before visiting the place. Another luxurious fine dining experience that you can check out is at Café Ilang-Ilang. This food establishment also has a buffet setting with cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese and Western.

You can also opt for dining with a great view of the Sky Deck View Bar. The aerial view of Manila from the rooftop restaurant is beautiful. For a quaint but authentic Filipino food, head to The Aristocrat. Barbara's Heritage Restaurant is another such place which serves Filipino food as well as a spectacular vibe. Some more establishments that would put a smile on your face are Ilustrado Restaurant, Harbor View Restaurant, Movie Stars Cafe, Bistro Remedios and My Kitchen by Chef Chris. Your food expedition in Manila would be quite an experience as there are far too many places to pick from.

How to reach Manila

Flight connectivity to Manila from India is extremely good. There are many flights that fly to Manila from India. Most of the South Asian countries have impeccable flight connectivity with Indian cities. Even Manila sees regular flights flying from Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, to name a few. The most popular route to Manila chosen by travellers is from Singapore and Hong Kong. The flight connectivity to Manila from these international cities is immaculate. Airlines such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, Philippine Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are some of the prominent names that have flights reserved for Manila. There are no direct flights that fly to Manila from India. There are mostly connecting flights and layovers that take place in international cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. International routes connecting Manila from cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and even Bangkok are more favoured. The number of flights in service are more, plus the duration is also less time-consuming.

It takes about eight hours and fifteen minutes to reach Manila from India. However, the only way you will get to reach so early would be if you pick the fastest flights with exorbitant ticket costs. The popular flights to Manila have tickets at the price range of INR 20,000 to 27,000. The difference in duration of flights is also barely of an hour or two, making these options more affordable. There are cheap flight tickets to Manila, and if you book in advance, you might be able to get some benefits of discounts too. There are countless deals that take place online, and you can easily avail some flight deals to Manila by snooping around the web. In fact, there are combo deals of flights and accommodation too that is recommended. You can get a cheap flight and hotel bookings in Manila, as long as you make prior reservations and find good deals online. The peak season might see a tremendous change in the flight ticket cost to Manila as well as the hotel prices. During the wet seasons, the hotel prices in Manila drop to an all-time low, making budget travelling possible.

  About Udaipur

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan and definitely worth a visit. The city of lakes is ideal for a backpacking trip as well as for your honeymoon. Udaipur is a city that you will love, and you'll never really get lost. With an unexpected turn, you might discover an undiscovered restaurant or a shop that's hidden from the main street. You can also pick up hobbies while you're in the city. You'll find a lot of cooking classes, arts and crafts classes and the friendliest teachers, too. Not just the lakes but the city are also known for the palaces, palaces that are surrounded by lakes but also for the rich culture and the stories that come with it. You can catch the talent show at the Baghore Ki Haveli and be amazed by how easily they pull off performances that you will take ages to perfect. You can sit by the lake and just admire the sheer beauty of the city.

Sitting by the steps of the Ambrai Ghat and looking at the reflection of the City Palace falling on the lake is a view you'll never get tired of ever. Since Udaipur is a very popular holiday destination in Rajasthan, you find it easier to book a hotel room of your choice and necessities. For all you backpackers out there, there are lots of hostels like the Moustache, Zostel, Banjara and so on that will provide accommodation at minimal rates and you won't regret it at all. Getting around the city is not very difficult. You'll find rickshaws and taxis as per your convenience. People are also quite helpful when it comes to directing you.

The Jagmandir Island Palace, City Palace, Baghore Ki Haveli, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon Ki Baari, a Vintage Car Museum are only some of the most popular places in the city. Udaipur is also like paradise for all you shopaholics out there. You'll find a market in every lane that sells clothes, souvenirs, mojaris, handmade paper, handcrafted diaries, artefacts and jewellery. The city also has some famous temples, and you can attend the pujas in the evening. Apart from Lake Pichola, there is also the Fateh Sagar lake, yet another popular lake in the city. You can go boating at the lake, and you can also enjoy chaat from a series of stalls. The chaat corner near the Fateh Sagar lake is called Bombay Chowpatti, and the entire stretch of the lake is a sight to behold. There are several carvings on the walls on the other side of the road that will demand your attention.

Udaipur also has a Saas-Bahu temple, which is on the outskirts of the city. According to the stories, King Mahipala of Kachchhwaha Dynasty built the temple for his wife, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He named it the Sahastrabahu temple, which means 'the one with a thousand arms'. Later, the King's son got married to a woman who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built right next to the Vishnu temple for the daughter-in-law. The temple later derived the name Saas-Bahu temple because of this connection. Though it's in ruins now, it is a place worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

November to February is when the city experiences winter, and it is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant and the night, chilly. It is ideal if you have any outdoor activities planned or want to spend the day outside. It goes without saying that summer is not the most perfect time to visit Udaipur. March through May is summer and the heat can get pretty intense. You will not feel like stepping outside your hotel room. However, if you do have a trip planned during summer, make sure you get an air-conditioned room. The evenings will be pleasant as compared to the day. June to September is monsoon, and it doesn't rain too frequently in the city. While monsoon is also quite pleasant, it will take the fun away from a perfect day outdoors.

Places to Visit in Udaipur

Udaipur City Palace, located in the city centre, is one of the main attractions that you cannot miss. You'll have to get the tickets outside the palace gates. You will also get a combined ticket to Jagmandir Island Palace if you wish to see the beautiful palace that's right in the middle of the lake, too. Only part of the City palace is open for people since the royal family still resides in it but in a separate section of the palace. If you think the City Palace is breathtakingly beautiful, wait till you get to the Jagmandir Island palace in a boat.

The Sajjangarh palace is another most visited palace in the city. While you're at it, do not miss out on visiting the Monsoon palace. The whole reason this palace was built was to watch and admire the clouds during monsoon. The city also boasts of a Vintage Car Museum for all you car enthusiasts. Every car that's on display at the museum has a story behind it and a famous person having driven it. Don't forget to add the Kumbalgarh Fort and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary to your list.

Things to do in Udaipur

Take at least 2-3 days out to visit all the palaces in the city. Most palaces also have restaurants inside the complex, and you'll be treated with the best kind of hospitality that you've come across yet. When you enter the City Palace, you will also have the option to dress up in traditional Rajasthani clothes and take pictures by the royal fountains. You can also take up cooking classes and learn to make some traditional yet easy dishes.

There are myriad places in Udaipur that organise hikes and treks since there are so many forts and hills in the city. You can also rent a cycle or a scooter and go wandering the city. Make sure you catch the sunset by the Ambrai Ghat. It's one of the most beautiful sights and sunsets that you'll catch. Udaipur is not all sightseeing, but you will also find a lot of cultural shows and performances put up by the locals.

Catch the sound and light show at the Kumbalgarh Fort. It's a treat to the eyes and the ears. You must also catch the cultural show at Baghore Ki Haveli during evenings. It has folk dance, folk music and even puppet shows and the seating arrangement takes you back to a totally different time. Udaipur also has quite a lot of lake facing rooftop restaurants that will make your evening quite romantic.

Food and Restaurants in Udaipur

The Ambrai Amet restaurant in Udaipur that overlooks the City Palace and is near the Ambrai Ghat is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. You can order anything from a traditional Rajasthani meal to a western or continental cuisine of your choice. The setting is so pleasant and romantic you'll want to take a nice, long walk after dinner to soak in the view. Since the city has a lot of international travellers, too, there are a lot of cafes and restaurants that add gluten-free and vegan dishes to their menu. Satori, a cafe near the Jagdish Temple is one of the cafes you must visit.

Rooftop restaurants are the highlights of Udaipur, and while the food they serve is mouthwatering, it's the view that adds all the charm to the place. Jheel's Rooftop Restaurant at Chandpole offers a spectacular view of the lakes and is quite popular, too. Upre by 1559 AD is another restaurant that offers a panoramic view of the city and the lakes.

How to reach Udaipur

By Air

The closest airport is the Maharana Pratap airport with spotless flight connectivity to and from Udaipur. The city is well-connected with various metropolitan cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Surat and more. These cities have airlines reserving flights to fly to Udaipur. Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara are some of the domestic airlines that fly to Udaipur from the mentioned cities. Depending on when you plan your trip to the palatial city, you can make your flight bookings. But if you wish to get some good flight deals and cheap flight tickets, then it is recommended that you peruse through the site more and find online flight deals. Aso, it would be ideal for hotel bookings to be made ahead of the trip. There are no international routes that converge with Udaipur as the airport only caters to domestic flights.

By Rail

The Udaipur railway station is aptly connected to all the metropolitan cities in the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai. You also get a train to Ajmer, Khajuraho and a couple of other cities in the country.

By Road

Reaching Udaipur from one of the cities in Rajasthan is no trouble at all. There are quite a few government-run buses and AC, Volvo buses, too, that will help you reach Udaipur. Not to mention, you'll also easily get a bus from cities like Mumbai and Delhi. It takes about 10-12 hours to reach Udaipur from Mumbai.