Udaipur lake dry?

I'm hearing that the lake in Udaipur is almost dry now and has lost a lot of it's allure this year. Has anyone been there in the past month? How is it?

Also, if we go to Udaipur, we are considering a venture to Mt. Abu. Has anyone done this recently? What are the transportation options between Abu Road and Udaipur? Any descriptions of the scene in Mt. Abu, the Jain temple or random thoughts would be appreciated.

Don't go to Mt. Abu during Diwali -- or if you do, make sure you have hotel rezzies in advance. Gujaratis are on holiday at that time, and the town is packed. Yes, room prices may increase because of supply:demand.

The Jain temple is wonderful; the carvings are fabulous. And you can buy some really cool things in the bazaar.

I liked Mt Abu. When I went there, there were lots of Indian tourists - all having a good time, outgoing and friendly. I thought the temples were amazing - as good as, but different from Ranakpur. I also enjoyed just walking around the place - quite pretty. What I didn't enjoy was the trip back to Abu Rd station - in a bus careering madly down the twisting mountain road - but I am a nervous passenger at the best of times!

Thanks for the advice. We will be going about a week after Diwalli, so hopefully the crowds will have thinned considerably. Has anyone tried the Abu Road / Udaipur bus connection or been to Udaipur recently?

I haven't been recently, but I did take a bus directly from Udaipur to Mt. Abu itself (not Abu Rd.). I think it took about 5 hrs. Enjoyable ride through hilly areas.

Mt. Abu was easily a highlight of my trip - very few Westerners, loads of Indian tourists and honeymooners, cool weather, beatiful scenery, good hotels, etc.

The temples and other attractions alone are well worth the trip, but for me Mt Abu was primarily a place to chill out and hang out with friendly Indians.

If the lake in Udaipur really has dried up - well, it just wouldn't be the same, but certainly worth the trip nonetheless.

Yes the lake at Udaipur is pretty much dry, I was there last week and unfortunatly it really doesnt look like the pictures I'd seen before going. There is still some water but the majority is gone leaving a big field with cows, stray dogs and even a few tents where it was. Personaly I didnt really enjoy my stay as there is a huge amount of tourist hype/hassle in the town, it seemed absolutly everyone wanted my tourist rupees.

Although if you can afford it Hotel Udai Kothi is really nice and has a pool and great views.

I travelled from Mt Abu to Udaipur by bus but a couple of years ago now. I seem to recall a long hot and uncomfortable trip. There was the usual lengthy delay before leaving Mt Abu then the careering down the mountain that was mentioned earlier - 5 or 6 hours is probably about right - I do recall that it was cheap. There are the usual bus trip sellers in the bazaar at Mt Abu which is certainly worth a visit. We stayed at the Palace Hotel quite cheap for an ex-palace, great staff (who arranged a discount for as at the Lake Pichola Hotel in Udaipur), terrific place to relax (the hotel) and not a lot of western tourists (the town) which is nice for a change. The Magistrates Court is worth a look as well as the better known sights. Dilwara is fabulous.

Well, if the Lake is dry ... I sure am glad that I'm not paying huge bucks to stay in the The Oasis Palace!

Are there any daytrips, etc. from Udaipur that are highly recommended?