The Old City of Udaipur has uneven terrain and some lanes are too narrow for cars to pass through. Since this is the prime tourist area, you’re more likely to opt for other modes of transport than book a cab driver in Udaipur.
There are four modes of transport that operates within the Old City. These include:
- local autorickshaws
- scooter or bike on rent
- cycles on rent from hotels
- boat rides for hotel transfers or to visit Jag Mandir
The fourth option is exquisitely for ones who choose to stay at lakeside hotels in Udaipur. The ferries that take you to Jag Mandir leave from City Palace and also luxury hotels. You need to enquire at the reception to opt for the latter.
But I am here to help you connect to a local guide or I should say Vocal Guide, to help you have a contact point to explore the city.
Meet Shahid Hussain
Shahid Hussain is a local autorickshaw driver in Udaipur. He owns a big-sized auto that can comfortably seat 3-4 people. While he does claim that more people can fit into his vehicle (as that’s how locals commute) I wouldn’t personally recommended more than four people.
I met Shahid the first time when I came to Udaipur in August 2023. He helped us explore the city and that’s how I had his contact number. When I came back to Udaipur in 2024, I had an interesting interaction.
I will get into the details below, but first let me tell you how he can help you. So, having the contact number of a driver in Udaipur helps you to prebook him for easier commute.
Udaipur isn’t like capital cities with lots of facilities. Yes, the luxury hotels and services are exquisite, and many of you might book commuting options from your respective hotels. If this seems more convenient and safer to you, please go ahead and make prior bookings.
If you want to travel cheaper and customize your options according to your preferences, you can always book the local driver instead.
Shahid Hussain can help you explore 12 main tourist’s places within one day. His charges start from Rs. 800 per day to Rs. 1,200 during peak season. It changes seasonally and also according to the number of passengers.
Contact number of the driver in Udaipur
I am sharing his contact details so you can directly get in touch with local driver in Udaipur. This way you can ask him if he can offer you transfer services from railway station to hotel or airport to hotel in Udaipur.
Shahid Hussain understands Hindi and knows all the local places. He interestingly took his auto from Udaipur to Ujjain, which is a quite a long distance. So, he can not only take you around the city, but also take you to Chittorgarh and Natwara.
It is important to note that I haven’t personally booked him to go to these places. I also believe booking a cab from Udaipur to Chittorgarh would be way more convenient. But if you want to go to nearby places like Bahubali Hills, he could be of help.
I recommend him for taking you around the Old City to complete 1 or 2-day itinerary that cannot be done by car. So, if you’re someone who wouldn’t like to book bikes or bicycle around the city, and would like to have a contact point, here is his phone number: +91 9799187535
How I met Shahid the second time
I was done with my one-day trip around Udaipur and had few hours to kill before catching my train to Udaipur. As I was strolling down from the Purohito Ki Haveli after meeting Lokesh Ji at Sakshi Art School, I saw an auto driver who asked me if I wanted a ride.
I said no and I walked away. Just a few steps later, I remembered I had to call the auto driver I wanted to interview to promote him in my Vocal Guides series. Surprisingly, it was the same person who had asked me if I needed a ride.
I was taken aback for a moment to see how destiny aligns and helps you achieve something you want to do. The Old City of Udaipur is small, but isn’t so small that the auto driver I was going to call was just around the corner.
Making the most of three hours
So, I was on a low-budget trip this time and I told him about the Vocal Guides initiative. I wanted to go to Fateh Sagar Lake for a speedboat ride, so I asked him what he’d charge if I booked him for 3 hours. He said Rs. 300, and I agreed.
After my speedboat ride, I interviewed him with the beautiful lake and Monsoon Palace at the backdrop. He was a little conscious to talk on camera, but I shouted, “khudko bechiye” (sell yourself) “khud k kaam ko bechiye” (sell your services). He got a little motivated and muttered the courage to speak louder than he did earlier.
And that’s how I recorded his offering and the details I just shared with you. Once we recorded the videos, we went to Old City area. I visited Jagdish Mandir and finally went to Lake Pichola boating area.
Here, Shahid excused himself for some time and I let him go because I wanted to spend some quality time by the lake. He came back right in time to pick me up for the railway station and I caught my train back to Jaipur right in time.
Here is what Vocal Guides mean
Vocal Guides is an initiative I’ve taken a travel blogger to share details local drivers, artisans, and guides. I want people who can’t promote themselves to have a way to market themselves. So, when tourists like you want to have a local experience, they can contact local people directly.
This might make some of us choose to not book packages that restrict our travel experiences but customize our plans the way we like. I have no financial interests with promoting Vocal Guides. I do this for my readers, followers, and of course, for the guides.
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