Nexus Celebration Mall in Udaipur, and our impressions of India so far
Updated: Apr 7
Standing proudly as a landmark in the beautiful city of Udaipur, Nexus Celebration Mall is much more than just a shopping destination. It is a testament to the city's rich heritage, a melting pot of modern amenities and ethnic charm, and a vibrant hub of entertainment and leisure. Join us as we check it out, do a random video shoot there AND try McDonald's for the first time (in India).
With our time in India starting to wind down to its close, we thought that we simply had to get a mall visit in. We had just come from Manila (Philippines), which is like the capital of malls, so we were always going to try. As ever with India this trip was not without its surprises. Treated to some awesome background music in our rickshaw, we were then approached for a video shoot by an Instagram creator while we were in the mall. Plus we enjoy McDonalds with no beef. And no Big Macs!
Thank you for stopping by, and a warm welcome to our India series here on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog. We had always wanted to visit this country, officially the 7th oldest in the world, and not only was the time finally upon us, but it came with our good friends and fellow Youtuber's Jackson and Marjo.
If you missed our earlier posts and would like to catch up, head over to our dedicated INDIA page or look out for the links in this blog.
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Getting to Celebration Mall from Dreamyard Hostel
This rickshaw was an entertaining one to say the least! We have become accustomed to wild rickshaw rides here in India, with one of our highlights fitting six in one, and also all four of us with our luggage on our laps. But this one here in Udaipur had to be the most memorable of all, thanks to in part, some pretty awesome background music.
Our driver was super friendly and we would not even have noticed the speakers in the back had he not mentioned them. His music choice was really interesting, a compilation of sounds with no words that came out like a backing track to what we were seeing on the roads with our eyes.
The music fitted perfectly with our surroundings and added another layer of charm to our Udaipur adventure. The mall was around 15 minutes away from our hostel, and even though it was early afternoon, the roads were pretty clear most of the way. Udaipur certainly does not suffer from congestion issues like some of the cities we have been to!
The drive was smooth and steady, and it was great to catch a glimpse of the wider area away from our hostel. Udaipur is certainly a cultural heritage city and you can see it in every building you look at. It is charming for sure, and we can see why this city makes the Golden Triangle list. We would definitely recommend getting around Udaipur by rickshaw.
Nexus Celebration Mall in Udaipur
The journey of this mall began in 2010, when it was christened as "The Celebration Mall." It was a joint venture between CapitaMalls Asia Limited and Advanced India Projects Limited (AIPL), marking its grand opening on July 2nd, 2011.
What truly sets Nexus Celebration Mall apart is its unique architectural style. The facade boasts stunning Rajasthani stonework, reminiscent of Udaipur's historical palaces and forts. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a contemporary marvel - 23 cascading water bodies and fountains that dance playfully amidst the modern shops and restaurants.
This harmonious blend of heritage and modernity has earned the mall the title of "India's first iconic heritage mall." It's a place where you can shop for international brands, indulge in delicious cuisines, and catch the latest movies, all while being enveloped in the timeless beauty of Udaipur's cultural essence.
Over the years, Nexus Celebration Mall has garnered numerous accolades and achievements, solidifying its position as a premier shopping and lifestyle destination in Udaipur:
⪢ Footfall Champion: The mall consistently ranks among the highest footfall malls in Rajasthan, attracting over 10 million visitors annually.
⪢ Retail Excellence: It houses over 150 national and international brands, catering to diverse shopping needs and preferences.
⪢ Entertainment Hub: From the pulsating PVR multiplex to the exciting Hungama Game Zone, the mall offers endless entertainment options for all ages.
⪢ Community Catalyst: Nexus Celebration Mall actively hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and social initiatives, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
⪢ Sustainable Practices: The mall implements various eco-friendly initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and energy conservation, demonstrating its commitment to responsible development.
In 2019, the Blackstone Group acquired the mall, adding it to their prestigious "India Nexus Malls" portfolio. This strategic move promises further expansion, exciting new brands, and even more innovative experiences for visitors.
Nexus Celebration Mall is more than just a shopping mall; it's a symbol of Udaipur's vibrant spirit, a testament to its rich heritage, and a beacon of modern progress. It's a place where families create lasting memories, friends catch up over laughter, and tourists discover the essence of Udaipur's charm. As it steps into the future, one thing remains certain: Nexus Celebration Mall will continue to be the heart of Udaipur, beating with the rhythm of its people, culture, and aspirations.
Read on for how to get there, opening times and contact information.
Our Celebration Mall highlights & YouTube video
This mall has a bit of everything as you would expect, with lots of well-known brands and food outlets. We recognized many of the stores and while we were not planning on buying much, we did feel like this is a good spot to come if we were doing so. As it happens, Leon did end up finding a Bluetooth mouse for his laptop, plus an extra SD card for our camera.
While we were wandering around, enjoying the air-conditioning, we were approached by a couple of guys who wanted us to participate in a special video shoot they were making for Instagram. We have become used to being approached for photos here in India, but this was different!
As you can see from the post, we followed a script of helping this chap who is weary of the escalator. We all did it except for Jenn who was filming. It did seem kind of awkward and a little weird, but it was fun in a way! We took photos and chatted for a while, before parting ways as we were super thirsty and needed a drink.
They actually wanted to do another one, and oddly seemed to be following us for a while after we declined, and eventually went away. The did not mean any harm and we didn't mind helping out, but there came a point where we wanted to get on with our time there. Sometimes you just have to say no!
It does feel safe in the mall, as one would expect, but it did not necessarily feel comfortable outside of it. It seemed to be surrounded by lots of shacks, ragged stores, dusty roads and a lot of beggars and homeless people milling around the streets. It is fairly shocking to see things like this directly outside a mall; one would usually find the surrounding areas of a place like this to be a little more developed. We almost felt conflicted being there, given the extent of the poverty outside. It is a moral conundrum for sure.
If you want to see more of the mall, plus the hostel we stayed at in Udaipur, please do check out our YouTube video! You can watch it all above or go straight to your point of interest by using the timestamps below:
● 00:45 Dreamyard Hostel, Udaipur Room tour, Yummy Food etc!!
● 06:40 The BEST auto rickshaw ride in India EVER
● 08:00 Nexus Celebration Mall, Udaipur High end shopping mall!
● 08:30 Trying McDonalds in India for the FIRST TIME
It was a bit hectic in the McDonalds, and ultimately a tad confusing until we realised there would be no beef. Duh! We embraced it nonetheless, even if it did not feel like a McDonald's without a Big Mac! Unfortunately we did not take any photos, but you can tap the time stamp above to check it out if your interested.
How to get to Celebration Mall in Udaipur
Here are some options for getting from the city centre of Udaipur to Nexus Celebration Mall:
⪢ Rickshaw
This is the most affordable option, and it will take about 12 minutes to get there. You would expect to pay between 50 - 100 rupees.
⪢ Taxi
This is a bit more expensive than a rickshaw, but it will be faster and more comfortable. It will also take about 12 minutes to get there, and the distance is 4.5 km.
⪢ Walking
This is the most eco-friendly option, and it will take about 54 minutes to get there. The distance is 3.9 km, and you can see the route on Google Maps.
⪢ Contact information & Opening Times
Address: Opposite Devendra Dham, Pulla Bhuwana, Bhuwana, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Email: infodesk.celebrationmall@nexusmalls.com
Contact: +91 294 244 5111
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Website: nexusmalls.com/nexus-celebration
Instagram: @nexus_celebration
⪢ Best time to visit
If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the mall during weekdays in the morning or afternoon. However, if you enjoy the buzz of a lively atmosphere, evenings and weekends are the best time to go.
Save for later: Dreamyard Udaipur: Our first ever hostel stay in India
One Udaipur's highest rated hostels, Dreamyard offers fantastic views on Lake Pichola, along with great service and traditional Indian decor.
Our India recap; The journey so far
With our time in India drawing to a close at this point, we thought it would be a good moment to recap on our time here so far! We have probably already said this a whole bunch of times but there had been so many highs and just as many lows. It has been a mixed bag of emotions, with some really awesome experiences and some not so much. Lets take a look!
⪢ India's Golden Triangle is, sorry to say it, but very dirty
The first thing that stands out when we think of India is of course its unique and diverse culture and heritage. It is a country full of color, faith and wisdom, and one that will continue growing on the world stage in the years to come. That all being said, a close second to this thought is that India is kind of dirty. We are sorry folks, because we do not mean to offend, but it really is. We have been generous with our photos here, in part because we do not want to misrepresent all of India, or try to be over-zealous and shed a negative light.
We have written previously about our growing understanding of the reasons for this, amongst others poor infrastructure, over-population, corruption in government and lack of education. The sanitation issue will only continue to get worse, especially when one factors in the terrible air pollution in cities like Delhi and Agra. The causes are well documented but ultimately it all feels a little like excuses. On ALL sides, that of government and that of people, something needs to be done.
⪢ Why no trash cans?
It has to be said that we did travel the famed 'Golden Triangle', the likes of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur. These are tourist-crazy cities, along with being major population hubs. There are SO many people everywhere, and this of course makes keeping things clean difficult. But that being said, how hard is it to install trash cans? And surely there are enough employable people to empty them?
⪢ Cows roam free
Another major element to life in India's big cities is the combination of animals (namely cows and monkeys) and congestion. Cows are considered sacred animals in Hinduism, the majority religion in India. Hindus believe that cows are the mothers of all living beings and that they should be treated with respect. As a result, cows are often allowed to roam freely in India, even in cities.
In many parts of India, there is simply not enough infrastructure to keep cows off the roads. There are not enough fences, and there are not enough cowsheds. As a result, cows are often left to their own devices. The presence of cows on the roads can pose a number of challenges, causing traffic accidents, and spreading diseases. However, many Indians view cows as a blessing, and they are willing to tolerate the inconveniences that they cause.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in India to address the problem of stray cows. The government has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce the number of stray cows, such as providing subsidies to farmers who keep their cows in cowsheds. However, the problem of stray cows is still a significant one in India and we do feel it is an issue that needs to be resolved.
⪢ No control: the roads are chaos
There are few places to escape the chaos of the roads. You can find just about everything going on here; guys manually dragging carts and barrows on their backs, horses, cows, rickshaws, buses, cars, vans, trucks. Oh and less we forget scooters, and bikes. Lots of scooters and bikes. Couple that with practically no traffic controls, no road markings, poor signage and barely-there traffic lights. It is akin to carnage!
Many Indians will proudly joke about things online, in that they are raised in this environment, are used to it, and love seeing foreigners' reactions. We totally get that, although we are glad that as foreigners we are not permitted to drive vehicles on India's roads. The government of India itself says it is too dangerous - and we agree.
⪢ Old vehicles and a lot of pollution
The intensity of the road system is like nothing we have ever seen. We have travelled across Asia and seen incredible collections of bikes and whatnot, but the scale in India is unrivalled. Especially how it all seems to blend and meld with each other, almost traversing seamlessly through intersections with barely a bump or a scrape of note. It is pretty spectacular to look at actually, if you can comprehend the madness of it all.
The biggest issues with the chaotic roads is that of the shocking level of air pollution; most vehicles seem to be very old and worn here. And perhaps unsurprisingly, poorly maintained and therefore heavily polluting. The air is awful and it is really hard to be outside for too long, in particular in Delhi. No wonder it ranks as one of the worst cities in the world for air quality! Oh and by the way, we haven't even got onto the honking yet. Yes the honking. Yes we have already whined about it but seriously, the honking!!! Noise is an element of pollution too...
⪢ Crazy 24/7 honking!
Incredibly many of the rickshaws and trucks actually encourage honking, such is the custom on the roads here in India. Honking is a way of life, something drivers do in such a way that it almost seems natural to honk at every turn, every stop, every passing of a vehicle, and pretty much every time one sees a bike or scooter. Which is all the time. This all culminates in cities devoid of anything that resembles peace. There is no quiet; just noise and chaos, 24/7. You would think it would stop at night, or early morning, but it does not. It is constant. We could never live comfortably in any of the cities we have visited purely for this reason. We even resorted to using a fan app to try and drown out the noise so we could get some sleep!
Scams, beware for scams!
Much of the scams on tourists in India are very well documented, and you will find them easily in a few searches on Google or YouTube. That being said, it is a double edged sword because if you go in to India believing you will be scammed at every opportunity, you will never be able to trust anyone. And many people are good people. The scammers give a bad rep, and most of the time they are only trying to wheedle you out of a couple of extra dollars. Not the point, but still.
We got caught out a lot to be honest, in particular with rickshaw drivers overcharging. We also got charged higher prices at stores, got charged for food on a train even though free food was coming, and stayed in a terribly decrepit hotel which could not have been further from the pictures we saw online. We were even dropped off in the wrong spot on our first day here, and coaxed into what turned out to be a non-official 'tourist centre'.
It is easy to understand why people try scamming, but very hard to stop them. We do not know if the Indian government is working that hard to fix the issues, but as long as scamming is so rife on tourists in India, it will continue to give India a bad name.
Hawkers and beggars
We have encountered several countries that have a notable amount of hawkers and beggars, but here in India, it feels like it is next level! Literally within moments of stepping into any public space, someone will be around to approach and offer something. It is everywhere, especially at public transport points and hotels. The most frustrating thing is that whomever it is, they seldom leave you alone. And if they do at all they stop and stare. Incessantly. It is weird!! The beggars are of course incredibly sad to see, especially the children, of whom we saw such a worrying amount of. This is sadly something that is part of the fabric of India and we hope this will change. So much more can be done.
Aside from all that, there is so much to see too!
The things that we have spoken about so far came first because they all hit you so quickly! There is so much that we were prepared for, yet so much that shocked us. It requires far better planning and preparation than we had done, and we were nowhere near as ready as we thought we were. It took some adjusting, but with our travel experience behind us we got over it and got out there to see some stuff. And we certainly did, before we were struck down with food poisoning! Take a look at some of our highlights:
⪢ Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi turned out to be a real gem. Not just the main attraction, there is also Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque, and the wonderful gardens surrounding and connecting everything on the site. Gardens which also happen to be the first ever tomb gardens on the Indian sub-continent!
⪢ India Gate
The India Gate is a prominent war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, as part of the larger architectural plan for New Delhi, which was then under British colonial rule. The foundation stone was laid in 1921, and the monument was completed in 1931. We head to this spectacular gate at night, before a unique first time KFC India experience!
⪢ Vande Bharat Express
In what was our first train ride as foreigners in India, we take the Vande Bharat Express directly to Agra from Delhi. In this post we will show you what the train was like, how we got tickets, what to do at both stations, and other things you may need to know.
⪢ Taj Mahal
In the heart of northern India, where the Yamuna River winds its way through the historic city of Agra, stands a testament to love that has transcended centuries. A masterpiece of marble, a symbol of eternal romance, and a jewel in the crown of architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument; it's a living chronicle etched in white stone.
⪢ Dharohar Fold Dance Show
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Lakes, beckons travelers with its mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Folk Dance Show stands as a captivating cultural must-see, weaving together the rich traditions of Rajasthan into an unforgettable spectacle.
Struck by stomach issues but we live to fight another day!
So to say things had been eventful in India would be an understatement, and on top of that our descent into the sorry depths of stomach issues threatened to derail our whole trip. Most of what we saw in India was before this happened, and we saw little thereafter. Our list of places to see is littered with unticked boxes, as for at least half of our 2 weeks here we stayed in our accommodation. By the bathroom. Yes it was that bad (and well-documented in previous posts, so keeping it brief here).
It was only at this point, as we were leaving Udaipur, that things improved enough for us to 'stomach' a day out. And so onwards to Amritsar, and the famous Wagah Border Ceremony!
Coming up: Our Pribson Hotel review, and highlights from the incredible Beating Retreat ceremony at the Wagah Border in Amritsar
We review our final hotel stay in India, at the Pribson Hotel in Amritsar. We chose this hotel for its proximity to the Golden Temple, although we could not make it there as it was closed for a state visit. We show you what you can get for your money here.
We did find our way to the Wagah Border Ceremony though, an experience like no other on the land border between the two great rivals of India and Pakistan. This incredible ceremony has been taking place every day for 64 years and is attended by thousands of people. It is called the Beating Retreat for the unique way the soldiers march and gesture towards each other. We cannot wait to share these highlights!
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Your interactive map of Northern India
Check out all of the places we visited in India courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Your GUIDE to visiting India
First time in India? Check out our comprehensive guide with all you need to know including our latest posts, must-see places, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, connectivity, visa information, useful links and much more!
