Travel to Udaipur: The Royal Escape within the City of Lakes
Travel to Udaipur with its shining lakes, grand palaces, and rich history, promised to be a blend of romance and adventure that was impossible to resist. And so, when by chance a long weekend popped up, I packed my bags and set off on a mesmerizing journey across one of India’s most beautiful cities.
Arrival in the City of Lakes
The royal charm of the city greeted me the moment I set foot in Udaipur. Traditional Rajasthani music echoed in the streets while spicy street food fragranced the air. I was staying at a heritage hotel—a crafted old haveli now turned into a boutique stay. Intricately carved balconies and a view of Lake Pichola—that was a perfect blend of history with luxury.
Exploring the Majestic City Palace
The first stop would be at the City Palace, which stands majestically on the banks of Lake Pichola. Stepping across its grand corridors and courtyards makes one feel taken back in time. It is simply an outstanding example of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Every nook and corner of this palace tells the tale of Travel to Udaipur royal past.
The peacock mosaics were my absolute highlights, wonderfully intricate, decorating the Mor Chowk and the Sheesh Mahal room with mirrored beauty that sparkled like stars. At the palace, the panoramic view of Udaipur was breathtaking, where the shimmering Lake Pichola meets the Aravalli hills in the distant horizon. I wandered around it, marveling at the grandiosity, and taking in an abundance of rich history that whispers from the walls of the palace, crawling for hours.
A Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
No trip to Udaipur is ever complete without a boat ride on the tranquil Lake Pichola. Sunset found me slipping into a boat to row around the lake. The city’s palaces and havelis reflected in the quiet water of the lake like a fairy-tale scene. We passed in front of Jag Mandir and, further on, the Lake Palace; both appeared to be floating with their white marble fronts in the radiant golden light.
The boat trip was so serene; with the smooth movement through the water, it was impossible not to feel the deepest peace. Watching the sun go down behind the rooftops and bathe the city in golden light was like an enchanting moment of all my trips.
Wandering in the Streets of the Old City
The next day, I set out to explore the tight streets of the old city of Udaipur. This is a maze of streets, filled with shops colored and awash with the dyes of traditional Rajasthani textiles, silver jewelry, and miniature paintings. I spent that morning wandering through the bustling markets, getting souvenirs, and speaking to the friendly shopkeepers.
One of my favorite discoveries was a tiny café located in one of the quiet nooks of the old city. It was perfectly done up, and sitting on the rooftop here with a view over the city, it was the perfect place to drink a cup of masala chai. For a brief moment, peering down at the life of the city, I felt fully a part of Udaipur’s life.
Sunset from Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
I visited Sajjangarh Palace in the evening, which is commonly known as Monsoon Palace. It is located at the top of a hill that overlooks Udaipur. It is absolutely plain compared to the City Palace, but it commands the best view of the city and its surrounding lakes.
My timing was perfect since I arrived just in time to catch the sunset. It turned colors of pink and orange, while the sky did, and with the city lights starting to flicker below, I felt on top of the world. The view was magnificent and it was some time before I could just take in the sight of it all.
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