Udaipur the City of Lakes

We left Gurgaon on the 14th at 12:00 a.m. and arrived in the morning at about 10:00 a.m. On arrival, our first visit after freshening up was to Fatehsagar Lake. At the lake, we took the customary boat ride in an eco-friendly boat that was electric-powered. After the boat ride came to an end, our next visit was to the Saheliyon ki Baari. For dinner, we visited the Mehman Restaurant at the Hathipole market area near the Chetak Crossing to savour the Laal Maas, a culinary delight made of Mutton steeped in a sauce of Mathania Peppers. The dish was a bit rich and spicy, but it went well with the Laccha Parathas.

The second day of our visit was spent in visiting the City Palace, Pichola Lake including a boat ride to the Jagmandir island. The boat ride from City Palace to Jagmandir was a pleasant one. Jagmandir is a happening place for family members and young couples as they can have some really memorable moments captured there. After visiting Jagmandir it was time to visit the museum in City Palace. Unfortunately, there was a huge crowd waiting to enter the museum and thereafter we were literally swept off into a stream of humanity. I was, however, able to take a few photographs of the relics and antique items on display before making an exit. Post exiting from City Palace, we visited the ghat of Lake Pichola. The scene at dusk was enthralling enough. For Dinner, we visited the Chunda Haveli at Chandpole for dinner. Again, we ordered Laal Maas. 

The third day was spent visiting the highest point in Udaipur, namely the Sajjangarh fort,  shopping, enjoying dinner at a quaint Haveli called the Karoli Haveli close to the Ghat of Lake Pichola, and discovering the secrets of the Chandpole area. The Laal Maas was perfect and we enjoyed it so much!

On the fourth day, we decided to enjoy the Chappan Bhog restaurant. Surely, we were treated like royalty! The rest of the day was spent in the vintage car museum, shopping, and prepping up for the return journey to Gurgaon. At the museum, two of us had an amazing experience of looking at some of the most well-maintained classic cars.

A visit to Udaipur in Rajasthan would be incomplete without savouring the Laal Maas, or perhaps even partaking of the Chapan Bhog seated in the traditional manner on the floor cross-legged while being treated like royalty even as each portion is announced. A visit of the Ghats in the evening can be an amazing experience, nothing short of an epiphany! And while you walk along the alleys, you might revel in the murals that bring out the true character of the city. A city of arts, man-made artificial lakes, a city of fabrics, leatherware and a city of havelies or mansions waits to be discovered!

One of the first things to do in Udaipur is to take a boat ride on the Fatehsagar Lake followed by a visit to the Saheliyon ki Baari or the Garden of Maidens. This was a garden made by Maharana Sangram Singh II for his queen and 48 maids. The garden consists of fountains and gardens.

Lake Pichola is another lake worth visiting! A boat ride to Jagmandir can be a pleasant experience. One needs to take the tickets for the boat ride from the City Palace counter. Spending time by the banks of Lake Pichola in the evenings, dusk can be a surreal experience. Photography enthusiasts can play with short shutter speeds.

The murals and wall paintings reflect the artistic nature of the residents of the city. Everyone seems to be engaged in some artistic activity. The wall paintings represent art in its pristine nature.