The world is out on the loose, and the tourism industry sees a surge post the second wave of the pandemic. Confined for almost two years, families are seen vacationing with the elderly at home.
I am sure it must have been difficult, hence the family bubble. Deriving their methods to keep safe everyone in the happy family bubble funda is out.
How could I stay away, the traveler that I am? I book well in advance. Very smart, isn’t that. Does this sound like revenge tourism, that’s a new word I learned?
I do not think so. Humans being social animals, have always been on a move. Looking for opportunities to meet near and dear ones, make merry, and stayed in herds and communities for commerce and security. Hence as the world started opening the saying “make hey while the sunshine” was literally taken and so travel or revenge travel the gloom on the travel industry was lifted.
Now I am sure you all must be curious about the destination. Being a family trip, after a lot of Table Tennis moments finally a truce was declared and Udaipur in Rajasthan was sealed as the next travel destination.
The first Glimpse of Udaipur
Venice of East
The city of lakes and surrounded by lakes is the most sort after destination and tickets were booked in FOMO. With mock tail feelings, we prepare to leave.
Lake Pichola took center stage at every conversation, each one pitching the newfound information every time the topic was munched. Yes, this beautiful location is surrounded by the Aravali’s on one side, the city palace with the old city Skyline on the other no doubt with its quaint contemporary bridges the place resembles Venice.
OH!!!!! When in Venice enjoy like a Venetian and we found ourselves landing in the Venice of East called Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Each tourist when in Udaipur wants to stay on or have a piece of Lake Pichola or Lake Fateh Sagar.
Finding accommodation to get the view and stay close to the city center is a tight rope walk but could successfully manage it by choosing Karohi Haveli as my accommodation bang on Lake Pichola. Just minutes from the city palace.
This Octopussy Fame palace from the Bond movie is worth a visit, having said that Udaipur is easily accessible from across India by air road and rail.
The City is laden with history
The place is engulfed in history. Mewar heroes safeguarded the region from innumerable attacks. The mighty Aravalis, the affluent ruling dynasties along with the rich culture, valorous kings, and beautiful Queens made it a must-have territory for every invader, hence the monarchs were always out into the Warfield. Making sure to build a safe house and forts that would make invasions a challenge.
The quintessential City Palace
Udaipur developed as a tourist destination much later, but what makes it most popular according to me is the lakes. Can you imagine Udaipur without lakes and only with Forts and palaces? Have you ever heard the lakes drying? Yes, they do.
All these artificial lakes are supported by natural waters flowing down from the Aravalis. Created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood this has changed Udaipur into picturesque and serene. The quaint little gullies with European-style cafes, traditional graffiti, painted walls makes the colorful Rangeelo Rajasthan one of the urban tourist destination a must-see on everyone’s list.
Mouth smacking street food and the Bogunvillas were in full bloom
Feel the romance in the air at Lake Pichola
Created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi Village the lake with Crystal Clear Water bearing the mirror image of the city palace especially at dusk, and the illuminated City Palace at night gives you an aesthetic feeling of being in Venice.
The moments that you spend watching the lake Pichola and the City Palace along with the Gangaur Ghat where “Padharo Mhare Desh” is been played by the local street artist and Bagore Ki Haveli River is showcasing the local dance forms with
Dancers colorfully clad doing the balancing act on thin and sleek objects and raised lamps that are Udaipur.
Udaipur by night from Lake Pichola
Vibes make a difference
Just as I walk by Lake Pichola, soaking the winter sun drinking a kullad chai, eating a spicy Maggi observing the Ducks play, and watching the world pass in oblivion, calm descends
In the most crowded surrounding along with the positive Vibes which I attribute to Lake Pichola.
Lake Fatehsagar
Eager to move on to Fatehsagar Lake the boulevard encircling the lake is full of tourists and pedestrians. A single tall fountain from the middle of the lake is enhancing its beauty. As I get down on the street my eyes meet water which in turn meet the horizon far away to the foothills of the Aravali.
Lake Fatehsagar is full up to the brim and it’s refreshing, the water is absolutely clear and seems like a vessel ready to overflow. I feel like shouting out “Dear windy blow a little slower so that the rivulets are not strong and the lake doesn’t spill….. The breeze is indeed pleasant as I walk I meet people from different walks relaxing in the blue expanse giving each one a very soothing effect.
The Solar observatory stands at a distance on one of the three islands developed in the lake. Watching the most stunning sunset I relax too. The lake supports and sustains groundwater recharge, drinking water, agricultural and industrial use, and employs 60% population of Udaipur
The baddi talai on my last day in Udaipur I trek two km uphill almost saying no, as it seemed quite treacherous. It did take a bit of coaxing but once at the top, the stunning lake took away my breath. This emerald and Tropez neckpiece set in the uncut rock pieces of the Aravali is the most beautiful view of the baddi Talai. Built-in 1652- to counteract the devastating effects of a famine. Named Jiyan Sagar after the mother Jana Devi of the then ruler. The lake covers an area of 155 km2.
Its freezing and the winds are heavy the rivulets in the blue clear water make it my best time spent here at the top. This natural water lake is a jewel in the Crown of Udaipur. Just like Lake Pichola and Lake Fatehsagar sitting there I discovered it’s the lake that has brought Udaipur its beauty positivity and tourism along with the contributions from every Fort, Palace, Haveli, Garh, and Kumbha.
Baddi talai
The mix of Heritage and Nature
I am transported multiple times to the era from 13 century AD to date and as I see the transformation it’s mesmerizing to understand and live in the moment How Chittorgarh was denounced and a new fortress had to be constructed and how multiple rulers did their best to make this beautiful city keeping all its subjects and their interest prime. Life had to be self-sustained in the hilly terrains majorly depending on the rains and thoughtfully the artificial lakes made sure famines and droughts were kept at bay.
I wander throughout Udaipur and its surrounding going to as many lakes and Ghats as I could let the Vibe seep in me, eat all that it was possible from the local cuisine, crisscross the crowded alleys, and soak into the culture listening to the local artists, shop the local products. Satiated with each of the above I felt the lakes are Synonym to Udaipur and bring peace and tranquility, its glamour and royalty to Udaipur.
AHAR Cenotaph
Natural beauty of Udaipur
Udaipur Fascinates every age
You should be in yourself to enjoy these Vibes apart from the history, valor, and richness of the place watching the clouds pass by from the banks of every lake I could gather this each age group coming here finds something very enchanting and makes it a sort after destination.
For the youngsters
Udaipur is a fun frolic. Zooming on motorbikes, Taking treks, finding new adventures exploring friendship. Eating on the streets.
For the Newlyweds
Romance at this “Venice Of the east” finding each other, making memories by clicking thousands of photos as you can, as each corner is a natural selfie point .it’s just walking by the lake hand-in-hand exploring.
For middle age
it’s about some time away from home and from the routine. Getting fascinated with history and architecture
For the super for 50 years
it’s about finding themselves it’s about peace tranquility come history about gratitude and
For the senior citizens
it’s about moving out at that super age as well. Spending family time together.
Thoughts to ponder upon
You do visit all the tourists’ spots in Udaipur, the list of which is available on the internet, but what remains with you as memories, is exploring the city in its original version, through Ghats and Chatris and the lakeside views. You will notice that history is deeply rooted in and around Udaipur, but the city has evolved keeping its old charm intact.
The quintessential Cafes, colorful leather-bound books, street art, and the old markets set amidst the Chatris give a tinge of old and new… and I loved romancing every bit of it ….
