Udaipur - For That Rajasthani Feel!!

Day 1

Udaipur trip was finally planned in the month of Febraury. We landed at Udaipur Airport by 3.45 pm and headed straight to Club Mahindra, Kumbhalgarh which is around 100 Km from Udaipur Airport.

We reached the hotel by 6.30 pm and headed straight for the puppet show arranged by the resort. Lot of people conclude that it is meant for kids, but it is really an art which you will love to watch it again and again!!

Day 2

We woke up, and only realized that we are surrounded by different types of birds outside our studio rooms. Such was their glamour that we ended up spending our entire morning just feeding them and observing them so closely. Huge mountains of Aravali Ranges were standing tall in front of our room and having food in such atmosphere only lead to what we call - A lifelong memory!!!

Afternoon was planned for sightseeing of the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is around 5 Km from the resort. We planned to visit in the evening as we can visit the fort as well as witness the light and sound show.

The view of Majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort from the entrance

Here are some interesting facts about the fort :
1. No ruler was able to conquer the fort in its history.
2. The fort stretches to a wall border of 36 Kms, which is second longest in the world after great wall of China.
3. There are more than 360 Jain temples constructed in that period, which are almost into ruins now.
4. Maharana Pratap was born at this fort in Kumbahlgarh.

Day 3

Morning was a normal routine with club activities and walks around the park.
We hired a bicycle from the resort in evening and went to a lake nearby. Cycling in the mountains turned out to be a different experience altogether.

Me and my brother on a cycling trail in Kumbahgarh

Day 4

We checked out from the hotel in the morning and left for Ranakpur Jain Temple. On the way, we witnessed an unusual 'Giant Wheel' to remove water from the well.

The wheel is rotated with the help of bullocks by the villagers.

We reached Ranakpur within an hour, did darshan and also had our lunch over there.

A view from the outside of Ranakpur Temple.

By 3.30 pm we reached Udaipur and headed straight to City Palace. We could explore the palace and its stories for almost 2 hours and headed straight to the Lal Ghat near Pichola Lake for snacks and could witness a wonderful Sunset.

Entrance of City Palace 

 And then was the time where we witnessed the highlight of the day - Rajasthani Cultural Show.

At Bagore ki Haveli, there is a Cultural Show at 7 Pm and it should never be missed if you are in Udaipur. Various forms of Rajasthani Dances, including Ghoomar Dance were performed by the artists and it was a perfect end to a long but amazing day at Udaipur!!

Its a crime to miss this show if you are in Udaipur!!

Day 5

Well, this is a day, exclusively reserved for City Tour. We left the hotel early morning and headed straight to the Udaipur Streets and had our breakfast. We headed to Fateh Sagar Lake and walked few Kilometers to reach there. Next to the museum is the Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial. We explored all these locations for around 3 hours. Interestingly, there are cycles available for rent, next to the lake in Mornings and Evenings which can just enlighten the experience around the lake.

Another interesting fact about this place is Udaipur Chowpaty, as they call. They have set up Mumbai Style fast food joints and named it Chowpaty.

And around 3 Kms from here is the Monsoon palace, which is the place where the Sunset was shot in 'Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani'.

Alright then, from here, we headed for our Rajasthani lunch and went to Panchvati area. There is a restaurant named Traditional Khana, which serves only hygienic Rajasthani Thalis. We had a lavish experience with Dal Baati Churma, Jhakola Puri, Gatte ki Sabzi, Chaas, to name few dishes.

Another area, which can be explored, if you are travelling Udaipur is a place called Prajapati Musical Instruments. Here, You are given one hour training session on Tabla or Sitar or Flute (your choice) at a rate of Rs 600 per hour.

Lastly, there is a collection of exclusive Vintage cars of the Royal family in the city and should not be missed if Vintage Cars excite you.

Udaipur is really a city which gives you that Rajasthani feeling and should not be missed if you are touring Rajasthan. I have travelled Jaipur only to realize that its highly commercialized city. On a personal opinion, if asked to select between Jaipur and Udaipur as your travel destination, close your eyes and head to Udaipur!!!

Happy Travelling,
Cheers!!

Soham Shah