Udaipur, The City of the Lakes

Udaipur, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East, is a tourist destination known for its lakes, historic forts, and palaces. This was my first city in India, where I could feel that tourism was considered. You had narrow streets without cars, and of course, you had motorbikes, but still, the streets were a little less noisy, cleaner, and just pleasant to stroll around in. There were also several small cosy cafes around.

The south of Rajasthan

Udaipur was the most southerly city I visited on my journey in Rajasthan. I have also visited New Delhi, Agra, Futehpur, and Jaipur. I took the train from Jaipur early in the morning, so I left the hotel before 5 a.m. The train journey went without problems, and I arrived in the late morning. After checking in, I went for a stroll and got a feel for the city. What struck me was the change of fresh air, without all the cars, it felt like a relief. I found this cafe, Edelweiss, and sat down to have coffee. It also made me walk around the rest of the day with Edelweiss tune in my head.

Bagore Ki Haveli

Close to Edelweiss the Museum Bagore Ki Haveli lay. I wanted to visit this museum, a majestic palace on the shores of Lake Pichola. This architectural gem, once a royal residence, boasts intricate carvings and ornate balconies. The palace has over a hundred rooms, displaying costumes and modern art. It also has room for just turbans, and they claim to have the largest turban in the world. I am unsure if anyone has walked around with that one.

It was a charming museum to walk around. The rooms were fantastically decorated, and there were not many visitors.

Jagdish Temple in Udaipur

The Jagdish Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Udaipur, just outside the royal palace. Built in 1651, the temple sits on a high terrace and showcases stunning Indian architecture, complete with intricate and ornate carvings. As with many mosques, visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple’s sacred areas.

Taj Lake Palace

The lakes surrounding Udaipur are man-made, filled with shimmering water that can dry up in arid seasons. Udaipur is famous for its lake palace, the Taj Lake Palace, an exquisite hotel that rises from Lake Pichola. Once as boats glide gracefully to and fro, connecting visitors with the beauty of their surroundings. As dusk falls, the palace transforms into a magical sight, illuminated by soft, golden lights that dance upon the water’s surface, creating an unforgettable evening experience.

The City Palace (Raj Mahal)

One of the main attractions in Udaipur is the City Palace, which is known for its vibrant architectural style. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace offers an impressive view from the lakeside, especially at night when seen from across the lake, as depicted in the top picture. Additionally, several other palaces are located within its complex. Like many other palaces in Rajasthan, this one is worth a visit.

Conclution

I may be a bit shallow, but I must admit that Jaipur was possibly my favorite city in Rajasthan. I found a sense of peace there, and it was charming to walk around. As I mentioned in my first post about India, I joined an Indian cooking class in Udaipur. I’m happy I made the trip down there.