19th – 22nd November
Udaipur seen from our second hotel
Udaipur, City of Lakes, Venice of the East, City of
Romance, City of Palaces – take your pick. It was to be our last city in
Rajasthan. Once settled on the train we were both out like a light and slept
soundly most of the way. It was still dark when we arrived and we were to be
met by a prearranged taxi at the station but that didn’t happen. After waiting
long enough for all the available taxis to be taken we settled for a tuk-tuk.
Normally I enjoy a tuk-tuk ride but it was a very chilly, rephrase that, it was
a cold morning and it was fortunate for us that it wasn’t too far to our hotel.
Looking from top of roof restaurant across the lower roof level, one of the lesser lakes and the footbridge
We arrived at the hotel around 6am which in any-one’s
books was well before check in time and also well before breakfast so we stored
our bags in reception and went up to the rooftop restaurant where they had
couches and continued with our interrupted sleep. I waited for the sunrise
before I closed my eyes and it was a beautiful sight across the lake. Our hotel
was right on a narrow part of one of the lesser lakes before the footbridge and directly
opposite ghats where women were already pounding their washing. The Rhythmic
slapping of the paddles on the wet clothes soon had me asleep.
The Ghats directly opposite our hotel - day/night
Ghats passed on our ferry trip - note the paddle in the woman's hand on the left. The paddle beating the clothes has a lovely rhythmic sound.
The heat of the rising sun woke us at 9 so we had some breakfast and were then able to check-in.
Our trip had run
smoothly until this morning. Firstly our arranged taxi
failed to show then on check-in we discovered that we only had two nights at
the hotel instead of three. We were assured that they would contact the travel
agent back in Delhi and that all would be fine so we had to take them for their
word.
Udaipur qualifies easily for all the names previously
mentioned. Although I can safely say that I have loved all of Rajasthan that we
have seen, Udaipur is my favourite. Nestled between the surrounding mountains,
it is a beautiful town mirrored in the calm waters of its lakes. Its narrow lanes
wind up and down the hills around the water. It is a pretty sight during the
day and is most definitely romantic at night.
Looking down on Udaipur at dusk.
Love the reflections in the perfectly still mirror of the lake.
Udaipur from the City Palace
Possibly the last place that we expected to see a paddle boarder
We wandered the streets, through the city palace, had a
ferry trip around the town parts of the lake and set down at Jag Mandir, a palace built on an island in Lake Pichola.
It is also called the Lake Garden Palace. Nowadays it has a nice restaurant and
is a pleasant place to sit awhile and have a cold drink. The other island palace
is The Lake Palace, converted into a plush five star hotel and out of bounds
unless you are a guest or a paid up diner at their
restaurant. The Lake Palace and Jag Mandir featured in the James Bond movie
Octopussy.
The City Palace seen from Lake Pichola
Inside and around the various parts of the City Palace
The 'Royal Throne' Room
Looking down towards the palace area still lived in
by the Rajasthani Royal Family
Jag Mandir - The Lake Garden Palace
The Lake Palace
While we were in Udaipur the City palace and Jag Mandir
were getting all spruced up and decorated for the high society wedding of a
London based Indian businessman. Would have loved to have been there - it would
have been HUGE!! The wedding was to be
celebrated over 5 days at the various palaces and 5 star hotels. By the stages
and sound equipment being installed the entertainment was also going to be
massive.
No we didn't get invited - I have 'borrowed' the night shots.
Our third night was arranged at the eleventh hour and for
our final day and night we shifted up onto a hill overlooking the lake and town.
It was nice to get a different perspective and our room was really nice, far
better than the original. The position of the lake hotel was better for exploring the city as it was a very short walk to everything. The hotel on the hill was excellent for getting lost when we attempted to walk into town. My impeccable sence of direction let us down. I am sure I would have got us there eventually but, once again, he of little faith got a passing tuk.
In the early morning hours we travelled to the airport 20
klms out of Udaipur for our 7.15 flight to Mumbai. Airport security is tight at
Indian airports but to confiscate our cello tape?? What was that all about?
Stick em up!!!
Final images of Udaipur
When the soldiers ran out of elephants did they pretend the horses were elephants?
No comments:
Post a Comment