| Page Views: 672 Last Visit to Udaipur: January, 2007 I Visit Here Frequently | My Udaipur by lynnehamman - last update: May 18, 2009 |
Reading about Udaipur in any travel guide cannot prepare anyone for what they will see upon first arriving there. This city is very different. Many places in Rajasthan are beautiful, with forts, palaces and lakes. But Udaipur seems to have the most perfect setting of all. It is surrounded by the Arravalli Hills, and has Lake Pichola as its focal point. The beauty is unsurpassed.
Udaipur was founded by Maharajah Udai Singh in 1559, after his former base at Chittor was captured by Akbar.The magnificent city palace is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, and has views of the lake and the surrounding hills.At night the palace is lit up, and looks like a fairytale castle. |
|  | Exploring Udaipur The old city is situated on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, and is the most scenic & interesting. Around Lal Ghat, there are tiny lanes, each having its own surpises, and all leading up to the Main Palace & Jagdish Temple. Along the way, you will have to dodge autorickshaws, goats, cows,motorcycles, and even maybe an elephant. Take the walk slowly........browse at the great little stalls,where colorful bargains can be bought. Tea shops are there, and sitting down having chai one can watch real life happening. Havelis line these lanes also.Lal Ghat is also where most of the reasonably prices hotels are situated, although there are some on the opposite side of the lake.
On the banks of the lake there are bathing ghats, and dhobi ghats,which are always in use. There are two islands in the lake. On Jagniwas Island stands the famous Lake Palace Hotel, and Jagmindar Island has a palace, built in 1620 by the ruling Maharajah of the time. They can both be visited,by boat.
A bridge runs across the lake, taking people to the opposite side, and this is a walk that can be done in 20 minutes. It affords a view of the City Palace from another perspective. Also some good restuarants & coffee shops on opposite bank.
Udiapur is a really good city to wander around in. Its winding, if chaotic little lanes offer the chance to see the beautiful, hidden havelis and craftsmen, who have little alcoves, where they make wonderful silver jewelery, amongst other things.
Rajput art is prevalent everywhere....the minature paintings are exquisite. |
The People of Udaipur Perhaps because Udaipur sees so many tourists every season, the local people all speak English to a degree, and are really warm & hospitable.They all seem relaxed, and are willing to give advice & directions...always with a smile. While wandering around, you will get an invitation to share a cup of chai every 10 minutes. This is common practice everywhere in India, but in Udaipur, the locals are genuinly interested in just talking, and we had many fascinating encounters on these stops.The tailor shop just outside where we stayed is owned by Aslam- a wonderful man,and we had a daily chai with him. He have us much insight into the everyday life of a working man in Udaipur.And he makes a neat set of clothing as well.
We have made so many good friends in Udaipur. We spend almost every Christmas here- and would not have it any other way. I love this city.
SUNSETS in Udaipur are pure magic. As the sun sets behind the Arravelli Hills, the light changes from a bright burning orange to a soft glow of pink.A truly perfect photo opportunity every evening.
Beware the Prowling Hungry Elephant- story in tip section
Fondest Memory
We were having lunch at the rooftop restuarant of our hotel,which overlooks Lake Pichola, and there were two young girls standing on the ghat, waist-deep in the water. They were washing their long hair, pouring water from a bucket, and it was so beautiful to watch. Every time I sit in a hair salon I think of how happy & contented they were. | | | SUNSET-view from our room. |
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| Pros: | "Natural beauty, scenery & wonderful old buildings" | | Cons: | "For me,not one" | | In A Nutshell: | "One day I will live here....." |
lynnehamman's Udaipur Travel Tips
 Comments for lynnehamman about Udaipur | | | | |
Pawtuxet Tue Oct 27, 2009 14:57 UTC
Great hotel room...wonderful views. You found a winner. | mallyak Wed Oct 14, 2009 06:29 UTC
You are on the right track to settling in what is supposed to the one of the best cities in the world AHEAD OF SYDNEY!This is not my theory but I read it in the SMH. | icunme Thu Oct 1, 2009 11:19 UTC
Took the delux tour here w/you - yes, high tea at the Palace - it is so apparent that you dearly love this place. LOL the pie bandit! Grazie, Carol <(•¿•)> | FruitLover Sat Sep 12, 2009 15:36 UTC
Hi beautifulynne, enjoyed your page. Greetings from Jerusalem! Avi |
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