Hello to all of you wonderful readers! Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’ and ‘Venice of the East,’ is a place that captivates the hearts of travelers with its regal charm, exquisite architecture, and serene lakeside vistas. I’m excited to share a magical part of my Udaipur journey with you – my visit to the remarkable City Palace, Jal Mahal, Sajjangardh Palace (also known as the Monsoon Palace), the Old City, and, in particular, my friend Mridula’s home. Get ready to hear all about the history, treasures, and the exciting life of kings and queens from the past.
Table of Contents
From a 2-day trip to Udaipur to an Amazing Week
Let’s step back in time to June 9th, 2023 – a special day when my adventure to Udaipur began. I was brimming with excitement as I made my way to my friend Mridula’s house, where I had planned to stay. Initially, we thought it would be a quick 2-day trip, just spending one night away. But guess what? It turned into a whole week filled with loads of fun, exploring, and memories that I will cherish forever.
Even though both of us had busy jobs and worked in different time zones, we were determined to make the most of our time together. We didn’t let our professional life stop us from having an absolute blast. So, let’s dive into all the amazing things that unfolded during this trip. I was especially thrilled because I was finally going to reunite with my college friend, Mridula, after such a long time.
Adventures begins
My adventure started with something really cool – a driving lesson! We drove around the city and enjoyed the beautiful view of the Aravalli Mountains. But the fun didn’t end there. We decided to visit FateSagar Lake, and there, under the starry sky, we had a delicious dinner of White Sauce Pasta. It felt like a dream!
The following day was all about immersing ourselves in the vibrant Rajasthani culture. We were really excited as we bought tickets for a live Rajasthani show by Dharohar Folk Dance. It was initially supposed to take place at Bagore ki Haveli, but the location changed, which was a bit disappointing. However, that didn’t dampen our spirits. We watched folk dances that were absolutely captivating and bursting with energy.
Exploring the Majestic City Palace Udaipur
The next day, Mridula had to work, so I decided to explore on my own. I chose to visit the famous City Palace of Udaipur. It felt like stepping into a different time period. To learn more, I hired a guide to show me around the palace. I discovered interesting facts about Maharana Udai Singh II, who played a big role in building the palace and the city.
Inside the City Palace of Udaipur, there are so many cool things to explore. I saw some really interesting old musical instruments and even got a peek into where the current royal family lives. It’s amazing how the past and the present come together in this grand place.
The palace has fancy rooms, pretty courtyards, and a museum with old weapons and fancy clothes. There’s a special room filled with crystal stuff that’s really cool to see, and another room called the Sheesh Mahal with lots of mirrors that make it look super shiny. Visiting the City Palace feels like stepping back in time to see how the kings and queens of Udaipur used to live.
Discovering Hidden Gems inside City Palace Udaipur
As I explored more, I found a special spot where royal weddings used to happen, following Hindu traditions. And then, I stumbled upon some incredible treasures – the Queen’s Palanquin (a fancy carriage fit for a queen), the elegant Sringar Box, and even toys made of silver that were used by royal kids! It was like stepping into a fairy tale.
As I continued to wander around, I came across even more fascinating things – old letters, a chessboard for playing strategy games, and a children’s cradle where royal babies once slept, surely bringing joy to the palace’s youngest members.
Sarees Of Udaipur
As the day came to an end, I wasn’t done exploring yet. I visited a Handicraft shop that my guide recommended. There, I found something special for my loved ones – beautiful sarees. I got a Maharani Saree made from Banana silk and a Bamboo jute saree, each with its own unique story. I knew my mom would be so happy with them.
Jal Mahal
After checking out beautiful sarees, I took a boat from City Palace Udaipur to Jal Mahal. There, I had a unique and pricey lunch – a delicious paneer kathi roll, making my visit unforgettable.
Jal Mahal, also known as the “Water Palace,” is a stunning architectural gem in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It appears to float on Lake Man Sagar, creating a captivating scene.
Built-in the 18th century by Maharaja Madho Singh I, it’s a beautiful mix of Rajput and Mughal styles. While part of the palace is underwater, the upper level is visible, adorned with intricate designs. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, Jal Mahal is a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Sajjangarh Palace
After a tiring day of exploring and working a night shift, I decided to take a well-deserved break for a day. The following day, I embarked on a new adventure to the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace. It’s situated on top of a hill, and the view from there is absolutely breathtaking. I chose to ride an internal Jeep to reach the summit.
Although I missed the sunset view because I returned around 5:30, just to be safe in case it was the last ride down the hill, it was still a fantastic experience. After a bit of exploration and some shopping, Mridula came to pick me up, marking the end of yet another unforgettable day of my trip.
Cafe of Old City Udaipur
The next day brought strong winds and a cyclone called Baipurjoy. I couldn’t explore much because of the power outage and other problems. But in the afternoon, when Mridula had some free time from work, we decided to take a short drive to the old city. Little did we know that it would turn into a fun shopping spree for traditional Rajasthani clothes, jewelry, and unique showpieces. We finished the day at a rooftop café, taking in the breathtaking view of the Aravalli Ranges, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the Grand City Palace.
Fond Memories and Goodbye for Now
Mridula’s parents returned from their trip, and we celebrated their return with a cozy house party. We had a lovely dinner and chatted the night away. Then came the time for me to go back home. The next day Mridula’s dad took us on a final drive around Udaipur, and we even saw Mridula’s school. We had a yummy brunch at Fateh Sagar Lake. When I got back home, I packed my stuff.
Mridula and I went on one last drive together in Udaipur. And then, it was time to say goodbye – to Mridula and the wonderful city of Udaipur. It was hard to leave, but I knew I’d always carry these amazing memories with me.
In Conclusion: A Journey to Remember
So, there you have it – my unforgettable Udaipur adventure! What started as a short trip turned into a whole week of joy and discovery. From exploring the City Palace to finding hidden treasures and experiencing the magic of Udaipur, it’s a journey that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Until our paths cross again, keep exploring, smiling, and making memories. See you on the next adventure!