Udaipur - A Lake Paradise

Udaipur, it's the Venice of the East. It's a lake paradise. It's the most romantic destination in India. Travellers have romanticized Udaipur in every possible way and yes, I wanted to test whether this was true. Was Udaipur truly love at first sight?

I reached Udaipur City station at around 8 a.m. on the 8th of October by the Mewar Express. Such a royal name! Just like Maharana Pratap. As soon as I got down from the train I was greeted by stalls serving Adrak Wali Chai, Garma Garam Coffee and Samosa Kachori. I did a quick breakfast and immediately headed to the old city of Udaipur, considered the most beautiful part of this lake city of Rajasthan. I stayed at Zostel, took a quick break, freshened up at set off to see the Jagdish Temple and the popular City Palace of Udaipur. Udaipur is painted all white amidst the artificial lakes which don't feel artificial at all. It's mesmerizing! Jagdish Temple is a nice temple with great architecture being displayed. You may spend half an hour here and then head to the City Palace. P.S. If you are a student, be ready with your student IDs because there's a special discount for y'all. I availed it, you can too. City Palace offers the best view of Udaipur and the hallways feel like you're living a royal dream. The galleries are full of heritage and bliss surfaces any other thoughts in your mind. Beauty at its best! Spend good two hours here and enjoy to the fullest. And yes, no littering around please! You can also get dressed in the traditional Rajasthani attire and get clicked by the palace's own photographers.

Shop for diaries, dresses and a lot more at the Bazaar near the palace. Bargain, it's important. Eat at the Grasswood Café or enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Being a solo female traveller attracts a lot of attention, be careful ladies! The city's culture doesn't allow you to do late nights. So, stay in at a backpackers' hostel and talk or sing with fellow travellers. Make friends, talk to strangers just like I did.

Day 1 Fin.

Starting with breakfast at Mohan Chundawat Ji with the Bada Pav, a version of the popular Mumbai Cha Vada Pav paired with Chaas. This is a must-try if you're near Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a place wherein the folk art, folk culture and folk dance of Rajasthan is exhibited. The Kathputlis gain special fame.

Later, I visited Saheliyon-Ki-Bari where the princesses enjoyed with their friends. It's crystal clear water surrounded by gardens and it's pretty.

I went to the Sajjangarh Fort also known as the Monsoon Palace to get a glimpse of Udaipur. This was a recommendation by family and friends and I can't be more

thankful to them for it. Astonishing, stunning, an epitome of excellence - I can't find the exact adjective to describe its beauty but I must tell y'all that SajjanGarh is not worth a miss. The view of the city from the top is absolutely gorgeous. Want to catch sunsets with bae or solo, Sajjangarh is the place to be.

Moving on, I visited the Badi Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake. Muddy roads led me to Badi Lake but what is a great adventure without a little thrill?

As sundown neared, I headed back to the old city and went to Ambrai Ghat. I ate a gooey brownie topped with ice-cream at the Ambrai Restaurant. It was a bit overpriced but equally tasty. Then, I went to Ambrai Ghat and sat there for an hour or so. I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life. Oh My God! What a sight!

Past sunset, I went shopping for a while and then headed to the in-house café of the Zostel to have dinner. This one is a café with a great view, what more does one ask for? Day 2 definitely ended on a happy note. Day 2 Fin.