When it comes to travelling, I am always anticipating for it.
One of the most memorable trips that I have made is to Udaipur, the Venice of East as popularly known. Apart from being a heaven for nature lovers, the city abounds with splendid moments and monuments of great historical significance. Situated in south west Rajasthan, the city is a blend of dazzling sights from natural beauty to manmade charms through exquisite masterpieces of art and architecture with superbly crafted elegance, sprinkled with the unmatching valor, folklore and rich historical heritage of the Rajputs.
Acquiring its scenic charm from the lush green Aravallis, Udaipur is fondly referred to as the “City of Lakes” because of its sophisticated lake system. It has seven lakes surrounding the city, namely Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake and Doodh Talai Lake. These beautiful lakes surround imperial palaces of marble and sandstone decorated with amber and coloured glass built in the seventeenth century. The majestic city place, actually a conglomeration of palaces contributed by different kings according to Hindu Vastu Shastra is located at the highest point overlooking lake Pichola. Its shimmering reflection is an enchanting sight. The beautiful island palace ‘Jag Mandir’ on the southern side of Lake Pichola is believed to have inspired Shah Jahan while constructing the Taj Mahal. The Luminous white marble lake palace situated in the middle of lake Pichola is a marvel. A boat ride around the dazzling palace is one of the most mesmerising and soothing sceneries in Udaipur.
The standing historical relics of rich history of Mewar are two massive forts – Chittorgarh, the largest fort in the country and Kumbhalgarh the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. We relived the grand-era of Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse, Chetak with monumental memoirs of their bravery.
The temples in and around Udaipur visited by devotees embark a great sense of spirituality. The Shri Eklingji Temple with a complex of 108 Shiva temples is the family temple of the Maharanas of Udaipur. The heavenly smell mix of sandalwood and turmeric teeka drifts through the entire temple.
Located in downtown Udaipur are markets and shops run by the local people. They exhibit flamboyant and colourful Rajasthani culture through its local handicrafts, wooden carvings, puppetry and exquisite block printed textiles. They are a delight for shopping enthusiasts. The journey of Udaipur is incomplete without the sumptuous Rajasthani meal ranging from Laal Maas to Dal Bhatti Churma, Kachori to Ker Sangri.
A fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
An awe-inspiring feel for poets, painters and writers
A historical regalia with palaces, forts, lakes and gardens
Udaipur – a cool oasis in the heart of Rajasthan.
Yesha Khilnani is a 13 years old and a student of class 9, Bright Day School
Vasna, Vadodara. Her areas of interest are reading, painting and travelling.
