My Way On Highway: Day 5, All Things Udaipur

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We reached Udaipur late in the evening of Day 4, a tad tired. Thankfully, hotel Golden Tulip was just the oasis we needed. It’s location near Sukhadia Circle meant all sightseeing spots suggested by our Twitter friends were within a 6 kilometre radius. Here are the highlights of the day:

Sajjan Garh

Sajjan Garh houses the Monsoon Palace of the Mewar dynasty overlooking the expansive Fateh Sagar Lake. It was built 100 years before I was born! The royals of Mewar enjoyed witnessing the monsoons here, looking at the expansive Fateh Sagar Lake, probably like this:

While Tariq enjoyed driving on the smooth road snaking uphill, we missed the famed sunset as we reached Sajjan Garh in the morning hours.

Badi Ka Talab

Built in 1684 by the then Maharaja for 6 lakh rupees, Badi Ka Talab covers an area of 155 sq km. The bank is decorated by three signature Udaipur-style chhatris under which you can take shelter from the sun and witness the peaceful charm of its quiet deep blue waters.

We spent some peaceful moments under one of the three Chhatris, the signature of Udaipur architecture.

Saheliyon Ki Bari

This Courtyard of the Maidens, was built by Maharana Bhopal Singh for his queen and her handmaidens. While we reached Saheliyon Ki Bari around noon, the elegant garden was pleasantly cool with pools and pavilions, and 300-year-old fountains.

A song sequence in Hum Saath Saath Hain featuring with Saif Ali Khan and Karisma Kapoor was shot in the Bin Badal Barsaat area of the Saheliyon Ki Bari.

Maharana Pratap Memorial

The memorial walked me through the valiant life of Maharana Pratap, the iconic ruler of Rajasthan and his family. Naturally, it covers the famous Battle of Haldighati in a miniature model. You also get lovely views of the city.

The show stealer however remains the bronze statue of Maharana on Chetak, his celebrated horse.

City Palace

No one visits Udaipur without seeing the City Palace. A part of it is open to public, and the rest houses the 24^th generation of Maharana Udai Singh, who built this fort. The special team of royal guards at the entrance looked quite like the army. Among other amazing things, Tariq and I like the little room with Mewar’s history on its walls and the king’s own smoking area.

Lake Pichola

This one is clearly the most illustrious lake of Udaipur, super-luxury hotel and restaurant properties in and around it.

The view of the City Palace from Lake Pichola is simply spectacular with plenty photo opportunities. Roger Moore’s James Bond flick Octopussy had him staying at the Taj Lake Palace hotel also known as Jag Niwas by the locals when reminiscing about its old glory.

Bambaiya Bazar at Sukhadia Circle

Our rumbling bellies took us to Sukhadia Circle. We sat at Bambaiya Bazaar (a desi and bustling food court) and devoured pao bhaji, Mumbai bhel and kulfi falooda for 140 bucks.

Ambrai Restaurant

After an hour’s rest at the hotel, we headed out to Ambrai (suggested by our friend, Aditi of That’s Strange fame). The food, which followed after a leisurely round of beverages was simple Rajasthani food and delicately prepared to tantalize our taste buds. It cost us less than Rs. 1000 for two. No wonder it got our MakeMyTrip Trip Stop!

A little breather is in order after such an eventful day. See you tomorrow!