The Royal Affair #RememberRajasthan

The royal city of Udaipur evokes the magic of another era. At the break of dawn, overlooking the majestic lake with a warm cup of tea reconnects me with me. After the tea rituals I started with my first site of tourist attraction:

THE CITY PALACE: The palace has two entrances with so many combinations of a ticket to choose from and I took the basic plan which included city palace complex and museum. The city palace is divided into three parts-two wings of a 5star hotel and an area where the royal family resides. The palace includes weapons museum, magnificent mirror work, crowning hall, a courtyard garden on its fourth floor and a restaurant as well. You will find millions of shades of blue in clouds, a bolt of lightning striking somewhere behind that makes it so surreal. 
You may not feel the weight of a crown on your head, but you will feel the weight of history at this beautiful palace. (TIP: The tickets for other items can be purchased from the counter inside the palace which include extra charges; for the camera, you need to pay another extra charge.)

JAGDISH TEMPLE: Located in city palace complex this is a three-storied Indo-Aryan architecture with beautifully carved pillars, paintings, and ceilings. 

BAGORE KI HAVELI: The ancient building is at a few minutes walk from the city palace and is divided into five parts-

Puppet MuseumMain Haveli Turban museumWeapon MuseumWedding Depiction Museum

The Haveli is a perfect palace to discover ancient architect and also host a special dance show” Dharohar” in the evening. The building also has a magnificent view of Lake Pichola and looks marvelous in the glow of light at night.

After embracing so much of royalty I came to one of the nearest cafés for my lunch and I was served with food from handcrafted menus, regal view, and impeccable services. The clouds were gathering and mountains were quickly taking on a livid blue shade and I proceeded to my next destination.

MONSOON PALACE/SAJJANGARH PALACE: That fantasy you indulge in as a child, of being born as royalty? Theatrical landscape and magnificently preserved castle retrace the vast heritage. The palace with acres of lush green mountains and a divine view of the sunset makes it the venue for fairytale memory.
(TIP: You can also visit Sajjangarh Sanctuary to open your sense to the diversity)

What’s better than spending a few hours with a delicious book, a tasty masala chai and some deep-fried goodness while experiencing a wellness vacation and redefine your lifestyle. It was my next day and I was ready to see the whole new side of Udaipur.
JAG MANDIR: Located amidst Lake Pichola, this fine structure seems like a marble floating in a lake. With its entrance flanked by an enormous elephant, the island has a lovely view and great history. The place has the most romantic sparkle when lit up at night.

(TIP: Take your drinks and snacks and you can stay as long as you like before taking any boat back)

NEHRU GARDEN: This monsoon, switch off to completely replenish yourself. Take a walk through the expansive garden which is perfect for a day tour with its unique theme of perfect background and a boat-shaped food court which was the perfect place to satisfy my hunger while taking in the pure mountain air in the middle of Lake Fateh Sagar.

(TIP: Don’t forget to take a look of Udaipur Solar Observatory in the Lake; tourist can visit the palace only at special permission)

After a boat ride, it was time for a camel ride to reminisce about the lifestyle of the royals. Sitting on the camel and enjoying it on its back may seem fun but getting down from this desert ship feels like a dangerous task; after so much of adventure in a boat and on the camel, it was time to maunder in the grand garden of next beautiful place. 

SAHELIYON KI BARI: Enjoy a symphony of aromas; walkthrough flower laded at this beautiful place with a variety of plants and flowers. The place also has a Lotus pond and an open garden. It’s a breathtaking view of any observer.

It was a long day but all my tiredness disappeared in seconds as soon as I reached my last place of the day which was like a therapy to calm my mind and soul.

AMBRAI GHAT: Located near the waterfront of Lake Pichola opposite of Gangaur Ghat it has one of the mesmerizing views at night and I dined at Amet Haveli Restaurant, the place bring both modern comfort and traditional style with a panoramic view and mouth-watering food and this nightlife scene gave a perfect pause to my royal journey.

It was the final day of my trip to Lake City and on the menu was the uniquely-located point which provides a pulse-racing dip into my journey.

GULAB BAGH & ZOO: Marvel at this stunning rose garden spread across 100 acres and is the largest garden of Rajasthan. Find some time to indulge in just walking through the rose beads and spacious lawns which leaves any of its visitors in delusion.Witness the whole place and a small zoo via toy train, the place also comprises of a library and a museum.

VINTAGE & CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM: Located just opposite to Gulab Bagh this classic museum brings some more touch of a royal era. It’s a paradise to vintage car lovers; the museum exhibits some rare and antique automobiles. Some of these were the luxurious procession of Maharaja of Udaipur.

MANSAPURA KARNI-ROPEWAY: Just by the side of Lake Pichola this ropeway ride was though short but had a spectacular sunset view. The perfect view from the café, situated at the top of the hill, at which to kick back and watch time slow down. It was the end of my royal affair with this city and also time to spin on a cocktail while experiencing monsoon on the terrace garden of my hotel to engrave every moment on my soul.
There’s something very sad about leaving the lakes and mountains. It feels like they are telling you, ‘Listen, don’t go, and if you’re going to go, just make sure you come back soon’’’’.