So what happens when:
(a) it’s been over a month since you’ve returned back to your home
city after seven months of being away for first time ever, so
(b) want to stay low until you’ve navigated the freelance world, but
(c) you suffer from chronic itchy feet syndrome that leaves you
feeling like a fish out of water, and
(d) a friend casually mentions they would love a getaway?
The Universe conspires. That’s what happens.
Or at least that’s what happened to me. Even though it seems as if I
conspired with the Universe to
(a) make Rajasthan happen
(b) on budget!
The interlude between planning and execution? A mere two weeks.
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Arches leading to sit-outs add to the grandeur of many structures all over Rajasthan |
Until last week, I’d been to Udaipur just once before and had stayed
there no more than a day. It was a stopover (almost) from Mount Abu to Jaipur.
This was 12 years ago! As I write this post, it strikes me odd that what I
faintly remember about Udaipur from then was what I found endearing about it
even now. It lets you be.
The City of Lakes is also nicknamed the Venice of the East and
rightfully so – it comprises of 10 lakes in all. We thought it wise to spend
our time in the old part of the city with its ‘ghats’, the flight of steps
leading down to the lake and its narrow lanes seemingly apt for only those with
either two feet, three wheels or four hooves.
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Is it just me or does this look like the Snapchat logo superimposed on Lake Pichola? ;) |
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Lake Pichola |
Three days are sufficient. Though, ideally speaking given its
laid-back vibe and thoughtful pace around things, a week is just perfect for
rejuvenation. There are temples, palaces and forts to choose from if you’re
wondering how you want to spend your time.
Of these, the City Palace (for its exquisiteness), Bagore Ki Haveli
(for its enamouring cultural program in the evening) and Kumbhalgarh Fort on
the outskirts of the city (for its sheer expansiveness) are experiences that I
enjoyed. Sajjangarh or Monsoon Palace was visited during the day and besides
offering you an elevated view of the city, it has little else to offer. It is said
that the view looks even more spectacular at sunset, though.
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The City Palace, Udaipur |
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The City Palace, Udaipur |
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Kumbhalgarh Fort. Photo courtesy my friend. |
The city seems to favour those who prefer bi-pedal locomotion. So if
you belong to the tribe, you’ll realise that there’s no better way to
experience the city. Try as you might, you won’t get lost in the
interconnectedness of the lanes and by lanes. Don’t be surprised either if you
find you are smiling to yourself because you revelled in it!
Cafes, kirana shops aka the mom-and-pop-stores and the extremely
conspicuous trinkets and leather shops line up the streets no matter where you
are.
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Streets of Udaipur |
It is Udaipur’s fixation with rooftop restaurants (gorgeous as they
are as they overlook Lake Pichola) that I haven’t been able to crack though!
These are where I would spend my afternoons and sometimes evenings enjoying the
calm as my pen ran amok fuelled by the thoughts in my head.
September isn’t too bad to be in Udaipur. May be it’s the proximity to
the water bodies. Because in comparison, Ajmer and Pushkar were incineratingly
hot when we got there 3 days later!
I will be honest – I was surprised by Pushkar. It is a world in itself
and has a life of its own that isn’t easy to gauge at the outset. But you must
take a walk around the markets and go down to Pushkar Sarovar to feel the pulse
of the town. And just as I was surprised, I was also mildly disappointed – in
the same way I have been in north Goa or Manali and more recently in Leh city
for instance. Places seem to lose their identity when they give in to tourism
at another extreme, I guess.
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Streets of Pushkar. This was at a facility that teaches yoga |
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Some photographs need no caption |
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At the steps of the Pushkar Sarovar |
The distance between Ajmer to Pushkar is a mere 15 kilometers and
takes you no more than 45 minutes. A visit to the Ajmer Dargah Sharif was
imminent more out of curiosity around all things god rather than faith. And in
comparison to what I had read and been told about crowds, I was not
particularly overwhelmed with the throngs.
The pre-read did come in handy though – we carried no bags, no
belongings with us, except my wallet and our mobile phones. But we did have to
leave our footwear on the outside and in exchange for their safe keeping, buy
our offerings for the shrine! Of this too I’d been forewarned. I have of course
also had chance encounters with god previously and know better now what to
expect!
The highlight of this trip were the properties we stayed at. Aashiya Haveli that overlooks Lake Pichola in Udaipur, is a family run property that
has been converted into a heritage homestay. In spite of its location at the
heart of the old city, it is very peaceful and at close proximity (walking
distance) from most of the local sights!
Inn Seventh Heaven on the other hand in Pushkar is an old haveli that
has been restored and converted into a hotel in a very elaborate manner. Not
until have you set foot in, do you realise what lies ahead. It is the quite the
oasis in the desert.
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Aashiya Haveli, Udaipur |
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Inn Seventh Heaven, Pushkar |
Travel was managed by train to the central places and by a private
vehicle to sites like Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ajmer Dargah Sharif.
N.B.:
My highlight: Being able to walk around Udaipur city at my own pace and managing the travel within INR 10,000.
My low point: Accidentally deleting over 300 photographs while trying
to get rid of the not so great ones from the camera.
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Hers were the photographs I was deleting when The Accident occurred :( |
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