Swimming Deep In The Lakes Amidst Deserts !!

My grandma used to tell me about the lakes, palaces and monuments of Rajput Kings of Mewar. Even I was always interested in visiting the same. So, I moved on to Udaipurthis time. It was ranked Asia's 2^nd best city and 7^th among best cities in the world last year. Perhaps this is the reason why it has been a favourite location for film makers!! I arrived in the morning. Ditto as told by grandma!! Unique in terms of beauty and architecture. I stayed in Oberoi Udaivilas there, world's best hotel declared by Travel & Leisure magazine (2007).

Excitement was soaring high. After having my lunch, I asked a travel assistant of the hotel to accompany me to the major attractions of the city. He first took me to the City Palace. Around 450 years old, the palace is located alongside the Lake Pichola. We entered the palace through a triple-arched gate- Tripolia. Lovely terraces, corridors and gardens... the same as shown in movies in dance locations, action scenes etc. I was wondering how beautifully the wall paintings of Krishna were displayed in Bhim Vilas. The design, built and nakkashis of Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas were out of the world. It was more like a museum consisting of antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils.

The guide headed me toward the Lake palace, which is an island on right to the City Palace only. Established in 1746, the lake Palace or Jag Niwas is made of marble. It has been now converted to a luxury hotel under the property of Taj Group of Hotels. On left to the City Palace, there is another island called Jag Mandir. People say that emperor Shah Johan stayed here as a refugee while revolting against his father. While walking out, we had some light snacks from the shops alongside the road. After that the guide took me to Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, where we enjoyed folk art performances and puppet show. After a tiring but enjoyable day, we stepped in our hotel. I was served awesome Chinese & Indian delicacies in the restaurant.

The very next day, the guide took me to a short visit of Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Margi Hill (famous for bronze statue of Maharana riding his favourite horse "Chetak”), Sajjangarh Fort (summer resort of Maharajahs), Sukhadia Circle (40 year old recreational centre; famous for gardens, fountain, pond, music etc), Jagdish Temple (a perfect example of Indo-Aryan architecture), Fateh Sagar Lake and Udaipur Solar Observatory (Asia's only solar observatory).

We had our lunch in Gulab Bagh (rose garden). The small restaurants there serve tasty and spicy fast food. While walking along Lake Gulab Bagh, the guide asked me to visit the zoo, Dudh Talai, Nehru Garden, Bagore-Ki-Haveli, Ahar Museum, Shilpgram and Neemach Mata Temple also, but I preferred keeping them for my next visit. Another adventure was waiting for me. More worlds are yet to be brought to the limelight.

Mount Abu : A summer retreat, a peaceful sojourn

With the beginning of spring season, Mount Abu was blossoming in all its glory. The first thing I did on reaching the one and only hill station in the desert was search a comfortable and cozy accommodation. I chose the accommodation at Hotel Lake Palace. It offered all the amenities that a modern day traveller looks for. Apart from this, the hotel was located on the famous Mall Road which was yet another reason to choose this very accommodation. I dumped my bags in my room and went for a wander outside. To satiate my hunger pangs, I entered Arbuda Restaurant again on Mall Road. I had delicious pav bhaji followed by a glass of lassi. Then, I basked in the sun and the glorious weather.

Later in the day, I decided to visit the far-famed Dilwara Temples. Carved out in the most exquisite marble in the world, the architecture of this popular Jain pilgrimage was extraordinary. Details of the carvings on the pillars and ceilings were heart-touchingly beautiful. It seemed to me an unbelievable creation of the human hands. The luminous marble shimmering in the dappling sun was a sight to behold.

Beauty bestows itself in an exceptional form in Mount Abu. And there were innumerable points wherefrom one could appreciate the natural beauty and watch the breathtaking sunsets. I decided to catch glimpse of the setting sun from the Sunset Point. The crowd that gathered here for a view of the spectacular sunset was large. Small colourful shops and souvenir sellers added to the carnival like environ. It was the most romantic sight I had ever seen. How beautifully red flirted with indigo before fusing in the horizon. I enjoyed every bit of it. Then, I relaxed for the day.

I woke up late next morning. After having lunch at the hotel, I was was ready to hop over to Nakki Lake, the flirtatious lake at the heart of Mount Abu. The aura of the place took away with it all my stress. I spent the evening roaming around the lake. I enjoyed thoroughly the cool breeze blowing across my face. Boating here was great fun. Spent an hour cruising in the middle of the pristine waters in the lake. The water gushing from the jet fountain amidst the lake was a delight.

I stepped onto the Mall Road now. Picked up some fabrics and a small bell, had Gujrati thali at Kanak Dining Hall and then I retired for the night.