Udaipur, Rajasthan's Most Romantic & Charming Destination

 

Udaipur is known to be the most romantic city in India. I was enchanted by Udaipur as soon as I arrived on an overnight sleeper train. The magical, purple-hued sunrise glowed above the lake and washed away all my fatigue and cobwebs from a long journey.

Sunrise over Lake Pichola in romantic Udaipur

The stunning views of Lake Pichola were enjoyed from the Dream Heaven Hotel's roof terrace. As the sun rose above us, we were transfixed by the purple glow cast on the lake's clear waters. The sun's reflections on the famous white lake palace enhanced the dramatic effect of the intensifying light.

Contrary to the tranquillity of the sunrise over the crystal clear lake, below us, motorbikes and ricks drove through the streets of the old town. People washed their clothes in the lake, sang in the school, and people hustled across the narrow pedestrian bridge, taking in all that beauty of the city as it woke up from its roof terrace.

As the sun rises, the golden glow casts over the houses, and we see the city come alive.

The purple-hued ridges and hills of the Aravalli Hills are found around the sparkling lake and the white homes. Pichola, the beautiful lake, mirrors the mountains and palaces as a rippled mirror. However, it is not entirely natural. It was created by flooding Pichola, which gave it its name. The lake is now 3km in length and 3km in width. However, it is shallow and can dry up during droughts.

It was full of glistening water in February, but it is less shimmering during droughts. The famous Lake Palace, featured in Bond's Bond movie "Octopussy", is now surrounded by sheep and goats grazing rather than sparkling water. It seems that there are also crocodiles at the lake, so no one thought of taking a dip.

You can find out more about the Udaipur Tour Packages.

Udaipur's City Palace

The City Palace towers majestically along the eastern shore of the lake. This palace is the largest in Rajasthan and serves as the centerpiece of Udaipur's old town.

You will find the impressive and decorative archways that lead to the City Palace, which is meticulously maintained. The City Palace is accessed through a long, green corridor. A courtyard with white parasol tables from a fancy restaurant and hotel is located on one side. On the other side, a series of arches provides a reviews of the rest of the city.

The museum houses a collection of artefacts, historical paintings, and rooms lavishly decorated that tell the story of Udaipur's history, including the Maharana, palace, and Maharana.

The City Palace Complex overlooks Lake Ontario.

Explore the atmospheric Udaipur

Below are the narrow, whitewashed, old lanes of the old town. We often lost ourselves in this maze of buildings, but every corner was filled with exciting shops, brightly painted elephants, and other animals, which I loved to discover.

You can find beautiful art like this all over Udaipur's streets.

People, cows and motorbikes vied for space in the narrower lanes. Unsupervised, a group of donkeys carrying sacks full of bricks, stones and rubble on their backs passed our vehicle and raced through traffic. The old town is bustling with activity and energy around the Jagdish temple, which rises above the steep steps.

Take a boat ride on the sparkling Pichola Lake

The lake is just as atmospheric as the old lanes. It was simple to arrange a boat trip once you were at the water's edge.

The boat began to move away from the sandy-coloured, huddled buildings of the old town. Instead, the buildings along the water's edge became grander, with elaborate domes, archways and cupolas.

As we moved out into the calm waters, the sun sparkled on them. We passed the City Palace complex and left the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Finally, we reached the famous Lake Palace hotel, which almost appears to be floating in the water. Unfortunately, non-guests can't enter the hotel.

The Udaipur Lake Palace Hotel

We continued onwards into the tranquillity and serenity offered by the lake, passing small islands. One was a collection of onion-shaped domes and towers rising out of the forest, signalling a private palace. A second, more elaborately walled palace on an island was flanked by elephant statues used to guard the castle. It was being used as a venue for an extravagant and beautiful wedding.

The sun was starting to set low, so the boat turned around and headed back towards the city. The fresh breeze gently brushed my hair as the boat gently bobbed me. I tried to take in the stunning beauty of the lake, set against the purple-hued Aravalli Mountains, which cast their reflections into it and overlook the intricate domes and cupolas that make up the palaces.

Horseback riding the Aravalli Mountains

Experimenting in rural areas can give you a glimpse into the traditional way of life. We explored the Aravalli Mountains on horseback.

Marwari horses are a rare and unique breed. They can only be found in Rajasthan. These horses were bred to be tough cavalry horses that can fight in battle and work in desert-like landscapes. Their ear tips curve inwards, almost touching, and is a distinctive feature that I adore.

We rode peacefully out of Udaipur's city limits and into the dusty hills. We passed dry, desert-like vistas and past dusty fields, where men worked hard to earn a living while the birds flew above.

We passed small villages with rustic homes where women lived by the road while their children ran from their huts waving enthusiastically. Horseback allowed us to feel more in tune with nature, and we had plenty of time for everything.

I noticed the open spaces surrounding us, the hot, dusty landscape, and the rustic villages as I rode back. This gave me a glimpse into rural life, far from tourist hotspots.

Shopping in Udaipur

We explored the narrow streets of the old city, looking for interesting shops and paintings. We bought stacks of bangles and mini elephant souvenirs as well as pictures, books and Ganesh figurines. It was a much more pleasant experience because there were fewer hassles and lower prices than in other parts of India. Even looking at a shop in India could lead to a dozen hawkers trying to sell you something for ten times the price.

Sunsets from our Indian adventure

We spent the last evening on the roof of the lake overlooking the lake and enjoying tandoori cuisine. Udaipur was a favourite place of mine in India. I can see why it is voted the most romantic spot in India. While I am glad I made it to India, I must admit that I was relieved to lose my mind. As we sipped cold beers to Bob Marley mixed with Indian music and watched the sunset change colour, I was so tempted to stay in this beautiful part of India.