Monsoon Vacation in Udaipur

We have always heard and went on summer holidays or winter holidays specially for people living in north. As now in my 40s, I have to plan my travels matching my wife’s office and son’s school holidays. This year July I went for my first monsoon vacation in my life. I have been residing in Mumbai for the last two decades. We don’t see winters here and summer is something most often humid and warm throughout, and if you know this city, life is too fast and competitive so vacations are a real luxury. Rains are like too heavy for us. It really gets on the nerves that it pours so much.

We wished to go to Udaipur to have a reasonable little rain and sunny days in order to enjoy our first ever monsoon vacation. We reached on a sunny day where we got a few showers in sunlight. Once we checked in to our decent hotel accommodation, we started our pre-booked city tour sightseeing Udaipur and nearby areas.

So, let us explore the city of Udaipur.

Historical Background-

In 1568, Chittor was attacked by the Mughal emperor, Akbar and to ward off this danger, Udai Singh shifted the whole kingdom to Udaipur. Udaipur was naturally safe under the fortifications made by Aravalli Hills. Since that time, Udaipur developed into a full-fledged city.

Udaipur, the beautiful capital of Mewar, Rajasthan, is a royal tourist destination for travellers who love history, culture and architecture. It is quite a renowned destination owing to its massive palaces, ancient forts, beautiful lakes, lush green gardens, age-old temples, romantic backdrops and so much more.

We first went to Udaipur City Palace-

The City Palace, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, will give you a glimpse into Rajasthan’s princely grandeur with its towering structures built for the erstwhile Mewar ruling family. The palace is full of life with its exquisite interiors consisting detailed mirror work, unique paintings, murals, antique furniture and marble work.

Lake Palace

The iconic Lake Palace will attract you with its beauty and scenic location on the 4-km long man-made Lake Pichola. The palace is now operated by the Taj Group and offers captivating views of the Aravalli Hills.

Jagmandir

 We had a boat ride which took us to an elite royal destination Jagmandir. Another romantic destination in Udaipur, this 17th-century palace complex is also situated on Lake Pichola. Also, known as Lake Garden Palace, Jagmandir will draw you with its sheer splendor and tranquility.

Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of the Maidens was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the early years of the 18th century. This awe-inspiring development catered to the maids who would go with the Princess of Udaipur to her husband’s hearth This place had pretty women dancing, singing and making merry and the beautiful marble elephants, fountains, a lotus pool and kiosks bear ample testimony to the richness of the time.

On another fine day, we travelled in lanes of mountains to a new destination Sajjangarh Palace

Sajjangarh Palace or The Monsoon Palace is positioned on a hilltop and offers amazing views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the surrounding Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This castle-like building is straight out of a fairy tale and is a perfect example of the opulence of the Rajput rulers–the palace was made just to be able to enjoy watching monsoon clouds gather promisingly in the sky! Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, This majestic palace is truly a sight to behold especially when it is illuminated in the evenings.

We had a beautiful lake near our hotel where we went for Boat ride, Camel ride and nice food. The lake is known as Fateh Sagar Lake. This beautiful man-made lake with its striking blue-hued waters against the backdrop of green hills is what has earned Udaipur its sobriquet of “The Second Kashmir”. Exceptionally clean and expansive, the Fateh Sagar Lake is a great place to visit in Udaipur mainly for its 4 islands that are attractions in themselves.

We also visited Kumbhalgarh Fort near Udaipur. It was amazing to see the fort in rains and the great wall of India.

We also enjoyed local cuisine like pyaj kachori, dal kachori, daal baati churama and special vegetables.

We also saw cultural dance and famous puppet show.

The three-day visit in monsoon to this simple, beautiful and calm place was amazing.

Abhijit Sinha