I arrived in Udaipur this afternoon and immediately fell in love. Not with a person, but with the city. Udaipur is often called the most romantic city in India. I really think it could be true.
With a population of around 600,000 people, Udaipur a surprisingly small city. This no doubt adds to its appeal. However, it’s Udaipur’s famed lakes and palaces that have really taken my breath away. I’ve seen a lot of India, and it’s been a while since a city’s charms has made me stop and go “wow”. Now, I’m once again as awestruck by Incredible India as I was the first time I set foot here.
My room at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel (which is part of the City Palace complex) overlooks Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace hotel. I took the above photos from my balcony. I’m yet to leave the hotel and my room because I’m so entranced with it. The views, the architecture, the history — everything! I’m staying in what was once a real palace! The sun will soon set over the Lake, making it all the more magical.
The beguiling and imposing Shiv Niwas Palace hotel has an incredible amount of character, along with the neighbouring Fateh Prakash Palace hotel. Both are owned by the Mewar royal family, who have done a remarkable job of converting their palaces into hotels and turning their hands to entrepreneurship after royal privileges were abolished.
This evening, I’ll be having cocktails with the head of the family, “Maharana” Arvind Singh Mewar. I’m wondering how to behave in his presence. You’re probably all wondering, “how did she score such a great opportunity again?”. To be honest, I feel quite overwhelmed and blessed. I’m very fortunate that a writer friend from the US, Perry Garfinkel, has been working with the Mewars this summer, and invited me to join him to write about their ventures.
A whirlwind 72 hours in Udaipur awaits!
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
All the best! I’m sure the royalty would be charmed with you! Keep us posted!
Oh and by the way, I totally envy you! I’ve never ever been to Udaipur!
Looks beautiful. I’ll add Udaipur to my must visit list next time we visit India. Have you been to Darjeeling? I’ve been thinking of visiting there. Would you recommend it?
Oh, by the way, good look with your royal meeting!
Why don’t I have a job which takes me places like that? x-)
Udaipur is a magical place… and actually most of Rajasthan is.. the history, the culture and the friendly people make you always want to crave for more.
Enjoy your trip.. and hopefully come back for Jaipur, Bikaner and Jaiselmer…
Indulge in the culinary delight here.. try daal baati choorma.. i am sure there will some in the hotel or places around. Highly recommended!!!
Meeting a royal… wow!!! I am floored already
@PGB
“Why don’t I have a job which takes me places like that?”
Absolutely my point.
i envy Sharell THE MOST…….lol
I am from Udaipur and completed my schooling from MMPS (the school right in the foots of the City Palace). It’s a beautiful place to visit and indeed very romantic. I’d suggest that enjoy to the max and visit as many places as you can. Some places are
- Fateh Sagar
- Lake Palace
- Jagmandir
- Saheliyon Ke Bari
Don’t miss the good food in Bapu Bazaar at some traditional restaurants. I’m not sure if the in-famous “Mirchi Ki Kachori” is still available at Jpdhpur Misthaan Bhandar. But if you do, try it with a Coke/Pepsi.
Also, apart from within UDR, there are other nearby places like Jaisamand, Rajsamand and Ranakpur. You should try to make it there if you can.
Happy staying and enjoying in UDR. I hope you love the town where i grew up.
- Ashish
Ooh, I’m adding that to my list of places I’d like to see on our next trip! It sounds wonderful.
UMMM…Ok Sharell…I think you need a photog don’t you? I’ll be in India Oct 18…lol. Have a fantastic time.
Being a write myself, I am very envious of your opportunities! Enjoy them to the fullest!
Era, Darjeeling is nice, you must go there. Try Dalhousie too.
Ooglers Googlers, how wonderful that you grew up in Udaipur! I visited plenty of sights there, including the Shri Ekling Ji Prabhu temple (20 kms from Udaipur city) where the Mewar family worships every Monday. I’ll post some photos.
I’ve been to quite a few other places in Rajasthan — when I travelled there as a tourist way back in 2000 — my first time to India! Jaisalmer was magical as well. Infact, I think Rajasthan is my favourite state in India. It’s fascinating.
Dear Sharell,
Fyi, Shriji Arvind Singhji, is not the Maharana of Mewar. He is the Maharana’s younger brother who was unlawfully disinherited by the previous Maharana, Bhagwat Singhji. The rightful Maharana, as recognised by the nobles and the public is Maharana Shri Mahendra Singh. Of course I didn’t expect you to know this. Shriji Arvind Singh whose correct title is Maharaj, inherited the property, but the title by right belongs to the eldest brother Mahendra Singh ji. Don’t take my word for it, speak to private citizens of Udaipur, especially the Rajputs, or read this news link.
http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20000124/states.html
thanks and regards
Arjun
PS: You write very well and am very impressed the way you manage your blog. And your insights are very deep.
Actually, I did know about Shriji’s elder brother being disinherited. It’s in the literature I was given about the royal family. It’s all a bit academic now anyway, since royal titles have been abolished! Officially, there are no Maharanas anymore.
However, all around the palace Shriji is referred to as the Maharana.
PS. You also seem to be very insightful — a wealth of knowledge.
Thank you Sharrell. Vous etes gentile comme vous etes belle. I do try to be accurate with my information ///Arjun
What is vous entile comme blah blah mean bhai ?
Parlez vous Francais Ramit? I guess not. Me not much either. Must be a job for Google translator!!
It means “You’re nice as you are beautiful”.
Merci beaucoup Arjun.
Yay language lessons! j’ai mal de tête
mon Français est très mal
I’ve been trying to learn french for years now. I seriously doubt I’ll be able to get it done in this birth!