I’m back in Mumbai after a very memorable time in Udaipur, and thought I’d share with you some pictures of what captivated me so much there.
A great deal of the city’s beauty and attraction comes from the “city within a city” — the City Palace Complex, constructed over many years by the various Maharanas of Mewar.
The City Palace Complex is made up of four parts — City Palace Museum, Fateh Prakash Palace hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace hotel, and Shambu Niwas Palace (where the Mewar royal family lives). The current head of the House of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, has put a remarkable amount of effort into restoring the buildings in the complex and developing it into an all encompassing tourist destination.
It really is possible to feel like you’re a part of Udaipur’s regal history there. If you stay at either of the palace hotels, you’ll be treated to renowned royal hospitality in an authentic environment, as well as be allowed to roam freely around the City Palace Complex (with the exception of going inside the royal residence). The best royal touch I experienced during my stay? Stationery with my name printed on it!
Front of the City Palace Museum.
Most of the City Palace has been turned into the City Palace Museum, which is the largest part of the City Palace Complex. Explore it to discover fascinating insights into royal life and the history of Udaipur. There are many treasures inside, including old photos of the Mewar royal family, weapons from battles, and the original armour of Maharana Pratap and his horse. They’re displayed all through the magnificent City Palace building, which visitors can wander though.
View of Udaipur from the City Palace Museum.
Overlooking the Lake Palace hotel from the City Palace Museum.
Mor Chowk, inside the City Palace Museum.
The mirror work inside Mor Chowk (Peacock Chowk) was restored in 2005, and is stunning.
Durbar Hall, inside the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel.
The Durbar Hall is one of the main features of the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel. Fateh Prakash Palace hotel was originally the exclusive venue for royal functions, with the Durbar Hall used for royal meetings. The hotel is filled with priceless antiques and other royal treasures, including a priceless made-to-order crystal collection. There’s even a crystal foot rest! You can stay in the hotel for 15,000 rupees per night for a double, with generous discounts often available depending on the time of year.
The royal residence, Shambu Niwas Palace.
The royal residence is located in the City Palace Complex between the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel, and the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel and City Palace Museum. The fountain operates when the royal family is at home.
Swimming pool area at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel.
The Shiv Niwas Palace hotel was once reserved for visiting dignitaries and guests of the Mewar royal family. Its elegant and individually decorated rooms and suites border the swimming pool, and overlook Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel. Double rooms cost around 15,000 rupees per night but can be picked up for as low as 5,000 rupees during the monsoon season, until October 1. Terrace suites cost 36,000 rupees, or 15,000 rupees per night in the monsoon season.
Lookout over Lake Pichola from the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Inside Jag Mandir on Lake Pichola.
Jag Mandir, also belonging to the House of Mewar, was the first palace to be constructed in the middle of Lake Pichola. It was build by Maharana Karan Singhji in 1622 AD as a “pleasure palace”. Today, the tradition continues, with Jag Mandir being used for weddings and other special events. Its restaurant and bar is a wonderful place for a romantic evening! There are seven suites and a beauty spa there as well.
The Sunset Terrace at Fateh Prakash Palace hotel.
The Sunset Terrace is THE PLACE to enjoy the sunset over Lake Pichola!
The Lake Palace Hotel at sunset, view from the Sunset Terrace.
View of sunset over the Lake Palace Hotel from my balcony at the Shiv Niwas Palace hotel.
At the Vintage Car Collection.
The Vintage Car Museum showcases the restored vintage cars collected by the Maharanas of Mewar. I’m a girl who’s not usually into cars, but there are some very impressive vehicles in that collection! They include the car that was used in the Octopussy movie, first Rolls Royce jeep, and a 1924 Rolls Royce car.
At the Monsoon Palace, on a hill above Udaipur.
Rajasthani folk dance at Shipilgram.
A camel at work.
Eklingji Temple at Kailashpuri
The Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple is located in Kailashpuri (the modern name for Eklingji), around 20 kilometres from Udaipur. The original shrine was built by Bapa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar Dynasty. What makes the site so special is that it’s where Bapa Rawal received religious education from his guru, who advised him in establishing the dynasty. The current head of the Mewar royal family, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, continues to worship there every Monday. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple complex is made completely out of marble. It also contains large colourfully painted statues of Lord Shiva’s Nandi Bull.
Sas Bahu Temples
The ancient 10th century Sas Bahu temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, are located just outside Kailashpuri. The temples are covered in intricate sculptures.
Intricate sculpture at the Sas Bahu Temples
Erotic sculpture at Sas Bahu Temples.
Some of the temple sculptures are erotic. As you can see from the one above, Indian men have been groping women’s breasts for centuries!
Note: Officially, royalty and royal titles no longer exist. However, the Mewar family continue to administer and have custody of their royal assets, which they are using for charitable purposes and to generate income. More information is available from their website: Eternal Mewar.
© 2009, Diary of a White Indian Housewife. All rights reserved. Do not copy and reproduce text or images without permission.
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{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow…..Sharell……awesome pics.
Now thats what we call Incredible India
Nice pictures.
As you can see from the one above, Indian men have been groping women’s breasts for centuries!
Ha ha ha….yup, that seems to be quite a time-honoured tradition here!
Nice pics. Did you drive to places around Udaipur? Like Kumbhalgarh?
Cheers,
Quirky Indian
Oh hello Quirky. Well that seems to be what men all over the world have always done.
Whats changed now is that even women are doing it! And it’s also legal in India now!
RIP 377.
Nice pictures Sharell. Thanks!
Sharell writes:
As you can see from the one above, Indian men have been groping women’s breasts for centuries!
Hahahaha….well i guess men always love groping their wife’s boobies …….hahahahaha…….its not India specific yaar……..or is it any different elsewhere?;-)
In the previous post sharell writes:
I’m in Love With Udaipur
In this post she writes:
The Captivating Sights of Udaipur Rajasthan
Hahahaha…..i am sure Sharell’s hubby is very jealous of Udaipur…..:-)lol
They like to grope the boobies of foreign women too! My friends have experienced that. (Fortunately mine aren’t big enough to hold much attraction!
)
And hubby had another reason to be jealous of Udaipur — I was invited there by a male writer friend! He’s a lot older though, so hubby didn’t mind. He’s happy that I’m enjoying India, not complaining about it!
Hubby is also happy to have me home. Fresh flowers were waiting for me! 
(And I cooked him dinner of his choice).
You cooked? Oh so he’s got insurance, right?
Well lets have pictures and a brief “how do you” cook them?
Someone is in a rather cheeky mood tonight!
You want pictures and a description of my fabulous cooking?
(Fortunately mine aren’t big enough to hold much attraction!
Hmmm….this sort of info is always quite interesting
And I cooked him dinner of his choice).
After all u are Sharell COOK
Anyways,who wears the pants at home?????
You want pictures and a description of my fabulous cooking?
“fabulous” cooking………r u sure??
Too funny desiderata!
Yes, unlike in India, us western girls are independent and usually live away from home by our 20s. Since we don’t often have domestic help in the west, we can cook and clean and do all sorts of fabulous domestic things that educated Indian girls can’t!
Next time make sure to keep your eyes peeled for ancient temple carvings depicting men peeing by the side of the road.
Since we don’t often have domestic help in the west, we can cook and clean and do all sorts of fabulous domestic things that educated Indian girls can’t!
Hmmm…..yeah u are right……but dont generalize yaar…
Many “educated Indian girls” too can……..
I know, I shouldn’t generalise, but I’ve lost count of the times I get asked if I can cook and clean because I’m white and educated. The person commenting then goes on to say no one expects educated Indian girls to cook, let alone white ones! Actually, I still do all the cooking and cleaning. I am looking forward to the day more Indian men discover the joys of cooking though, like men in the west have done.
So many of my friends back home have husbands (including one Indian husband) who do most of the cooking! It’s fabulous but even a little surprising for me. Anyway, getting way off topic here!
the pics were fab and surely u had a great time in Udaipur, way to go
Seriously it’ll be kind of nice to have your recipe section here. Plus pictures would make it even better.
It’s your lucky day Ramit! I do have a recipe section (although there’s not much in it at the moment). Have a look under categories.
Here’s fish curry (which I learned to cook from my mother in law):
http://www.whiteindianhousewife.com/2009/05/indian-fish-curry-recipe/
My attempt at making chapattis (I always say the taste is what counts, not the shape!):
http://www.whiteindianhousewife.com/2008/03/chapatti-recipe/
And, an Australian meal
http://www.whiteindianhousewife.com/2009/05/an-australian-meal/
I went on to the chapatti link and from there I saw some sections of your blog that I never knew existed! Oh well… You do write very well. I even opened the website of the writers bureau to have a look. I read your post of Aug 21 about how you moved to India and met your husband in Calcutta and then the guest house thingy in Kerala, that picture of you is really cute. (hope your husband and my wife dont have a gun).
Its good you found something to do that you’re happy in. I’ve been stuck in a monotonous business for eight years now and think its time to change & do something that’s closer to home so I can spend more time with the family. All the travelling isn’t too nice on my back as well. Sometimes you just have to go on doing what you’re doing you know. Besides, I’m not the kind of a person who would risk the family resposibilities I have at this stage in life.
Anyways, in case I havent said this before, I really love your blog and the way you write and reading all the comments. I’m regular on a lot of blogs but I guess I check yours back every few hours!
Take care and please keep writing
Awww, thanks so much Ramit — for all the compliments!
The blog certainly is a mixed bag of adventure, and the comments always keep it lively. It’s great that your family and looking after them means so much to you. I can imagine it’s a huge responsibility, but a rewarding one too. Hopefully you’ll find some more fulfilling work that’s also stable closer to home.
Hi Sharell,
I have spent my 6 years in Udaipur and have studied MMPS school which sits under City Palace. When I saw your post, it just pushed me back 16 years. Udaipur I believe will always remain in me and I am sure it must have left a long term impression on your heart too.
I have been following your blog for sometime now and am really falling in love with it or should I say I am every morning waiting to read something new here
I am from India living in US currently and got to know about your blog through my brother who too follows it religiously.
This is my first post on your blog and I couldn’t just resist from writing it
Just curious to know, did you by any chance got the chance to meet the Princess there LOL. She was my classmate when I used to study there.
Anyways, very nice post and keep the good work coming.
Hi Apoorv, wow, I can’t believe I have such a following. I’m very flattered, and so glad you and your brother enjoy the blog. I’ll have to make sure I post frequently! Udaipur certainly is unforgettable. I’m appalled I overlooked visiting it until now. I really thought it wouldn’t live up to its hype, but it was just magical. I want to go back and take my husband next year.
I did meet Padmaja (not the older princess). She was at the dinner that I attended, hosted by her parents. I only really got to talk to her about work though (since she’s in charge of the hotels and I was there to write about them!). How exciting it must’ve been to have a princess for a classmate!
I visited Udaipur again after 13 years and it was just a complete new city. But it smelled just the same. I tried meeting Padmaja but unfortunately, she couldn’t make it to the given appointed time but I was impressed when she got my note that I left for her and she called back and had a word with me for couple of minutes.
Next time you visit Udaipur, let me know, may be I can tell you some more nearby nice places worth not missing…
I agree with Ramit bhaiyaa
Sharell rocks big time.
Apoorv bhai
Great blog. i loved ur header image.
Keep rocking
Now I’m feeling really humble!
I just read some of Apoorv’s blog too. Can’t wait to sit down and read the long post at the top with my morning coffee (maybe not tomorrow though because I’ve got another round of the FRRO to contend with
)!
@Ronny: Thanks bhai…Dude…Is Ramit anyhow related to Puneet from Delhi? Just wondering…
@Sharell: Forgive me for long ones…I kind of get dragged when I start writing
and that’s one of the reasons I don’t have many readers.
Got many more thoughts to pen down…will keep posting as and when they get framed with words…
Fantastic pics Sharell!! Udaipur certainly looks captivating. Keep up the good work! Btw, what car is that? A rolls?
Hello Apoorv, which Puneet are you talking about? Could I have a last name please? As far as I remember, there is no Puneet I know of in my relations at all in Delhi. I’m from Delhi and have spent all my life here.
I’ll still jog my memory and try to think of all the Puneet’s I know!
Sharell, what do you have to do in FRRO now? Make sure you write us a long post about your visit tomorrow. All the best!
About my family, I take more care of my mother than anyone else because she’s handicapped in bed since the past four years. That’s the reason I prefer having flexible working hours so I can spend more time at home.
I have to register myself and my new visa at the FRRO. I was unsuccessful last time (when they told me I’d have to submit my documents all over again) and haven’t been back since. Tomorrow it must happen though because I will have been in India for 6 months continuously… big trouble if one doesn’t register themselves within 6 months!
Fingers crossed, the process will go smoothly tomorrow (when I go there armed with 101 photocopies) and I won’t have much to write about!
Oh wow, that’s a big responsibility caring for your mum. Good on you for doing it. Your poor mum, what a difficult situation to be in.
Oh Apoorv, I am going to read your latest loooooooooong post tomorrow. Take care. See you around.
@Ramit: Well then you answered my question coz Puneet my friend is Ramit’s cousin and if you can’t remember you are not the one
LOL
Just had a thought to ask so confirmed…never mind..nice to meet you Ramit.
@Sharell: Good luck
Sharell, I love the photos they are great! As far are the boob grabbing I are the only thing that fit me best even if they are big cause they don’t show or have my boobs falling out or I don’t look like I’m wearing clothes that are 4 sizes to big, only trouble is I oly have one Kammez that I GOT on Ebay last year I want more but where do I get some here in the states some that I have found online are pricey one was likle 85.00 it was casual looking nothing fancy I said not way. If anyone in here knows good side to buy some online let me know I’m going to keep checking ebay as well. I live in small town PA in their is no indian clothing shop here maybe 30 miles or more aways is okay with me to travel to one to. Feel free to email with help as well I’m hopeing that some of you might be able to help me find place to buy some
Well Nickki, one of us could probably mail you some. Another great idea would be to come to India and shop! But the question is why do you want Indian traditonal clothes if you live in PA?
Nice to meet you too Apoorv. Is that your pic on the blog? I don’t envy your hair dude!
You write well. They are just too long. No offense. They make good reading. And please don’t stop writing long posts. I really like your work space. It’s so creative and happy. And I still cannot recall having a cousin named Puneet.
Sharell, all the best with FRRO. But seriously, 101 photocopies? Wow! They are crazy and surely have some outdated rules. Let’s just blame the brits for that haha!
And Ronny is right. You do rock Sharell.
“As you can see from the one above, Indian men have been groping women’s breasts for centuries!”….
“Ha ha ha….yup, that seems to be quite a time-honoured tradition here!”…
The thing is that Indian men fail to distinguish between the two types of touch.
1. Between a real-life concensual couple where there is mutual attraction/desire.
2. From some strange Munnu Bhai in the street.
Translation for Indian guys: Your moms welcome the touch of your dad’s hands on their boobs.
Your moms most likely do not welcome the same from men they do not know nor are in consensual relationship with.
Next time you wanna grab some tit, think of your mom.
I’m putting my vote in this is my fave blog…and I look forward to it every day.
Apoorv…thanks yaar for sending me the link!
Lovely!!!! Udaipur has been #1 place to visit on my list the whole time. It almost happened…
Some time back we booked hotel and train tickets, well, train ticket to Udaipur was WL 1 and 2, but since we booked it weeks in advance, we were sure that we will get it. We checked and checked, but the chart was not prepared. So on the day of our travel, we packed our backpacks and went to the train station. Still no chart. Train was going to be late. Finally, they told us that we were still on WL 1 and 2! We tried everything, any possible ticket on a train or bus, different routes, but all was fully booked. We didn’t manage to get out of Mumbai that night and the trip got postponed till better luck 
That’s so disappointing. India can be so unpredictable sometimes!
Reenu: Is there a place where we can actually vote or something? I really like this blog too and if there’s voting my vote goes to Sharell.
Jurate: You must make the trip sometime! Try to include Jaipur, Jodhpur alongwith it.
If you really want to vote, Lonely Planet has blog awards every year, I’ll let you know when they’re coming up next!
Jurate, I really appreciate all the hard work that you must have done in writing all you did for the Navratras celebrations. I’ve been reading your blog for some time now but just didn’t find anything I should have commented on. All the best.
Oh, I must go and check it out. I haven’t written anything about Navaratri, mainly because it’s been really testing my sanity. Loud chanting and music right outside my window every night (I live in a Gujurati complex). If it was bhangra, I would be out there amongst it, but garba is a bit too sedate and slow for my liking! Plus, going around in circles makes me dizzy.
Ramit The reason why I’m looking for clothing like this is because one I love to wear them they are confy to me second I had weight loss surgery done almost 3months ago and my clothing are way to big on me so the kameez’s are perfect top for me to wear because they hang nicely make you look slim,don’t show my cleavage off of hang down really low. I grew up as military brat meaning that my dad was in the army so we got to travel meet new people blah blah and I came to love Indian clothing and everything Indian that way no I never got to live their or visit but had pleanty of friends though
Ramit: Sorry…I just saw you asked me a question.
I wish we got notified when there are new posts, lol. Sorry, trained by Facebook and Twitter I guess. 
We will have to vote for Sharell when the Lonely Planet vote is up I guess. I don’t know any other blog “awards.” Every time you post I think you are my friend Ramit from Delhi, lol.
Oh so you have a friend in Delhi with the same name as me? That’s awesome. For one, I’d really like to meet my namesake! Sounds good to me. Let me know when you’re in Delhi.
Sharell, let us know when the blog awards come out. That’ll be nice.
Love your photos and your writing.
Good job and welcome to India
“Some of the temple sculptures are erotic. As you can see from the one above, Indian men have been groping women’s breasts for centuries!”
LOL! Don’t encourage us Sherell!
BTW.. Nice photolog. I have traveled around the world a lot, but I haven’t been around India much. I have recently gotten into photography and Rajastan is a place to be I guess!
Heheh.
You’re like me… I’ve travelled around the world heaps too but haven’t seen much of my own country. Rajasthan is amazing, the architecture particularly. My favorite state in India.