I’ve always liked Udaipur because it’s a mix of India and Venice: it’s situated on a lake in the desert. This makes the domes, parapets, and archways in the city that much more striking. Getting lost in the anarchic side streets and alleyways is a pleasure, provided you’re not in a hurry to get anywhere.
We got here and moved in instantly to our favorite hotel-owner’s place, who runs a tight operation in the center of everything. From here, it’s easy to access the lake, ornate city palace, or any number of the excellent bakeries, restaurants, and cafes.
The day we got in I took a great boat ride around the lake to stop at the larger of the two palaces situated in its midst. I checked out the menu at the restaurant there, but it was even more expensive than my boat ticket, at least by Indian standards. Nevertheless, my tour was worth it to get a up-close look at some of the nicest and priciest buildings in the city.
Just below the large temple dedicated to Lord Jagganath, of Puri fame, is a tiny lunch stall or dhaba selling mouth-watering samosas and deep fried sandwiches washed down with a steaming glass of chai. One can be satiated here for a mere fifty cents!
We also enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea at the City Palace, with breathtaking views of the sunset dancing on the boats around the Lake Palace. The luxury of being served fine tea by a turbaned man wielding a silver teapot is worth it, and it makes the chaos and dirt of India much more bearable.
At night I was invited to the hotel owner’s son’s engagement party. It seemed like the entire town was there to enjoy each other’s company over food. The bride- and groom-to-be seemed to be content with the match; they had only met a week prior. Unfortunately there was no dancing here, as there will be at the 3000-guest wedding ceremony in a year’s time. I entertained the other bachelors my age with a poor rendition of the lyrics to a popular Bollywood song. We got along well.
We got here and moved in instantly to our favorite hotel-owner’s place, who runs a tight operation in the center of everything. From here, it’s easy to access the lake, ornate city palace, or any number of the excellent bakeries, restaurants, and cafes.
The day we got in I took a great boat ride around the lake to stop at the larger of the two palaces situated in its midst. I checked out the menu at the restaurant there, but it was even more expensive than my boat ticket, at least by Indian standards. Nevertheless, my tour was worth it to get a up-close look at some of the nicest and priciest buildings in the city.
Just below the large temple dedicated to Lord Jagganath, of Puri fame, is a tiny lunch stall or dhaba selling mouth-watering samosas and deep fried sandwiches washed down with a steaming glass of chai. One can be satiated here for a mere fifty cents!
We also enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea at the City Palace, with breathtaking views of the sunset dancing on the boats around the Lake Palace. The luxury of being served fine tea by a turbaned man wielding a silver teapot is worth it, and it makes the chaos and dirt of India much more bearable.
At night I was invited to the hotel owner’s son’s engagement party. It seemed like the entire town was there to enjoy each other’s company over food. The bride- and groom-to-be seemed to be content with the match; they had only met a week prior. Unfortunately there was no dancing here, as there will be at the 3000-guest wedding ceremony in a year’s time. I entertained the other bachelors my age with a poor rendition of the lyrics to a popular Bollywood song. We got along well.
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