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Published: March 15th 2013
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Udaipur
We woke up to the most beautiful view from our room. Our hotels often seem to be in less than salubrious areas and we know we are on a budget but once inside they are fine, excepting the last one which was amazing! However this morning when we opened the curtains and saw the view we realised why we were here. The lake is outside and we can see the beautiful buildings mirrored in the lake. A late start this morning so after a leisurely breakfast we drive to the palace and take a boat around lake Pichola. We are pointed out the residence of the Maharani called that because he was the only 'king' not to succumb to the British. Some of this palace is now a hotel rather like the last one we stayed in. We arrive at a floating palace and disembark, the dome of this palace was the one the Taj was modelled on. This palace is so romantic and could easily be used as an amazing wedding venue. A stroll around and we again get back on the boat and complete our tour but not before Arvind points out the area where crocodiles live. They
mostly avoid eating locals but tourists are rather tender!From here we visit the palace and are taken by golf buggy to the top a privilege as our guide's father knows the occupants of the palace. It's an amazing place and is still used today. Mostly made of marble and adorned with paintings, mirrors, and carvings. The last Maharani lived here in 1947 and some of his personal possessions are still in place, he lived a simple life in his later years as he was disabled with spinal TB. Some other parts of the palace were opulent with mirrored bedrooms and stained glass everywhere. The ladies palace was separate and had a huge garden in the centre with a pool. This is used for private functions today. We left this beautiful palace looking at a photography and silver exhibition on the way out. We had coffee in the palace cafe and then made our way to the gardens that were made for the 'ladies' of the Maharani. Here there were many tropical plants and again a pool they could use. The fountains are a feature and if you clap your hands they spout higher and higher ( operated by a young
man after a small tip)It was here we left our guide, the best we have had yet, so honest and fun and educational. We talked much over coffee and this country needs more people like him.We returned to our hotel for some R&R around the pool. Arvind booked a restaurant for us
tonight and we have to be up early in the morning for our 7.30 flight.We went to the restaurant by tuk-tuk and it was a rather lovely looking place The Jagar Niwas and we had booked a rooftop table. The sun was just setting and the view across the lake was stunning. There was a crescent moon and India seemed at its most exotic for us.We sat and then chatted to a guy from Manchester, a photographer in his 50's and talked about India and how lucky we were to live in the UK. However looking at the scene in front of me and sitting out on this warm evening, well perhaps wealth is more about being in the moment. Another lovely meal Thank you Arvind. Leaving the restaurant we went through some streets where the Indian way of selling got the better of us again. We then
took our tuk-tuk back to the hotel and packed and got ready for the next days journey.
We woke at 4.30 and after showering and packing up final checks as always we ventured downstairs and a small breakfast was served to us. Harry was there waiting as always, on time and pleased to see us. Our rep was also happy and enquirer about the journey so far, we think Cox and Kings are doing us proud, despite the carpet sellers. No problems at the airport although the checking and security are over zealous. Flights all on time and we arrived in Mumbai at 9. Had to while away 4 hours for our connecting flight and couldn't connect to the Internet I should have gone to the information centre before going through security. The time went quickly not much luck on the food front choice was poor however the next flight arrived on time and we were served unexpectedly served a curry lunch.
We were met at the airport in Cochin by a smiling Arun our contact and Raj our new driver. An hours journey through Kerala and we arrived at the hotel Avenue Regent which hasn't got a
pool but is in the centre and has wifi, not free but not too bad. The vegetation here is quite tropical lots of coconut palms and it is warm 35. Methinks a nice shower and drink will not go amiss.
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Travel Guide
Place of forts and luxury heritage hotels
Udaipur is called as the place of forts and luxury heritage hotels. That’s why I love Udaipur. Temples, Car Museum and Craft village are some other places I love to see in Udaipur. In case of luxury Udaipur is one of the luxurious places of world. Here are all the places I visited and I recommend you to visit in Udaipur. http://www.weareholidays.co.in/travel-guide/places-to-see-in-udaipur