#Udaipur 5: The City Palace – History at its Best!

Second day of the trip to Udaipur started with visit to one of the most famous tourist destinations of Rajasthan – The City Palace – Most wonderful palace, we had ever visited. The door with huge elephant on the podium made a very splendid view to the entrance.

See it to believe it!

Hathi Dwaar

A unique Photo-Essay of the famed City Palace:

But not without its unique story:

The story goes that when Maharana Udai Singh was hunting one day he came across a holy man and, as was the custom, went up to him to take ‘Darshan’ (pay his respects). The sage told the ruler that if he builds his palace round this very place, fortune would favour the family. Maharana Udai Singh accepted his advice and first erected a small shrine. This is the oldest part and is known as Dhuni Mata. It remains a place of worship. It is a simple room containing pictures of the four chief Hindu deities of Mewar, Charbhuja, Eklingji, Shri Nath and Amba Mata.

A wooden railing encircles the holy spot where the sage is said to have sat. Around the courtyard outside Dhuni Mata are pictures depicting episodes from the life of Maharana Pratap, the great warrior son of Maharana Udai Singh. In an inner room can be seen the suit of chain armour and weapons of Maharana Pratap together with his armour worn by his famous horse Chetak. An artificial elephant trunk as shown in many of the paintings was often worn by horses during battles.

Near stair-way is found a simple marble throne on a raised platform, it was here that Maharana’s used to sit at the time of their coronation during a ceremony known as “Lakhu Gokhra” which was performed at this spot in the time of Maharana Sangram Singh.

Other things of interest in Palace include a room with mirrored glass floor with walls decorated with glass designs, and miniature paintings. This was created by Maharana Karan Singh in the 17^th Century and is known as “Dil Khushal”. Another room has its walls completely covered with paintings depicting various events in Udaipur from the time of Maharana Jawan Singh.

Nearby is the famous sun window installed by Maharana Bhim Singh. It will be recalled that, by ancient salary tradition, the Maharanas of Mewar are Surya Vanshi, descendants of Sun God. On some special occasions and in evil times the Maharanas were expected to show themselves to their people for encouragement and to shed light in place of hidden sun.

To the south of City Palace Museum lies a romantic medieval tower building which was built for the queens of Mewar by Maharana Karan Singh and added to by his successors. It was built like a fortress and is almost windowless on the outside but astonishingly spacious within. From the lake side great astonishingly towering buttresses nearly a hundred feet high support it. At the top levels lattice windows give privacy air and light.

Amazing indeed! Don’t miss visiting it, though you would require atleast two hours to enjoy it thoroughly but dedicating full day would be ideal.

Photo Courtesy:  Mukund Rai

 

 

 

 

Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin – The ultimate experience!

Keep your baby healthy and happy and yourself tension free with the Pampers Active Baby.

Baby’s arrival is a happy occasion for every family, especially for a mother, who has gone through so much throughout this experience of motherhood. But motherhood brings along its own set of challenges. To make life easier for one such young mother I shared the pack of Pampers with Bageshree who obliged me by using the product and sharing her experience.

Bageshree

It was no different for young Bageshree who became mother to cute little Bhargav around 18 months ago.  Her joys knew no bounds, but yes she too was anxious about how to move out with such young baby in tow without proper diaper which is long lasting and comfortable too.

She tried many brands of Diapers, but zeroed in to Pampers Premium Care Pants owing to its softness, absorbency, hygiene and availability. She was very happy that she could easily get it on amazon.com from the comfort of her home. When I shared the product with her, she already knew about it well. Her major concern as a young and working mother was to keep baby’s bums dry and smooth as his skin is unable to bear even slightest of harshness. Skin’s health is best maintained by soft and dry diapers because a baby’s skin is smooth, soft and highly delicate which needs that extra care and attention. This is provided by Pampers Premium care pants surely.

Baby Bhargav

Though I do not have data to support, but I believe Pampers Premium Care Pants – Diapers would be most preferred baby care product in the category by mothers all over. Closed to being a category killer, it merits over factors like: Softness, hygiene, absorbency, packaging and availability though I am not sure on pricing aspect. Nobody minds paying a premium for this unique product which brings along loads of happiness.

These Pampers Premium Care Pants, designed for babies weighing around 6 to 11kgs. However, you must look for the size that fits your baby best, as Pampers has a wide range of sizes depending on your baby’s weight and age.

Pampers come with package of:

• All night absorbency
• Extra dry layer for all night dryness/absorbency
• Baby lotion with Aloe Vera to protect skin and helps to provide smoother skin
• Soft stretch waist and sides for superior fit comfort
• Soft like cottony cloth

Happy mother, Bageshree, shared, “I have tried several brands on my delicate child but not of much avail. The diapers don’t give long-lasting dryness and ultimate smoothness which I look for as a concerned mother. I tried the Pampers Premium Care Pants and I must say I couldn’t have been happier owing to its softness, hygiene, absorbency and its attractive packaging which makes my son grabbing it at the slightest opportunity. It has also relieved me from  applying baby lotion after every change. I can surely say it is the most long lasting diaper we can have. Thanks for choosing me and my baby Bhargav for the unique product.”

I am really re-living those moments when I had to call for super absorbent diapers from my sister-in-law from the U.S.  Had Pampers being there, I would have enjoyed hassle-free motherhood and my daughter rash-free childhood.

 This blog post is written for the Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin activity in association with BlogAdda.

Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin – The ultimate comfort for babies & moms too!

When Blogadda announced the Pampers review, I did not miss the opportunity!

And in no time, the product was delivered at my doorstep. This time I wanted to share the product for two new arrivals in my office family (earlier I had done for my family members). Now I wanted to multiply happy mothers in my circle. Truly noble cause…happy mothers make happier country!!

Being a mom is close to divine experience, but full of challenges too! The little bundle of joy brings lot of happiness in the family but not without its set of hardships especially for the first time young mothers.  Here product like Pampers Baby Active Diapers have a big role to play, as we mothers want to use the best.  I must say PAMPERS are softest for baby’s skin, hence preferred by mothers all over the world.

So I how do I know that? I shared Pampers Active Baby Diapers with my colleague Mrs. Harpreet Kaur, Baby – Jashn Jyot Singh.

Harpreet Kaur

Read on to know their experience with Pampers on my blog:

Though I do not have data to support, but I believe Pampers Active Baby Diapers would be most preferred baby care product in the category by mothers all over. Closed to being a category killer, it merits over factors like: Softness, hygiene, absorbency, packaging and availability though I am not sure on pricing aspect. Nobody minds paying a premium for this unique product which brings along loads of happiness.

The Pampers Active Baby diapers range, which is made from non-abrasive and soft, cottony material is an option that helps you keep your baby’s skin safe. Moreover Diapers with lotion become absolutely necessary for keeping your baby’s skin soft, supple and free from rashes.

The Pampers Active Baby diapers are designed keeping in mind how the skin within the diaper is in constant touch with the material of the diaper. Humidity build-up inside the diaper makes your baby’s skin prone to irritation and discomfort. It then becomes important to keep your baby’s skin well ventilated with a light and breathable diaper. As your baby grows up, they tend to move around more. This product is stretchable and flexible which means that it moves with your baby and also prevents leakage. Just make sure you secure the diaper by using the sticky tabs and stretching them around before you secure the diaper.

Pampers highlights:

1. Upto 12 hours of dryness -Ultra dry core quickly absorbs and lock away liquids

2. All round Softness -Crafted with Soft materials to provide all round softness and comfort

3. Baby lotion -Helps protect your baby’s delicate skin

4. Breathable Materials -The micro pores help air circulation, allowing skin to breathe

5. All round fit -Stretching 360 degree waist band and leg cuffs

Jashn Jyot Singh

Sharing her experience with the product, Harpreet Kaur says, “I have been using some other brand and I was quite happy with that, till the time I tried Pampers (given by you) on my hyper active child – Jashn Jyot Singh whom I had taken for an outing in Pampers. Indeed, he was visibly happy and I as mother of two small kids could tell the difference from one product to another. Pampers Active Baby Diaper is indeed very soft, hygienic and moisturized, and I am looking for these aspects only in my baby’s diapers, so that I don’t have to worry about rashes, and allergies on their skins. Now I would switch to Pampers. Thanks mam for sharing this wonderful product.”

How I wish, Pampers was around when my baby Tanya was born some 20 years ago, but now with pampers, I can surely look forward to happier grand motherhood, which my mom missed!

Keep your baby healthy and happy and yourself tension free with the Pampers Active Baby.

 This blog post is written for the Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin activity in association with BlogAdda.

 

Be in Cambodia to Happy Ho!

Our dear Shri Jwalant Swaroop, founder, Happy Ho fondly addressed as Jwalant Bhai Sahab  was in Cambodia for a short & sweet trip from where he sent some exclusive photos of Angkor Wat and National Museum for my Blog readers.  I present here his clicks in an exclusive photo-essay of his short and sweet trip to the place. He was gracious enough to share those pictures for my blog.

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. Its busy capital, Phnom Penh, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace and the National Museum’s historical and archaeological exhibits. In the country’s northwest lie ruins of Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire.

Udaipur: Highway on my Plate!

Finally, we were at the last leg of our trip to Udaipur and I had not eaten famous Daal Baati Churma yet while in Udaipur. Feeling slightly disappointed on this loss, I mentioned this to an intern in the Hotel who told me about chain of Dhabas on the Highway, which serve authentic Rajasthani Food and in particular Daal Baati Churma. Delighted on this discovery, I and my husband ventured out on Highway, where we took a ride in tracker paying Rs. 5 each and reached only to find many interesting eating joints there. I zeroed in on Shreenath Kathiyawadi Bhojnalay which looked like quite typical dhaba ( Neat & Clean, well-decorated, Cots & Benches) and its owner was also quite welcoming.  Super-excited, that I too will have La Highway on my Plate (NDTV Good Times with Rocky & Mayur) like episode on my blog.  Being a big fan of Rocky & Mayur’s Highway on my plate, I was at it finally!!

The dhaba really served authentic daal baati churma which looked yummy on the first serving. Owner shared that Daal was made of Chana and Urad Daal mix and baati was made on Angithi. Churma made of desi ghee smelled heavenly. Wondering how would I eat all this?

Difficult to resist, I started on my mission of savoring what all was served on my plate. I started with Baati with little serving’s daal, sev tomato saak and heavy dollops of Churma.  I must say it was after a long time I was eating such food…which I was actually enjoying sitting on the Cot, overlooking the Aravali Range and Highway right in front of my eyes.

After enjoying this sumptuous meal on Highway Dhaba, we walked our way to Hotel…the walk was enjoyable as we were the only pedestrians on the way and people from Cars peeping out wondering where we were heading to on foot!

All in all it was quite an experience in itself…we enjoyed very much our fill of Highway on my Plate!

Thanks Rocky & Mayur for being source of inspiration.

Photo Courtesy: Mukund Rai

Roller Coaster ride from being a Professional to a MOM!!

“Being a parent is of the hardest things you will ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love” – Nicholas Spark

Very well – said indeed! Though I learnt this hard way!! Particularly when I was going to be a mom some 20 odds years ago!!!

Being a successful Class I Government Official for seven long years, it was not that I had never thought about marriage but somehow it looked a distant dream for me owing to various reasons. Totally immersed in my professional life, somehow personal life took a back seat. I was not unhappy though but somehow familial pressures of typical & well-known Kayastha family, (Based in Lucknow) some 25 years ago was too much to surmount. Honestly speaking like many other girls, I never thought of motherhood as a big deal before marriage as I thought children are a big hassle. Moreover in India many are doing the honours all the time, so why me?

But in a sudden twist of fate, marriage beckoned! I couldn’t have been happier though I had to sacrifice my well rewarding job to absorb into matrimony, which made me shift from Lucknow to Mumbai. Time moved on…adjusting, struggling, planning, streamlining & absorbing into new City & new Gujarati family.

Caught unawares, one not so fine morning I fell sick and later during the day I came to know that stork had visited me unannounced. My happiness knew no bounds, I was riding another ladder, the ultimate ladder which will make me remain on that pedestal lifelong!

Self admittedly, not being the most ‘maternal’ woman, I suddenly started enjoying it all, the morning sickness, the doctor’s visit, 24/7 attention & care, uninvited advices from all quarters, UP way of deliveries, Gujarati way of deliveries, changes in my body, emotional upheavals, amidst all this, could not wait to hold the bundle of joy in my arms. But as life never rewinds, nor does it fast forward…it took full nine months to arrive.

I must admit that I would have been the most anxious mother of my times, owing to my nature, my age (of conception), my body type, my metabolic system, my emotional rig-marole and to top it all my financial constraints. Laden with all this and much more, I went through the trial and turmoil of mother hood. I had to change my eating habits, sleeping habits and inculcate exercise, walking regime and most importantly remaining positive all through ( Most difficult task). My biggest anxiety was my ever on the rise weight, which worried me forever, how it will come down. Mummy assured me all the time. She asked me to concentrate on the baby and forget the weight or any other issue…it will take its own course to settle. How right she was and how wrong I was in handling it all through!!

Somehow, in the midst of pregnancy, I started change in my feelings towards the baby. I started glowing in the pride that I would be a mother soon…I am going to create someone who would be part of me…who would take my name & legacy forward…who would inherit my talents…when people would address her as ‘my child’.  The feeling of unconditional love for someone became my real strength. It was like taking the extraordinary chance of experiencing the selfless love which my mother had for me…that made my motherhood special for me. Indeed very very special for me! During this period, reading Dr. Benjamin Spock’s books on pregnancy helped me a lot in handling my physicality and Bhagwad Gita in maintaining my sanity.

Coming back to the physical anxiety packaged as part of pregnancy like stretch marks & pigmentation, I started looking for creams, lotions, ointments which would help me in the matter, I tried some imported cream which helped me a great deal. Unfortunately in those days product like Marico’s Bio Oil was not there, which would have helped me in a big way. I just received the Bio Oil which I would start using soon and I am sure it would help me maintain glowing skin and marks free complexion. #BioOil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It is also effective for aging and dehydrated skin. Bio‑Oil has won 284 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 20 countries since its global launch in 2002.

I spoke to leading Dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty who shared, “A major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary,” She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.

So you all would be mothers, enjoy your pregnancy, enjoy your motherhood, nothing is greater than welcoming your bundle of joy in this world who would call you mummy, make you #YummyMummy !!

Last but not the least in the words of Oprah Winfrey :  “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” & My Blogpost just proves that!!!

Thanks Bio Oil & Blog Adda for making me relive those wonderful moments! Couldn’t have asked for a better Mother’s Day celebration!!

 “I’m writing about my wonderful journey of pregnancy for the   #YummyMummy blogging activity at BlogAdda in association with Marico Bio Oil.”

 

 

Yummilicious Walk by #YummyMummies for #BioOil on Mothers Day!!

Yesterday I attended very unusual event by #BioOil where expecting mothers shed their inhibitions by flaunting their cute baby bumps. Bio Oil’s Yummilicious Walk saw Actor Shveta Salve, Model Carol Gracias and 12 Yummy Mummies Sashaying the Ramp in Style and believe me its turned out to be a great event. Though it started quite late, but wait turned out to be worth. Unsure about attending the event, I literally dragged myself to St. Regis which is far to travel on a Saturday afternoon but somehow made it.

I have met Carol on several occasions but she never looked so radiant & glowing as now when she is in her seventh month of pregnancy.  So did other mums – to-be who were selected by a face book contest by the brand, and I must say the selection couldn’t have been better. They all look so beautiful in their attire, floral jewellery and barefoot, walking with panache and grace, uninhibited! They were enjoying their ramp walk as much their pregnancy. Times have really changed…we have come a long way!

Dr. Kiran Coelho, Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Carol Gracias and Shveta Salve at the Bio Oil Yummilicious Walk encouraging mothers to be yummy mummies

Excited to be around so many Yummy Mummies, Carol Gracias stated, “I think Bio Oil has created a great platform for all expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions. I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to choreograph the walk with all these gorgeous women! Joining these lovely mothers has been an over-whelming experience. So, all you Yummy Mummies out there go ahead and flaunt your cute baby bumps!”

But pregnancy doesn’t come along without its set to anxieties for expectant mother like wait gain, pigmentation, stretch marks, scars, what to say of emotional & mental anxieties. Here product like Bio-Oil enters as a facilitator for expecting mothers to shed their inhibitions and celebrate this beautiful phase of motherhood. What better way than flaunting their flawless baby bump skin. Commenting on the initiative, well-known TV Actor Shveta Salve expressed, “It has been heart-warming to share the stage with such confident and glowing Yummy Mummies. Pregnancy is a wonderful journey that should be cherished and rejoiced. Here’s wishing all the mothers-to-be a Happy Mother’s Day.”

Also present at the event were celebrity gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho and dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty. Expressing her view on this topic, Dr Coelho added, “I’m extremely happy to see all the Yummy Mummies take the ramp with such confidence. Women often feel conscious of not having the perfect body during their pregnancy. Having a baby is certainly one of the most special feeling for a mother-to-be however the worry of stretch marks during and post-pregnancy is a matter of great concern for her.  Using anti-stretch marks oils such as Bio Oil will certainly make a huge difference”.

Some Glimpses of Ramp Walk

The specialists highlighted various concerns related to health and skincare during pregnancy. They shed light on the ideal time after which mothers may start exercising in order to shed their pregnancy weight as well as recommended tips for improving the skin post-pregnancy. “A major worry that every pregnant woman has is, whether the stretch marks are ever going to go. The answer for which is try to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy by regularly applying moisturizers and oils such as Bio Oil, which contain Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula and Rosemary,” Dr Rashmi Shetty further added. She emphasized on the need for mothers to take as much time as they require, post giving birth, to get back to exercising.

Encouraging women to come out of their shell, boosting their morale and making them feel beautiful was the focus of the event. The brand created a platform for expecting mothers, to help them come out of their cocoon and dazzle the ramp. This Mother’s Day, Bio Oil partnered with Yummy Mummies across the country to encourage them to celebrate and enjoy their pregnancy phase rather than shying away from the world.

Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It is also effective for aging and dehydrated skin. Bio‑Oil has won 284 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 20 countries since its global launch in 2002.

 

 

Udaipur: Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, unsung destination!

I had never come across this place even while researching about Udaipur or while talking to people who had been there. Our Cabbie just stopped at a colourful gate and said “Aap andar jayeeye”. I Questioned: “Which is this place”? He replied: Lok Kala Mandal and continued: you will like it very much. How true he was!

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a museum of Rajasthani Folk Art which displays rich collection of folk dresses, paintings, pagris, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls and folk musical instruments. Besides there is a section on Tribal Art. The world renowned puppeteers of Udaipur put up shows on regular intervals which we enjoyed very much.

The museum was just awesome, the collection was reflection of Rajasthani Art Forms and student of art/ architecture/ design would just love it. It would provide great learning to these students of Rajasthani Art Forms.

Rajasthan Tourism needs to promote this Centre amidst foreign tourists also who as it love everything about Rajasthan!

The unsung hero of Udaipur should get Hero’s welcome!

Need to say more? Watch it to believe me!

An exclusive Photo-Essay of Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal.

Pics Courtesy: Mukund Rai

Udaipur, Lake Pichola: Calm, Serene & Picturesque

Next morning we set out for our trip to Udaipur’s Lake Pichola…

…what an amazing place it turned out to be!

No wonder, Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), “If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, they might say with justice, `see it and die’. The beauty of Lake Pichola attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting Udaipur. The pristine blue waters of the left a soothing impact on us. I wondered how much stressed lives are we leading in Mumbai.

Set for Boat ride

If Fateh Sagar Lake was vibrant, well-lit, scenic, slightly commercialised, more of a family destination, Lake Pichola was in sharp contrast. It would be any writer’s or poet’s dream destination. Lake Pichola, surrounded by lush green lining, sitting benches, big banyan trees, lofty palaces – Jagmandir Palace and hilly backdrop made ideal setting for a romantic Rajesh Khanna Movie. Sitting there and just watching the lake was an experience in itself. Living in Mumbai makes you accustomed to very fast life, whereas sitting beside the lake Pichola and just watching it, I felt that time had just stopped, but it hadn’t, how I wish it had. Time passed in boating, roaming and chit – chatting and it was time for us to move to new destination.

Let me add here, located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.

Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is would be wonderful, but we did it in the morning.

The beauty of this lake has not spared anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur. He also constructed a dam made in stone that falls under the ‘Badipol’ region on the shore of this lake.

Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake.

Rajasthan Tourism need to promote these two lakes as their prime tourist destination.

Pictures Courtesy: Mukund Rai

 

Rajasthan never ceases to surprise you, so did Udaipur!!

A reluctant trip to Udaipur turned out to be most fascinating one, Read on to know how?

The trip in April to Rajasthan was not a great idea according to many but my brother –in-law Anurag encouraged me to make it. And I made it!! Anurag who had studied there told me elaborately about the place and sight-seeing spots and we almost followed his itenery. The train journey by Udaipur Superfast from Bandra to Udaipur was pleasant but when I came out of station I was quite fascinated by its architecture and immediately clicked some pictures there. As we have been watching in Rajasthan Tourism Commercials which says: Rajasthan never ceases to Surprise you! It applied to us: Me & My husband Mukund too! Weather was nice especially evenings.

At Udaipur Station

No wonder Udaipur has been inspiration for countless artists, architects and poets for several years. Not only this it has been part of many a romantic Bollywood and Hollywood movies and earned a name for itself: ‘City of Romance’ besides fondly addressed as ‘City of Lakes’. They all conjure up a wonderful and fascinating image and Udaipur is worthy of them all.

Interesting historical note on city of Udaipur:

Maharana Udai Singhji roamed the country side well away from the hub of Mughal activity and eventually came across lake Pichola, the principal being Chand Pole at northwest corner, the Hathi Pol on the north, the Delhi-Gate on North East , the Suraj Pole of the east and Kishan Pole on the south and cradled protectively by the surrounding tree clad Aravali Mountains, a green & pleasant area, with a cooler climate than surrounding lands, abundant water supply, fertile soil and plenty of good hunting. Udai Singh ji founded this as new capital and this is how Udaipur came into being.   

Fateh Sagar Lake after Sunset

So immediately after reaching hotel which we had booked Online: Kaveri Palace, we set out to famed Fateh Sagar Lake and voila what a place it was. The setting was just awesome: nicely lit, breezy, waves, boat-rides, camel rides, Chaupati like food court and many tourists having gala time there. We took a long stroll on the side and watched beautiful lake closely. It was quite an experience in itself!

Fateh Sagar Lake, situated to the north of Pichola Lake and connected to it by a canal, was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh who had constructed even the more famous Jaisamand Lake. Later when the old embankment of the lake was swept away by heavy rains, the lake was reconstructed in its modern avatar by Maharana Fateh Singh. The foundation stone of the new embankment was laid by the Duke Conaught, Son of Queen Victoria in 1889. How do I know all this? The history is written on its banks as soon as you enter the Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake has been expanded to optimum levels to ensure that Udaipur would always have a substantial supply of water.

The lake, which covers an area of about two square miles when full, has one small island, which has been made by the Government of Rajasthan into a public park which has fountains known as Nehru Garden. Though Nehru Garden is not that well maintained, as I had expected.

While returning from Fateh Sagar Lake we halted at most famous picnic spot: Sukhadia Circle which looked to me situated in the middle of city and named after Chief Minister Shri Mohan Lal Sukhadia. It was a very fascinating picnic spot with its lush – green lawns, water fountain and boating. I found Udaipur people peacefully having great time there. Special lighting all over added to its splendour and beauty. But later I came to know that Sukhadia Circle is located in front of the Railway Training School and this huge circle has been converted into pond. Its diameter is 20 Ft. And it has 42 Ft. High fountain, unique in the country. As I told you above, the pond has green park all around it embedded with beautiful flowers and herbs.  

Our night sojourn completed with a round of Chetak Circle and nice hearty meal in the end.

Watch out this space for more on Udaipur!!!