Udaipur is known to tourists via two main titles: “The City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East”. The names in itself gave us enough of a mental image of what to expect, and a few images from online was enough to seal the deal and get us excited about going to Udaipur. My husband and I are partial to watersports and boat rides. And with so many lakes and boat rides being offered, we realized we could easily indulge in our favorite pastime for once. Plus, the fact that Udaipur is compared favorably to the city of Venice in Italy – which is often praised as being one of the most romantic destinations of the world – got me instantly interested in visiting the place.

Lake Pichola and the Famous Lake Palace

 In the spirit of our main reason for this trip, which was to take a much needed break from our hectic schedules, we spent a good part of the day after reaching our homestay to relax.

In the evening, we made our way to Lake Pichola then we immediately signed up for the boat ride. The lake was large and the boat ride was very peaceful. And the view of the famous Lake Palace was majestic as it loomed near the shore, and the white palace shone like an earth-bound, tower-lined moon. We even took a second rides.

We spent the first one simply enjoying the ride, the relaxing sights, and the cool lake breeze that played with our hair and sneakily made it damp like a playful water sprite.

On our second ride though we watched the sights, we were more of talking like two talkative kids. We dwindled off though as the sun started setting over the water, drenching the water and the sky in fiery shades of reds and golds. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and one of the most romantic and perfectly timed sights that I had ever seen. When we got off the boat ride the second time and made our way back to our homestay, it took me a while to realize that we’d linked hands naturally – yet another thing that we didn’t seem to have had time for lately.

The next day we visited the Jag Mandir near the shore of the famous romantic lake, we were already in a relaxed mood.

The Jag Mandir was exquisite in its architecture. And the gardens artistically arranged around the area bloomed with various flowers and colors. The vibrant colors contrasted beautifully against the white structure and made it look even more magnificent.

We spent the rest of the day sampling the food and exploring the place, walking the flowered pathways, and once again watching the glorious sunset before our flight at midnight. It was wonderfully relaxing, and both of us can’t wait for another chance to go back again!

It was an unplanned vacation…just a break from regular hustle bustles of life. One of my friends suggested that February is an ideal time to run away to discover the beauty of the yellow. So, I and my husband planned to head towards Jaisalmer. We took the railway route as it would be more convenient and give a feel of holidaying. We could feel the amazing smell of this culture rich city as soon as we stepped down at Jaisalmer junction. Our stay was planned at a homestay for three nights and three days to soak in the culture and the historical beauty of this place.

Exploring the City

Our first stop was the astounding Jaisalmer Fort and the Gadisar Lake. We boated on the lake for quite a while and then the most awaited place. A woman’s favorite place can be none other than a shopping destination. How I extravagantly spend on the beautiful embroidered shawls and the bandhej mirror work dupattas. And then a few home décor antique stuffs. On our way back we stopped to witness the most beautiful show of my life till date. I am talking about the puppet show which is a traditional art form and source of entertainment in Rajasthan. Then what we saw was a spectacular and eye catching sight of lissome women wearing colorful clothes decorated with mirror and embroidery, balancing a column of brass pots on their head and swaying in time to the traditional melody. We enjoyed the folk music and the dance of these ladies who were like simply awesome and not for once did they hold their brass pots to balance. Geniuses!! Back at our homestay we were served an elaborate authentic Rajasthani food which was delicious, to say the least.

Camel Safari

With the camel safari planned, we were filled with more enthusiasm and expectation. The golden sand and the camel ride remains an unforgettable journey etched in our minds. A camel cart accompanied us carrying the essentials. What a ride to the Sam Sand Dunes, but having covered 40 kilometers up and down was very tiring, so once we were back, we rested at our beautiful and homely homestay.

Outskirts of the City

The next day we moved to the outskirts of the city. We went to the famous Amar Sagar Lake, an ancient five storied haveli famous for its outstanding murals. The Bada Bagh Jaisalmer is known for the three beautiful things – a garden, a tank and a dam. We also saw the Cenotaph known as chattris.

Every monument in Jaisalmer has a story behind it, an unbelievable history of our past. After having a visual treat we went to the famous restaurant ‘Trio’ for dinner. The next day, we had our flight back home. Our short trip to Jaisalmer gave us a lot, the colorful visual treat, a trip back to our ancient history, outstanding handicrafts, mouth-watering and spicy Rajasthani food, a warm and friendly host at our homestay, and the beautiful temples. In true sense, Jaisalmer is the Golden City of Rajasthan.

Interview the Hawa Mahal

The magnetic Waheeda Rehman dancing around the forts came alive when I went to the landmark Hawa Mahal. Carved in pink sandstone and standing tall with five stories, this exquisite fort takes your breath away with its detailed honeycomb like structure. You stand awestruck, admiring the stupendous skills of the artisans who created this wonder that gives a grand view of the Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.

Camp inside the City Palace

Sitting in the center of the old city, this palace is a monument lover’s delight. An excellent blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the palace greets you to many delights. Going through Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam and the Armoury felt like being transported to the glorious past. It is an awesome encounter filled with regal beauty and nostalgic appeal.

Indulge in elephant and camel ride

If you come to Jaipur and do not take a ride on the gigantic elephant and the calm camel, you have not really tasted the beauty of this city. Raised to a great height, walking the streets on the elephant back gives you a strong sense of royalty, made to appear more authentic when you survey the forts and the monuments, dotting the landscape. As for the camel, the Ship of the Desert is a very cool and obedient animal that carries you with great ease and gives you an unforgettable leisurely ride.

Watch the most amazing puppet show

The cute and colorful wooden puppets are a treat to the eyes, telling multiple tales seeped in mythology, folklore and legends of the land. I could feel the child inside me, relishing every step of the dancing kathputlis, presenting a charming spectacle with their brightly colored clothes and interesting narration accompanied by folk music.

And not to forget the local cuisine that added to make this trip even more enjoyable and scintillating.

Shop in the street markets

Jaipur boasts of an extensive marketplace where you can buy the best handcrafts, jewellery and clothes. I am always crazy for old bazaars because here you can find the most savory samples and best stuff at affordable prices, something impossible at the swankiest of malls. I had a good going at the Johari Bazar and the street shops. At the end, I had managed to lay my hands upon some of the most beautiful ornaments, odhnis.

Choose a homestay the next time you decide to explore Jaipur.

However, when I explored the real Jodhpur, the one that speaks of cultures and traditions, I was stupefied. All the credit goes to my hosts who introduced me to the numerous secrets of the Blue City which I could not have experienced had I opted for the normal tourist routine. I chose a home stay for my Jodhpur tour located in a village called Salawas in the outskirts of Jodhpur. The beautiful array of huts, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, was a happy escape.

I was taken around the Bishnoi village on an open jeep. My hosts who was a weaver happily accompanied me to show around the place. The quiet village was beautiful and hypnotizing. I had a glimpse of how life in a village in the desert functions and to say that I was amazed would be an understatement. I was mesmerized by the magic in the hands of the weavers and potters. I tried my hand at pottery and after failing miserably was taken to visit the lake. The lake is a home to a number of migratory birds. It is also a drinking point for antelopes, blackbucks of nearby area. I was well informed by my hosts beforehand about the fauna of this place and needless to say I came prepared. Armed with my binoculars and camera, I was able to capture a lot of pictures.

Coming to the adventure days, Foot Trekking and Camel Safari was both fun and exciting. With every bend in the road, I could feel the beauty of the rural life and I was mesmerized by it. The day over, when I realized I wasn’t quiet tired yet, my host asked me if I was up for some traditional music and dance. I said yes and it was completely worth it. Traditional folk music and dance was organized in the home stay and it was amazing. The artists with their colourful attires and amazing talents performed beautifully and it was an enriching experience. Now, coming to food, I was served home cooked Rajasthani food which was delicious. Cooked in the traditional style with spices, the food was great and I felt warm and contented.

As I lie under the stars on a dhurrie that I bought from my hosts, with my bags packed inside the hut, I wonder how much unaware I was about the riches of this serene place. Well, this short trip to Jodhpur was nothing short of a memorable trip, which will be etched in my mind for a long time.

Next time you are in Jodhpur , try a homestay. Chhotaram Prajapat & Surya Kunj are good options.