Monday 30 September 2013

Mehrangarh Fort | first day at Jodhpur | 12 storey fort,truely grand

My Udaipur to Jodhpur was over and i had reached my hotel "Mandore Guest House" . I had two nights stay at Jodhpur including the one on which i arrived , so in total i had only one day for Jodhpur. But presently after such a long journey after so many stop overs ( Read Om Banna , Ranakpur temple , REHET and Waterfall ), i was badly tired and didnt had any energy to even plan out anything for tomorrow , so just had a nice heavy dinner and left for bed , though one thing was fixed next day i had to start early to cover whole jodhpur in a single day.

Next Day started , it was early morning and i was ready to leave my hotel at 8.00 AM , my first destination of the day was Mandore Garden , which was just opposite to my hotel. But Mandore Garden had nothing much to see so prefered to start my Jodhpur series from Mehrangarh fort.

[caption id="attachment_873" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Mehrangarh fort view from the Car Mehrangarh fort view from the Car[/caption]

Mehrangarh fort was some 15 min away from my guest house. About it grand structure i was already being told by my driver Shyam , as he has been here many a times. This fort is the only fort in India with a working elevator in it , as it is a 12 storey fort and infact one of the largest of forts.

I was about to reach Mehrangarh fort and the first glimpse from almost entering it was Wow , and suddenly i was in a thinking mode. I had never thought that Batman had reached to Jodhpur for a very scene in which he came out from inprisonment , I am talking about The Dark Night Rises movie of Batman series , a little portion of it was shot here just in front of Mehrangarh fort , even some scenes from inside were included.

[caption id="attachment_874" align="alignnone" width="1024"]First glimpse of Mehrangarh Fort First glimpse of Mehrangarh Fort[/caption]


I bought a ticket of Rs 30 per person for the elevator to reach directly to the top of Mehrangarh fort , as it was best to go directly to the top rather than going 12 stories of Mehrangarh fort , it is not like that i am not used to of climbing stair , i live on the fifth floor that too in a building withour lift and almost daily i give some 20 rounds up an down the stairs , but it was much different scene forts have much higher floor heights and their stairs are also very un even , so go for lift and start the tour of Mehrangarh fort from the top.

[caption id="attachment_875" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Jodhpur , the Blue city from the top Jodhpur , the Blue city from the top[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_876" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Blue City from Mehrangarh fort ... a pic from my iphone Blue City from Mehrangarh fort ... a pic from my iphone[/caption]

I was watching the Blue City , also called as Sun City because of bright sun rays falling all year round. Now Jodhpur is considered as the second metropolitan city of Rajasthan after Jaipur.

But this blue coloured houses could be seen only around the Mehrangarh fort , some say because of being the Sun city it was decided to give it a different look and blue colour was chosen to highlight the fort city.

[caption id="attachment_877" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Balcony Of the rooms where queens used to sit Balcony Of the rooms where queens used to sit[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_878" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Inside courtyard of the fort Inside courtyard of the fort[/caption]

It has been in the culture of Rajasthan , Queens were never allowed to come out in front of the public so they were given the feasibility by giving them these royal windows carved in a design where they could sit and see the daily proceedings of the fort or have a view of the city. Same thing i had seen in Jaipur when i visited Hawa Mahal of Jaipur.

[caption id="attachment_879" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Darbar Hall of Mehrangarh Fort Darbar Hall of Mehrangarh Fort[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_880" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Takhat Vilas, a room made of gold and shining glasses Takhat Vilas, a room made of gold and shining glasses[/caption]

It is very rightly said " India was golden bird once " and to feel this line one must visit the fort of India , it is not in Rajasthan only , wherever we go in India every royal family in past have shown there royalty by making rooms decorated with gold plated plates or carvings having gold paint on them made of real gold , luckily gold was not that costly at their times.

This Darbar hall of Mehrangarh fort , as one can see the pillars and the roof have been decorated by gold paint which was made by real gold dust mixed in oil.

Same was the case with this Bedroom of one of the kings, called as Takhat vilas. It was way ahead than the Darbar Hall , real gold plates were moulded and carved into the designs of the bed room , rest of the portion was covered with glasses brought from Belgium. Wow what a life they lived , couldnt understand why they could not sleep in a normal bed room.

[caption id="attachment_881" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Met this man.. playing flute Met this man.. playing flute[/caption]

It took some 2 hrs to complete the tour of Mehrangarh fort , and while i was going through the museum of Palanquins , where royal palanquins used on every birth of a child were displayed , but when somebody would visit i am sure he would also notice the same thing which i noticed. Palanquins of only kings were placed there on display with there small picture on them , but i couldnt see any palanquin where a small picture of a princess would be displayed. Was that not in fashion that time to use Palanquins for a girl child , still a mystery for me waiting for answers.

There only i met this guard , who was very much deep into the flute and was entertaining the crowd. He was playing flute so well that i sat there for some 10 min and heard his flute , though i can say i was tired also after almost completing this 12 storey Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur. I gave him Rs 20 and bid adieu to him and the fort and left for my next destination which was just 5 min walk from there , The Jaswant Thada mausoleum.

 

 

Saturday 28 September 2013

Om Banna Temple | Bullet Baba Temple | Temple where a motorcycle is worshipped

I was on the way to Jodhpur and now i was just some two hrs away from my destination. But still one last stop over was left , my previous stop over's were different, call them romantic , a story of hard work or something historical. But this stop over was something which was different from other's, it had a belief, story of peoples faith and folk lores told about it. I was reaching Om Banna Temple very famously called as "Bullet Baba Temple".

It was the temple where a motor cycle is worshipped , thats why Bullet Baba Temple.

[caption id="attachment_864" align="alignnone" width="1024"]bike of Om Banna bike of Om Banna[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_865" align="alignnone" width="1024"]bike of om banna in glass box bike of om banna in glass box[/caption]

Story of Om Banna goes like this.

Long time ago one person by the name "Om Singh Rathore" of Chotila village on Pali road had bought one Royal enfield bullet and he was very fond of long drives , one night as usual he went for a drive and met with an accident and died on the spot. His body and bike were recovered from a ditch near the tree to which his bike collided. His bike was parked in the police station and from there the whole story began

" Every night his bike used to elope from the police station and come to the spot where this accident happened,next morning police would come and take it back but same thing would happen again , though this bike was chained and even the fuel tank was emptied but still this thing kept on going. Some people say Om Banna came into the dreams of his parents and told them to make one temple on his name where this accident happened , some says this news of bike coming to the spot again and again made people to make a temple at this spot. "

Now stands a temple at that spot where Om Banna died , his bullet stands there in the glass box and daily early morning people come there seek his blessings , every traveller going from this road would stop here like i did and would seek Om Banna's blessings.

[caption id="attachment_866" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Tree with which his bike collided Tree with which his bike collided[/caption]

The tree with which his bike collided is in itself a sacred spot now , ladies from far flung area's come here and dress up this tree with bangles, scarves and ropes . It is considered this temple gives blessings to all who visit here and the visitor and his family is saved from any coming accident in future.

[caption id="attachment_867" align="alignnone" width="1024"]om banna's statue and his framed picture om banna's statue and his framed picture[/caption]

Like seen in the picture, a statue and a framed picture of Om banna is placed there , this incident is of 1991 and since then one priest Shri Poonam Giri lives there and do all the services of the temple.

It is not the scene that only people who are passing from Jodhpur - pali highway comes there , people comes specially to this place from very far places.

It was one of the most strangest of story i was hearing in my life till now , but this is what life is, strange things do happen and it happened with me also there.

I was clicking picture of Om Banna Temple , suddenly two guys came to me and asked " How much will you charge and when you will give me print " i was dumb struck and said i can click but wont be able to give you print , they got my point and left the point.

[caption id="attachment_868" align="alignnone" width="678"]She Hardly smiled in any picture She Hardly smiled in any picture... she dint knew i was also clicking[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_869" align="alignnone" width="678"]Kid being dressed by other photographer Kid being dressed by other photographer[/caption]

Though this was not happening for first time on this trip , same thing happened when i was at Fateh Sagar Lake for Sunset , i had clicked one picture of a small girl dressed in local Rajasthani attire , her parents asked me can you give us print but i said to them i wont be able to , you can take my number and message me your email i will send you the picture , but dont know why they havent send me their email till now, wish i could have taken there email.

My time was over at Om banna temple, i had got the blessings i hope. I was just some 50 Km away now from the Jodhpur and it was getting very tiring now and atleast for me my next and final destination was my hotel only Mandore Guest House, Jodhpur and i was dying to reach there.

 

 

 

Friday 27 September 2013

Ranakpur Temple | Standing on 1444 pillars but all look for only one |

After my not so included in my bucket list stop over's at (Read Water fall and REHET) i was atlast reaching my decided stop over "Ranakpur Temple". I had decided this as the first stop over on my Udaipur to Jodhpur journey , though i stopped at some points but this was the main destination of mine where i had to reach.

According to Ranakpur temple timings only i had decided to leave from Udaipur at 9.00 AM as temple entry starts after 11.00 AM only for tourists , before that it is opened for the pilgrims only and tourists are not allowed in those ours.

After a 3 hr journey from Udaipur i reached to Ranakpur Temple atlast. But one hurdle was yet to be crossed , as my style and more because of being comfortable while travelling specialy when it was a Rajasthan tour , i was travelling most of time in shorts only and in Ranakpur temple one is not allowed like this and according to their rules i was in inappropriate dress , though this thing was told by my driver only when we reached there , so had to open my luggage and had to change my clothes in the car only.

First view of Ranakpur Temple

Atlast i was in front of a Majestic masterpiece of that era when construction of this type of achitecture icons was very much in fashion.

Entering Ranakpur Temple

The construction of this temple has been documented on copper plate as 1437 CE though it kept on under construction mode till 1458 AD under the rule of Rana Kumbha , then ruler of Mewar.

Some of pillars of Ranakpur Temple

But the most eye opening thing for me was when i looked at the structure and guide told me , "Sir please dont try to count to pillars , as there are somewhere around 1444 pillars , they could be more than that also" . I dumb struck when i heard this , but next line was about to come. Every pillar has been carved with a different look , different designs , no two pillar would be found of any similarity.

The temple is designed as Chaumukha (four faces).The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos.

Carvings on the roof of main compound of the temple

Design on one of the pillars

This picture was of one of the pillars of the temple. But i would say i was not that lucky enough , as told by the priest and the guide (who itself was the priest of temple only) one pillar in the temple has been carved with the design's of snakes and many snakes have been entangeled together in the design that it is impossible to locate the tip of tail of one snake. It is said one who could find that pillar is considered as lucky and gods grace has fallen on him. May be i am not that lucky enough , i tried to find that pillar but it seemed impossible.

Guide told me , he is a priest , stays there whole day everyday but he has also not seen that pillar though his Guru's ( higher priest ) have seen but that too only once in their lifetime.

I had accepted i am not that lucky , and move ahead finishing my stop over at Ranakpur temple. It was going to take some 3 hrs more for me to reach Jodhpur , in which half of the time me and my driver were planning for some more trips specially to Ranakpur Temple and find that temple , this story of that snake pillar whether true or not, as every place has some folk lores and they keep changing with every mouth , but it seemed a nice time pass for us for the onward journey till my next stop over at Om Bana Temple.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Rajasthan tour surprises again | Farmer's video draining the Farmland using Bullocks

Some 3 hrs had gone since i had started my Udaipur to Jodhpur drive. This Rajasthan tour was surprising me again and again , waterfall on the way , lush green valleys were some of then. I had shifted my path from a four lane highway to a single road.

[caption id="attachment_841" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Way to Ranakpur Way to Ranakpur[/caption]

For once i had asked my driver whether he was taking the right route , we have plenty of time cant we reach Ranakpur by this highway only , he was very sure and said you are going to love this route as well. And yes he was right , this single road was better than that highway , road going up and down the slopes , farming land on both sides passing through small villages , it was amazing.

But things would change like this i had never expected. One more surprise or can say the Rajasthan tour surprises again and that too the biggest surprise of the trip. My driver knew about this place and he stopped the car suddenly.

[caption id="attachment_842" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Farmer and his bullocks Farmer and his bullocks[/caption]

Just on the right of my car , where we stopped on farmer was rotating the wheel of water to drain his farmland with the help of his two bullocks. I was shouting with joy , this was the biggest surprise of my trip, i had been to rural places but this was something which i had just read in books and never knew that it was still in practice in India.

[caption id="attachment_843" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Wife having a ride on Rehet Wife having a ride on Rehet[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_844" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Rehet Rehet[/caption]

It was quite late in the afternoon and it was obvious that farmer was heading back to his home after completing his task for that day , but still after seeing us coming out of car he stopped for a while and very generously said to us "Namaste Babu". He invited us to have a look of his REHET , ya this was the word by which this system is called in that area.

He offered a ride also on his Rehet to us but i was quite reluctant as i was more keen in having the clicks , though i gave my wife a chance. I was quite surprised when that old man said " No Problem its safe" , my driver told me many tourist stop here to click pictures of this man working on his Rehet with his bullocks so he has learned a bit of English as well from them.

[caption id="attachment_846" align="alignnone" width="765"]95 Buckets of Rehet 95 Buckets of Rehet[/caption]


Water from Rain and other sources is collected in this pond , later on with the help of Rehet is drained into the fields. 95 Buckets were attached into the Rehet and on decreasing water level more buckets are added into the system. He told to drain whole field , where water is drained with the help of small pavements made on the side on field and he works atleast 4-5 hrs daily to cover the whole field.

[caption id="attachment_847" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Hats off to old man for his hard work Hats off to old man for his hard work[/caption]

We spent some 20 min there , and it was the best of time for me in this Udaipur to Jodhpur drive. I was learning something new and was giggling inside thinking that this Rajasthan tour is surprising me whenever he wishes.

Without any hesitation and any second thoughts i gave that farmer some money , as my driver had told me to do , he knew this that many tourist stop here and every one gives him very generously.

Though i was quite suprised when that old man asked me , "aaj kal angrej kafi kam ho gaye hain babu (now a days very less foreign tourist are coming)" , what explaination i could give him , just told him its off season wait some time. As i could remember he very smiling waved me bye and i think atleast 2-3 times he said Namaste to me when i was leaving.

We moved for our onward journey , Ranakpur temple which was just some 30 min ahead from there , but this surprise would remain in my heart as the best of surprises from this Rajasthan tour of mine.

Lets tour 

 

 

 

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Udaipur To Jodhpur | Surprises | Waterfall on the way, awesome

My trip to Rajasthan was going awesome , first destination of the trip Chapter Udaipur was coming to end. It was the last evening of mine in Udaipur and once again i was on Fateh Sagar Lake. Next morning i had to leave for Jodhpur so it was the time to bid adieu to Udaipur and tried to relive the moments.

[caption id="attachment_830" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Whirligig (Phirki at Fateh sagar lake) Whirligig (Phirki at Fateh sagar lake)[/caption]

Next morning i had left my home away from home Shree Vilas Orchid , Udaipur , and my car was on the way to Jodhpur. Udaipur to Jodhpur by car was going to tske some 6 hrs. I was unaware of the roads though i had some brief idea thanks to my experienced driver who has driven almost whole India.

[caption id="attachment_832" align="alignnone" width="1024"]On the way to Jodhpur On the way to Jodhpur[/caption]

I was on the four lane highway for some 1 hr and it was amazing. Lushgreen mountains , highway passing through the tunnels and in between the two mountains. Not at all for a single moment i was having a feeling that i was in Rajasthan , thanks to the just gone monsoon who made this way heavenly. Hardly any need of switching on the AC of car in Rajasthan is something which is unbelievable but i was driving without it and windows open enjoying the cool breeze.

[caption id="attachment_833" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Valley on the way to Jodhpur Valley on the way to Jodhpur[/caption]

After some time when we had left the four lane highway and had moved towards Jodhpur via Ranakpur i stopped for a cup of tea at a restaurant.

This valley was on the back of the restaurant , half restaurant leaning out in the valley , standing on the balcony clicking this picture of valley , i had never ever dreamt that i would such a beautiful valley traveling in Rajasthan ,this trip of Udaipur to Jodhpur was surprising me after every km and i was loving it.

[caption id="attachment_834" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Biggest surprise... Waterfall on the way Biggest surprise... Waterfall on the way[/caption]

Surprises were not over and what i would never ever think of dreaming was waiting for me ahead. Just some 10 Km before Ranakpur temple my driver suddenly slowed the car and told me to look left side , and i replied "stop stop stop" . A stream of water coming from nowhere was waiting for us. I have seen these type of scenes in my Manali trip but i had never expected that i would be enjoying this serene look here in Rajasthan as well.

We parked our car , and went downwards towards the waterfall. Sitting on a big stone , foots imersed in the water and enjoying the food, who would not have dreamt of this picture in their mind , and i was enjoying this moment. We sat there for an hour , though we had not planned for an hour but somehow we had to help a needy travellers whose car got punctured and they were not able to change their tyre, so i told my driver to help them.

We left from their, though we wanted to sit their some more but trip had to be completed and schedule had to be followed and Udaipur to Jodhpur trip was not yet completed , Jodhpur was still very far and reaching to the next destination was the need of the situation.

 

 

 

 

Sunday 22 September 2013

Ropeway in Udaipur | Photo Essay of Udaipur from Top | Video of Lake Pichola

This time my Destination was Karni Mata Mandir atop a mountain in Udaipur. I had to go there by Ropeway which was happening in my life for first time and excitement was quite obvious. Ropeway in Udaipur was something which i had never expected in Udaipur..

[caption id="attachment_822" align="alignnone" width="678"]Rope way , trolley coming to pick us Ropeway , trolley coming to pick us[/caption]

Just had to give Rs 200 i think if i am remembering right for a separate Trolley.

[caption id="attachment_823" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Majestic City palace of Udaipur from the rope way Majestic City palace of Udaipur from the rope way[/caption]

Now was the time to look at the Majestic City Palace of Udaipur from the top. Thanks to the newly bought Nikon Telephoto zoom lens i could capture the best of shot.

[caption id="attachment_824" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Lake Palace in Lake pichola from the top Lake Palace in Lake pichola from the top[/caption]

Lake Palace Hotel view from the top , standing at Karni mata mandir.


A video made by me , from Karni Mata Mandir. Lake Pichola and Lake palace Hotel, an eye catching view of Udaipur from the top. Thanks to the Monsoon , who blessed it with such a lush green scenery.

[caption id="attachment_825" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Jagmandir Temple Jagmandir Temple[/caption]

The famous Jagmandir Temple of Udaipur. Saw one guy standing there with binoculars and saying everybody the same line " see thats Jagmandir temple where Raveena Tandon's marriage was held , thats Lake Palace Hotel where James Bond Octopussy movie was shot , thats Udai Vilas and City Palace of Udaipur where Ranbir Kapoor's Yeh Jawani hai Deewani was shot ". In front of me he said repeated exact line to atleast 5-6 people without a single error.

[caption id="attachment_826" align="alignnone" width="678"]Trolley coming back to pick us. Trolley coming back to pick us[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_827" align="alignnone" width="940"]City Palace of Udaipur City Palace of Udaipur[/caption]

While going back from the Rope Way point happen to get this view of City Palace Udaipur. One of my best shots of City Palace of Udaipur.

Wish i could have stayed a bit longer, to view Udaipur from there at night time is the best shot of Udaipur. At night one could see Sajjangarh fort (Monsoon Palace) lighting up and giving a feel like it is hanging in the air.

 

 

 

 

Friday 20 September 2013

Sunset from Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur... Monsoon Palace...Udaipur from top in video

Sunset from Fatehsagar lake was something which was the most amazing thing happening to me till now in this trip. Never had seen that beautiful view which i saw there.

Sitting on Fateh sagar lake after the sunset one can see a building lighting up on top of the mountain, ask anybody and answer would come, its the monsoon palace , Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur.

Automatically it was added into my next day schedule but had to wait for it till the evening , my driver had told me watch sunset from their and you will forget Sunset of Fateh sagar Lake.

We left from the plains to the mountain at 5.30pm , at bottom of the mountain again had to buy ticket for entry where i felt inferior in front of my car, car parking was Rs 100 and for per person i had to pay only Rs 30 per person.

[caption id="attachment_808" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Majestic Sajjan Garh Fort , Monsoon Palace , Udaipur Majestic Sajjangarh Fort , Monsoon Palace , Udaipur[/caption]

Going there was a nostalgic feeling , as i could remember my childhood days and was recalling Octopussy movie of James Bond which was shot in Udaipur and whose villian Kamal Khan used to live in Monsoon Palace , Sajjangarh fort Udaipur where i was going.

[caption id="attachment_809" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Udaipur from Tallest Mountain of Udaipur Udaipur from Tallest Mountain of Udaipur[/caption]



I had reached to the tallest mountain of the Udaipur , where this monsoon palace had been built. It was obvious why this palace is called Monsoon Palace. There was no rain in some days now but still i could feel the cool breeze , and it was obvious rain is surely going to touch this mountain maximum as this is the tallest mountain of Udaipur area , and its basic geography Rain clouds bless a place only when they are stopped by a tall guard or can say mountain.

[caption id="attachment_810" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Langur at Sajjan Garh fort Langur at Sajjangarh fort Udaipur[/caption]

Except the beautiful and magnificient view of Udaipur and these Langur's there was hardly anything else to see at this palace. For me it was nothing just a leisure palace for Kings at their times , one open bathroom with fountains and some 2-3 rooms there was nothing much to see in this fort , which was something very disappointing for me. But i was there for something else , Sunset view and that moment was now not that far.

 

[caption id="attachment_812" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Sun again going down Sun again going down[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_813" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Birds have started for their way back Birds have started for their way back[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_814" align="alignnone" width="1024"]My wife enjoying the Sunset from Sajjan Garh Fort My wife enjoying the Sunset from Sajjan Garh Fort[/caption]

Sun was going down and i was loving this moment , specially because of the reason i was busy with my camera and it was the best thing for me , till the sun went down i had clicked some 51 clicks of sun.

[caption id="attachment_815" align="alignnone" width="1024"]My favourite and best click of the Sun from Sajjan Garh fort , Udaipur My favourite and best click of the Sun from Sajjangarh fort , Udaipur[/caption]

This shot is my favourite from all those 51 clicks, though i had some 5-6 near to same of this but posting all here wont do the justice to all.

Trust me , Sunset from Fateh Sagar Lake is still in the list of my best moments of life , and this too added in it but i would say both had their own unique place. Just loved the each moment i spent there watching sun going down and enjoying the cool breeze.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday 16 September 2013

Just had Onam sadhya.. Hotel Emarald

This would be my fastest blog ever. Never had written about something which just happened and i wrote a blog on it.
But today is the best day to write about it. Just came back from Onam sadhya (onam feast) as today is the main festival for keralites.



20130916-043837 PM.jpg

A lunch on banana leaf with somewhere around 25 dishes on the leaf.
Had to finish all which was the most cumbersome task for me.


20130916-044124 PM.jpg

Something which i learned today were the two customs of kerala, and specially when eating on a Banana leaf.

One have to finish the whole food which is being served, as it is a sacred food and is not to be left.

After finishing the meal fold the leaf like the way in the picture. Fold should start from the upper edge of the leaf, folding from the bottom edge is done when one is gone to a condolence ceremony.

Sunset Point at Udaipur... Fateh sagar Lake

My day was going awesome. I had visited my first destination, City Palace of Jaipur and had covered the market of Udaipur. Day was becoming tiring for me, my energy had exhausted after a night long train journey and then my idea of giving my legs a dose of walking had taken out my all energy.

Came back to my home away from home , Shree Vilas Orchid for a short nap.

In the evening i had planned for Fateh Sagar Lake , as udaipur is city of lakes and Fateh Sagar lake is another biggest of lake of Udaipur and is the main spot for all the locals and tourist in the evening. I was suggested by a good friend of mine to reach Fateh Sagar Lake before sunset as i would get to see an amazing sunset view from there.

I reached there by 5.30 pm , i think 1hr early. But to see the perfect sunset view i had take a boat ride to Nehru Park which is located in the middle of the Fateh Sagar Lake , a small island park situated in the middle of the Fateh Sagar Lake.

[caption id="attachment_793" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Boat ride at fateh Sagar Lake Boat ride at fateh Sagar Lake[/caption]

Just had to shell out some Rs 30 per person for to and fro boat ride to Nehru Park. Though if one wants to have adventure can go for for a speed boat ride for Rs 200 per person. But my purpose was solved with Rs 30 only.

[caption id="attachment_794" align="alignnone" width="678"]Sunset from Nehru park  at Fateh Sagar Lake Sunset from Nehru park at Fateh Sagar Lake[/caption]

This was my first view of sun going down. For sunset it was still some 20min left so though of clicking from other places as well and the best shot came from the fountain.

[caption id="attachment_795" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Fountain between me and sun Fountain between me and sun[/caption]

And atlast it was the time to click the last one of the row

[caption id="attachment_796" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Sun has kissed the mountain Sun has kissed the mountain[/caption]

It was my first time when i was watching these serene scene. Just an amazing experience , watching sun going down in front of my eyes , could feel his movement.

 

 

 

 

Saturday 14 September 2013

Shree Vilas Orchid, Udaipur.... Lake Facing...Best resort to stay at Udaipur

Very rare it happens that one changes his own trend , but this do happen sometimes and the driving force behind it has to be something very special or something which has impressed you a lot. Same is happening with me here , this trip of Udaipur has left some very special memories on my heart which has forced me to change my trend.

On all the previous occasions i have maintained to write a blog on the Hotel in which i stayed at the end, but this time my stay at Shree Vilas Orchid , Udaipur has forced me to slide it upwards on the list.

From Railway station it took me only some 15min to reach to my hotel Shree Vilas Orchid in which that time is also included when i had to leave my car some distance away from Hotel.

[caption id="attachment_782" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Way to Shree vilas Orchid Way to Shree vilas Orchid[/caption]

It is a very common thing at Udaipur , not many hotels are there where car could reach direct at the entry of the hotel. Same was here , i had to leave my car some 300 mts away from the hotel , but thanks to the management staff they have arranged their own Auto rikshaw to take the visitors to the hotel.

[caption id="attachment_783" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Entering the Tent area or can say rooms Entering the Tent area or can say rooms[/caption]

It just took 2 min for us to reach to the hotel by auto.

I had seen the website of the Shree Vilas Orchid and i had some idea of the ambience but still it was going to be a surprise for me.

This above pic was the my first view of the hotel and i was sure in a second that i have chosen the best stay in Udaipur. I did the need full formalities while checking in which was quite speedy enough for me.

[caption id="attachment_784" align="alignnone" width="1024"]my room facing garden,swimming pool and lake pichola my room facing garden,swimming pool and lake pichola[/caption]

I was given the corner most room (Room 101), thanks to the owner Mr. Rajeev Kalra who made it possible for me and gave me the best room with the best of view.

[caption id="attachment_785" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Lake facing tents of shree vilas orchid Lake facing tents of shree vilas orchid[/caption]

But i would surely add this, on looking at all the 17 tents it is seriously very hard to say which room has got the best location. For me all the room's have the perfect view of Lake Pichola as this hotel is right on the bank of Lake Pichola.

By the word Tent i would sure like to explain this thing and dont want to confuse all that they are not the perfect tents. i would call them as the conglomeration of Room and Tent both. This concept, i was watching for first time, i have never loved the stay of tent , had some bad experiences on my trip to Nainital. But here i was much relieved , walls of the tents have been constucted like a normal brick wall and the roof of tent has been added to them giving both the feeling of a tent and room. And with the help of concrete walls i can say air condition was also able to cool the room perfectly which i have noticed in my previous stays that air conditions doesnt cool when one is staying in a perfect tent. Hats off to the management and concept curator to come up with the idea.

[caption id="attachment_786" align="alignnone" width="1024"]View of Lake Pichola from the Restaurant of Shree Vilas Orchid View of Lake Pichola from the Restaurant of Shree Vilas Orchid[/caption]

Sitting in the restaurant,sipping a hot cup of tea and on one side it is a lush green garden of Shree Vilas Orchid and on the other side is Lake Pichola , it was like i was watching flow of diamonds rather than flow of water. What else a view one wants.

[caption id="attachment_787" align="alignnone" width="1024"]View of Lake Pichola From my room Window View of Lake Pichola From my room Window[/caption]

Over night train journey , then a visit to the City Palace of Jaipur and the Market of Udaipur. It was becoming very tiring for me , i decided to come back to the room and take a short nap and then move for my next destination.

This is what i had decided, but suddenly what struck in my mind and opened the window curtain and saw this view from my room window. What else to expect , forgot everything and my camera was back On and i spent again some 30min capturing the beautiful moments from room and outside. This was heaven for me, Lake Pichola was just some meters away from my room, just come out and i could feel the cool breeze and feel the sound a splashes. It was amazing.

[caption id="attachment_788" align="alignnone" width="678"]She gave me a hard look.. may be camera consious She gave me a hard look.. may be camera concious[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_789" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Kingfisher Bird... Sitting just outside my room Kingfisher Bird... Sitting just outside my room[/caption]

Staying at Shree Vilas Orchid was the best stay of my trip for me and my camera was also loving it. View of these birds , View of sunset from the room only , water showing his diamond flow.... All these are a treat for any photographer and i was loving it.

Thanks and kudos to the Shree Vilas Orchid, for coming up with this concept and above all selecting this perfect location for it.