पधारो म्हारे देश (DAY 2)
(Padharo Mahre Des)
Khammagani sa! Greetings ladies and gentlemen. Hope you haven’t forgotten that we are on a virtual trip to Udaipur. I am sorry to have left you with only one half of this amazing trip! No matter, a New Year brings with it new opportunities! Who knows, maybe that break from work was really meant to be a trip to paradise.
After an exciting first day in the city, it is now time to experience the beauty of its lanes and culture. Most of our day will be spent in the famous yellow-green Rickshaws or on foot. Although I must warn you of the cow dung, immense two-wheeler traffic, and roadside vendors selling everything from fruits, garlands, and other knick-knacks.
Day 2
Our first stop for the day is the famous Mahalakshmi Mandir in one of the lanes leading up to the Jagdish Chowk, It is flocked by devotees during Diwali. Having seen that, it is now time to visit the tiny magnet shop which is exactly in front of the temple. Hand-painted miniature Rajputani artifacts are also available here. The shop owner is an artist himself. If you are lucky enough, he might offer you, Miniature Painting classes! Hold on to your wallets though, this is only just the first shop!
Our next stop is located right in the middle of Udaipur, the wonderfully constructed Jagdish Temple at the Jagdish Chowk! There are four lanes that converge at the Temple. Two of these lanes offer a plethora of items such as leather bags, wallets, customized to your liking, leather folders, magnets of all kinds, beautiful hand embroidered artifacts, silver jewelry, showpieces, the list is never-ending. So what are you waiting for ?! Make sure to shop till you drop. Use the same bargaining tactics that we used with the porters at the railway station. Some of you may even make a detour to visit Suraj Pole and Haathi Pole in case you want more!
Now that you are done with your shopping spree, you may go down the third lane from the Jagdish Temple. Cameras to be at the ready for this one! Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the picturesque location of Gangaur Ghat. From here you can see the Jagmandir, the Lake Palace, and the bridges which criss-cross across Lake Pichhola. On your left is the Bagore-ki-Haveli. You must go inside to see the museum that is home to turbans, weaponry, puppets, and much more. Get your photoshoots in order by 7 pm because The Dharohar Dance Show is a must-see. If you visit Udaipur and don’t get yourself called up on stage for the magic show in the end, then your trip is definitely incomplete!
Finally, the food! (How many of you are drooling already?!) The White City has a colorful food palette to offer to one and all! My personal favorites are Chaman ka Gota and Dagwal ki Pav Bhaji. Now, the location for the former is going to be a tough find because that is a cart on wheels. We have been eating flavorfully icy golas (crushed ice shaped like a ball) at Chaman uncle’s since we were kids! If you happen to find him, go for the Rabdi Gola and you will not be disappointed. As for the latter, a medium spicy Pav Bhaji at Dagwal Uncle’s stall at the all too famous Sukhadiya Circle has to be your meal for one evening. Sukhadiya Circle is famous for its street food. A cheat day here won’t do you much harm. However, I should warn you, your spice tolerance should be a tad bit higher than regular.
I believe by now you know my favorite spots in my home town. If you need convincing to make your friends and family visit it, just let them read on! A few links have been attached below to make your trip planning an easier process. I hope this year brings for you with it, a trip to the land of Maharajas, the glorious city of Udaipur.
https://www.fabhotels.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-udaipur/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS8vW7mdLG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J46BmbWp_lM&t=9s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmoCLeIJbw4
https://www.makemytrip.com/holidays-india/udaipur-travel-packages.html
https://www.udaipurblog.com/what-to-eat-in-udaipur-and-where.html
