Ghumakkadi Part One: A Tour of Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the “City of Lakes,” is a beautiful city located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque lakes. If you’re planning A Tour of Udaipur, you must go through this beautiful article.

Best time to visit Udaipur:

The best time to visit Udaipur is during the winter season, which lasts from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies, cool temperatures, and low humidity.

Another good time to visit Udaipur is during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. The city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time, which brings relief from the scorching heat of summer.

If you are planning A Tour of Udaipur, the best time to visit is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Places to visit in Udaipur:

There are many places you should consider visiting. The City Palace, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, is a must-see attraction. The palace complex is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture, with beautiful courtyards, gardens, and balconies.

 Here are some more things you might enjoy during a Tour of Udaipur: –

1. The Monsoon Palace: Also known as the Sajjangarh Palace, this 19th-century hilltop palace offers stunning views of the city and surrounding hills. It was built to serve as a monsoon retreat for the royal family.

2. Saheliyon Ki Bari: This beautiful garden was built in the 18th century as a gift to the queen’s maidservants. It is known for its fountains, lotus pool, and marble elephants.

3. Bagore Ki Haveli: This 18th-century haveli (mansion) has been converted into a museum and cultural center. It showcases Rajasthani culture through its architecture, artifacts, and daily performances of traditional dance and music.

4. Fateh Sagar Lake: This man-made lake is a popular spot for boating and picnicking. It has three islands, one of which houses a park with a zoo and a musical fountain.

5. Kumbhalgarh Fort: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 80 km from Udaipur. It is a massive fort complex with a 36 km long wall, making it the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.

6. Vintage Car Museum: This museum houses a collection of vintage and classic cars, including Rolls Royce, Mercedes, and Cadillac. The museum is located in the Garden Hotel, which is also worth visiting for its beautiful gardens and architecture.

7. Shilpgram: This rural arts and crafts complex showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan. It features 26 huts, each representing a different state of India, and hosts an annual crafts fair in December.

8. Eklingji Temple: This ancient temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located about 22 km from Udaipur. It is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and religious significance.

Handicrafts and Textiles of Udaipur

Udaipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage, and its handicrafts and textiles are a reflection of the city’s artistic and creative spirit. Here are some of the most famous handicrafts and textiles of Udaipur:

1. Bandhani: This is a tie-dye technique used to create vibrant and colorful patterns on fabric. Udaipur is known for its Bandhani textiles, which are made using natural dyes and intricate patterns.

2. Block Printing: This is a traditional printing technique used to create intricate designs on fabric. Udaipur is famous for its block-printed textiles, which are made using hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes.

3. Embroidery: Udaipur is known for its intricate embroidery work, which features delicate and colorful threadwork on fabric. The city is famous for its mirror work embroidery, which is a traditional Rajasthani technique that involves adding tiny mirrors to the fabric for a shimmering effect.

4. Pottery: Udaipur is known for its colorful and ornate pottery, which is made using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The pottery often features intricate designs and patterns and is used for both functional and decorative purposes.

5. Pichwai Paintings: These are intricate paintings on cloth, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Udaipur is famous for its Pichwai paintings, which are created using natural dyes and feature rich and vivid colors.

6. Marble Carving: Udaipur is known for its skilled marble carvers, who create intricate designs and sculptures on marble using traditional techniques. The city is home to many marble artisans, and their work can be seen in various temples and palaces around the city.

Overall, Udaipur’s handicrafts and textiles are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. They are a must-see for anyone interested in the arts and crafts of Rajasthan.

Famous Jewelery of Udaipur

Udaipur is known for its exquisite jewellery, which is crafted using traditional techniques and features intricate designs and precious gemstones. Here are some of the famous types of jewellery from Udaipur:

1. Kundan Jewellery: Kundan is a traditional form of jewellery that originated in Rajasthan and is characterized by the use of gold foil and precious stones. Udaipur is famous for its Kundan jewellery, which features intricate designs and is often worn on special occasions.

2. Meenakari Jewellery: Meenakari is an enameling technique used to create intricate designs and patterns on jewellery. Udaipur is known for its Meenakari jewellery, which often features floral patterns and bright colors.

3. Thewa Jewellery: Thewa is a traditional form of jewellery that originated in Rajasthan and involves fusing 23k gold on multicolored glass to create intricate designs. Udaipur is famous for its Thewa jewellery, which is often worn as a statement piece.

4. Silver Jewellery: Udaipur is known for its silver jewellery, which is crafted using traditional techniques and features intricate designs and patterns.

5. Polki Jewellery: Polki is an uncut diamond used to create jewellery that originated in Rajasthan. Udaipur is known for its Polki jewellery, which is often set in gold and features intricate designs and patterns.

Overall, Udaipur’s jewellery is a reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

Udaipur is also famous for its colorful markets, where you can buy beautiful handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery. The Hathi Pol Bazaar and Bada Bazaar are two popular markets in Udaipur where you can shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Cooking and cuisine of Udaipur

When it comes to food, Udaipur offers a variety of delicious Rajasthani dishes, including dal-bati-churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas. Here are some of the most popular foods you should try during your Udaipur tour:

1. Dal Bati Churma: This is a signature dish of Rajasthan and consists of lentil soup, baked wheat dumplings (bati), and coarsely ground wheat flour sweetened with jaggery (churma). It is a hearty and filling meal, often served with ghee (clarified butter) and pickles.

2. Laal Maas: This is a spicy mutton curry made with a combination of fiery red chilies and aromatic spices. It is a staple in the Rajasthani non-vegetarian cuisine and is best enjoyed with bajra roti (pearl millet flatbread).

3. Gatte Ki Sabzi: This is a vegetarian curry made with gram flour (besan) dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt-based gravy. It is a specialty of Rajasthan and is often served with steamed rice or roti.

4. Kachori: This is a deep-fried savory pastry filled with spiced lentils, onions, and potatoes. It is a popular snack and breakfast item in Udaipur and can be found in most street food stalls and local shops.

5. Mirchi Bada: This is a spicy snack made with green chili peppers dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is a popular street food in Udaipur and is often served with tangy tamarind or mint chutney.

6. Mawa Kachori: This is a sweet pastry filled with a rich mixture of mawa (dried milk solids), nuts, and spices, and is often served as a dessert. It is a popular delicacy in Udaipur and can be found in most sweet shops and local markets.

7. Lassi: This is a popular yogurt-based drink that is sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. It is a refreshing drink and is often served with meals or as a standalone beverage.

Overall, Udaipur offers a wide variety of delicious and flavorful food, ranging from spicy curries to sweet desserts, and is a paradise for food lovers.

Must read – Embrace Adventure and Freedom: The Joys of Traveling Solo

Udaipur is also known for its hospitality industry, with many luxurious hotels and resorts overlooking the lakes and hills. Overall, Udaipur is a city with a rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rajasthan or India.