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Udaipur’s Many Highlights

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View of the City Palace, during a Boat Ride at Sunset, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan

With its stunning lake view, its magnificent temples, its Havelis and palaces turned into museums or hotels and Rajasthan’s largest palace, it made Udaipur to one of our favorite places in Rajasthan. The stunning view of Lake Pichola is what really got us hooked. It made such an impression on us when we stepped onto the terrace of our hotel! We simply held our breath. But there is a lot more to Udaipur…

 

 

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Jaipur – The Jewels of The Pink City

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Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds”, Jaipur, Rajasthan

At first sight a chaotic, congested, hot city, but Jaipur abounds with highlights and is definitely worth spending several days to somewhat scratch below the surface. The good news, if you have enough time to explore more of the city than just the Amber Fort, the City Palace and Palace of the Winds (visited by groups in this very order), you will meet very few tourists.

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Travel Guide To South Rajasthan

Taragarh Fort, Bundi, Rajasthan, India

Taragarh Fort, Bundi, Rajasthan, India

In April 2012 we had our first brush with India, to be precise Eastern Rajasthan. For eleven days we gazed at the most incredible Moghul architecture in Agra and Jaipur. We also threw in a bit of wildlife by visiting Ranthambhore National Park. When we returned in March 2013, we headed for the Southwest of Rajasthan for twelve days, to marvel at these impressive forts & palaces in Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, Bundi, Chittorgarh and last but not least Pushkar & Ajmer. Delhi was our hub during both trips. Continue Reading →

Southwest Rajasthan – Budget

In the streets of Bundi, Rajasthan, India

In the streets of Bundi, Rajasthan, India

Like on our first trip to Rajasthan in 2012, we opted against travelling low budget. Instead we chose “mid-range” hotels and restaurants. This trip could definitely be done a lot cheaper than spending 40 Euros per person per day (which does not include the international flight nor the visa fees), but allowed us to enjoy some incredible comfort. Continue Reading →

Havelis As A Great Lodging Option

Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Travelling with a teenager for the first time ever, we figured that taking chances with accommodation was not a wise thing to do. So a bit more comfort than usually was planned. Another first timer was that we used TripAdvisor for all four locations. And they did not let us down. Continue Reading →

Sufi Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti

Staring us down at the shrine of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti

Dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-in Christi, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

Dargah of Khwaja Muin-ud-in Christi, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

The TukTuk dropped us in a maze of small, busy lanes, which opened into a wide street packed with people. But bang – without any traffic! It came almost as a shock. None of the screeching and honking that seems inseparable with motorized vehicles in India. Why? We could only guess. Most likely a precaution after a bomb went off near the shrine in 2007. Continue Reading →

Ajmer From Different Angles

Nasiyan Red Temple, a stunning Jain Temple, Ajmer, Rajasthan, india

Nasiyan Red Temple, a stunning Jain Temple, Ajmer, Rajasthan, india

On our very last day in Rajasthan, we got a good dose of sacred places. Gilles insisted on visiting the Dargah (shrine) of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti in Ajmer. It made sense, since this is where we boarded our night train to Delhi that night. Continue Reading →

Money-Driven Pushkar

Women at the market in the streets of Pushkar, Rajsthan, India

Women at the market in the streets of Pushkar, Rajsthan, India

With high hopes we met Mr. Sharma again: the descendent of one of Pushkar’s oldest religious family was to enlighten us about temples and the holy lake. But what a difference to the walking tour the previous day! Mr. Sharma’s narrations were tedious and above all, hardly intelligible. Poor Kelly suffered thorough all this without complaining once. Continue Reading →

Rural Pushkar

Common Langur or Hanuman Monkey (Semnopithecus Entellus) around Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Common Langur or Hanuman Monkey (Semnopithecus Entellus) around Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Pushkar has changed, Mr. Sharma explained. And he should know, a 5th generation descendant of a Brahman family. Now his family lives next door to the Seventh Heaven Hotel and advertises their services there: walks around Pushkar, Henna Painting, Indian meals… Continue Reading →

Pushkar – The Holy Cash Cow

52 bathing Ghats surround Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

52 bathing Ghats surround Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Over three thousand (3.000!) pilgrims arrive daily in tiny Pushkar, Hindi from all over India and even abroad. They come for one reason – to leave money with the countless priests and temples. Even the most devout Hindi commits the odd sin that hurts his karma… A pilgrimage to Pushkar and a pile of money can undo that. Continue Reading →