Monday, April 27, 2009

Udaipur, City of Lakes

After lunch at Kumbhalgarh we proceeded towards our journey to Udaipur. We reached our destination in the evening and rested for the day. Next day morning we started the tour of the city.

Now for brief history about this beautiful place. This place was ruled by Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. As per the legend associated with birth of the city, while Maharana Udai Singh was hunting, he meta holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. He blessed and advised Maharana to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude. The King followed his advice and the city was founded in 1559 A.D.

The most important tourist attractions here are:


The City Palace


Palace complex is actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas. Still the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. 

The entry to the palace is from Northern end. The gates that lead into the palace are Baripol of 1600 and the Tripolia Gate of 1725. This gate is carved with eight marble arches.

The entry ticket price to the palace more when compared to any other forts or palaces in Rajasthan. But it is worth as one can witness such beautiful architecture. the Photography is not permitted in Krishna Vilas.

Next we shall see other attractions of the city such as temples and park.


P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.

Monday, April 20, 2009

By Train to Mangalore

From Bangalore by train to Mangalore is at a distance of approximately 350kms.

The train route is a very scenic one. For the nature lovers it offers a 55km stretch of Western Ghats on one side and valley on the another side. The train passes over 90 major bridges and through 57 tunnels. Ironically the train starts from Bangalore around 7:45 p.m and one will not witness much of this beauty.

But still I could get glimpse of what I had missed on this scenic route.

As Mangalore station was approaching, I could see large number of white spots on a big tree. But as the train approached closer, I could make out that they were white cranes that are sitting on the trees.

It would have been great if the train had operated in the day time so we could enjoy the beauty of nature.