Travel Tales of Udaipur

Travel Tales Of Udaipur

Our next and last resort we wished  to visit is Udaipur. The next morning we started with full enthusiasm as usual by road way. This time Sukhdev was not there another driver was replaced and his name was Vishnu. Though he was unfamiliar Ganesh took no time to converse with him.

    Our usual question was "How long does it take to get from Jaipur to Udaipur?"

'It's  nearly 412 km."

We did not break the long drive Hardly two days remained and we decided to spend it for sight-seeing in Udaipur.

   The road travel was excellent Punu was whistling a English song and my husband was murmuring his favorite hindi song. Anusha was listening  her lovely music. All were happy and the mood was one of merriment with laughter and joy. It took nearly 5 hours and journey was more interesting.

Finally we reached Udaipur and stayed in the hotel Le Roi that is situated in a city of artificial lakes and lavish palaces.
After lunch and a bit rest we went to explore the city.
 The main sight-seeing in Udaipur that we visited are City Palace, Jagnivas temple. Jagmandir and Karni Mata temple.

We were mesmerized to see the city palace-it's the true reflection of the grandeur of Rajastan. It belonged to the royal Mewar family. The guide gave us a brief description....

The City Palace Museam begins with the Rai Angan-Royal Courtyard-the very spot where Uday Singh met the sage who told him to build a city here. One end of the museam contains a long picture.  gallery with lots of  royal hunting scenes.


There is an armoury museam next to courtyard which has an ultimate collection of war protection wearables and war weapons.

We were fascinated by watching the royal dress . The guide told us if we liked it we could wear the dress which we want and take out photos. He took us to the next photo shop. We were very eager to  wear dress which we liked and came out with the camera man to pose and get our snaps.




 There were many other tourists who were exploring when they saw us they might have thought 'we were some typical specimen' and started clicking our photos 
"My goodness" we were shocked to see it and all tried to hide...We had hearty laugh when we had this thought later!!!

Lake Pichola is the gorgeous lake and it is one more identity of Udaipur. We took a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The lake has two famous island namely Jagnivas and Jagmandir and we visited the popular Jagmandir, the Palace.

Another most beautiful and peaceful sight seeing was a top-hill Hindu temple that Karni Mata temple. To reach this hill  temple we took a Rope way. It is an amazing experience for us. This temple is located on Machla Magra Hill. The hill is a landmark shaped like a fish and hence known as Machla Magra.

We took a ropeway bogie and sat in it .When it started moving on the rope upward from the base I was very much scared and even my husband Shivanand but Puneet encouraged us. Similarly Ganesh and Nayana sitting in the opposite seat were scared at first and Anusha supported them.

Then we pulled our courage and started looking on either sides enjoyed the beautiful view ..Rope way was adventurous.

 when we reached the top of the hill we were thrilled to see the beautiful sun-set. We were on the top most place - one side there is a shrine of Devi Karni Mata and another side we can have the beautiful view of the whole city Udaipur and its lakes. Dad couldn't climb the steps till upward  Punu was with him and we all climbed and took Darshana of  the stone idol of Devi  Mata.
 Then we came down a bit and joined Punu n Shivanand and enjoyed the beautiful sunset on one side and amazing view Picola lake with all the famous monuments and wonderful white Udaipur city.
We looked at the top spots of the city narrated by the binocular man and paid him charity. People were still going up and a few were on the roof top.
 While going down again we took a rope way bogie and this time we were not scared but happy to view the wonderful sight on either side.

                                   I felt Udaipur trip would never be complete unless we visit Karni Mata Hill temple.

                                                                                 Indu Naik

Stroll blissfully in Jaipur and around

Stroll blissfully in Jaipur and around

On the third day, in the mild summer morning we bid adieu to Agra and travelled further towards Jaipur. It was amazed road journey. As usual all sitting in the taxi-car and  Sukhdev drove the car sportively. All of our eyes glued to the scenic beauty on either sides of the road for a while.

"How long is the journey from Agrato Jaipur?"

My husband broke the silence.

"It's nearly three and half hours" said Sukhdev.

"What's the distance?" asked Ganesh swiftly

"240 kms approximately "Sukhdev responded

"Then better to play antakshari"  I said in a low voice that no one heard it and I was sure no one show interest for they're busy with their mobile and iPhone.

  I turned my eyes towards outside scenic beauty once again.

 Ganesh asked Sukhdev

 " Is there anything special we should stop off  and see on our drive from Agra to Jaipur?"

"near Ranthambore we can go on a tiger safari but we have to spend one night there"

 

 "What else can we see?"

"Bird park in Bharatpur and Abhaneri Step well -but we need one or two more days for that"... thus a joyous conversation went on among them in an amusing manner.

After an hour or so Sukhdev stopped car nearby a restaurant. After having some eatebles once again we continued our journey .

We wished to know the reason why Jaipur is called a Pink City for that the driver gave a brief description...
   
   When the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour in 1876,  Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the

whole city pink in color to welcome the guest since pink denotes the color of hospitality and hence the name.....

"Oh"    all of us surprised and applauded his strong memory.
  The mix old buildings painted in pink color and a jumble of criss - crossing alleys began to appear

Punu and Anusha screamed with delight. 

'Yes we're coming nearer to Jaipur!" 
I exclaimed.

The road lead straight to the heart of the town and we reached the hotel Fortune on time for Jaipur style lunch.
"Dad what you want to have for lunch?"
-asked Punu.
"Is there non-veg available?"
'Jaipur is foodies paradise, you get'

Punu asked the server
"what special food do we get here?"
"Dal bati churma laal maas and kachori"

We tasted all these traditional food of Jaipur and felt full kush.
It was evening time and we decided to explore Jaipur on foot. We visited bazaars renowned  for their textiles and Rajastani handicrafts.

             Next day after breakfast all of us headed out for sight-seeing in Jaipur-- City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and Amer Fort. A ticket of Rs. 200 is charged for each to visit this place. We took a guide.

He offered us a breath taking introduction of the City Palace. Mean time a vendor selling colorful turbans came to us. We all bought lovely turbans wearing on our heads- makng fun and laughing .. Punu Ganesh and Anusha clicked many photos and even the guide helped us to click some more.

 It was magnificent City Palace in the heart of pink city, originally built by Jai Singh in the year 1720s and still never lost its original pomp and splendor

 The royal family still occupies part of the Palace---

The guide went on explaining enthusiastically without any stop.

We entered through a modest gate on the eastern side of the Palace that led into the two main courtyards Museum's textile collections and the other side we saw Armoury, the finest collection in Rajastan, ..beautifully decorated weapons.

Amer Fort is another tourist attraction one should not miss it.
We were overjoyed when we saw the fort built in red sandstone and marble. It was beautiful on the inside we saw sheesh mahal,  Diwan-i-

Aamand such mahal which has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The guide showed us with utmost interest.








Elephant ride--One of the highlights of our visit is elephant ride which we did enthusiastically from up the hill to the main entrance.

                                                                          Puneet   and Anusha one by one mounted the elephant from front side catching its tusk and climbing over the trunk comfortably just like the style in movie Bahubali.
Ganesh and Nayana  mounted the elephant by climbing the steps.
I and my husband also followed the same procedure and mounted the elephant.  We were not scared as the driver was there with us.This experience is amazing and memorable.
We spent two days in Jaipur and felt it is super most place for tour.


                                                                                      Indu Naik

Hilarious Travelling towards Agra

Hilarious Travelling towards Agra

                                    Next day after break-fast we left New Delhi and started moving towards Agra. It was a road-journey. Being fresh and gay all looked hilarious as we were going to see Taj Mahal for the first time except Punu he had already seen it with his friends.

            Ganesh sitting in the front seat was speaking with Sukhdev who was driving the vehicle sportively ,trying to converse with him in Hindi.

Punu was listening songs from his mobile tucking hanging wires in his ears both sides, not heard of anything though called, next to him my husband was staring at him for a while and then started singing very softly some tune of old Hindi songs of Mukesh to himself.

In the last seat Anusha,  Nayana and me were sitting.Anchi was smiling watching pics in her mobile, Nayana and I were discussing  some matter exactly not known but it was heart-to-heart discussion!!!

 After a while, I was looking out of the window-glass and noticed the  region is wet, here and there water in pits on  either sides of road. Mostly it might have rained the previous night. so it is bit cool.

             Suddenly what Pooja had told me while packing my luggage flashed in my mind.

  "Mom, you take all light-dresses better cotton ones for the weather 'll be very hot in those places and wear sun-glasses to avoid the heat from scorching-sun".

    Of course normally it'll be very hot in these places but this time we were lucky enough the weather was pleasant and it was plus point we enjoyed more.

  Our cab was running smoothly on the Highway passed-on so many villages and cities...all were engaged in our activities.. finally Punu broke the silence " Mom pull the water-bottle from your hand-bag, I'm thirsty"

"O K"

 He quenched his thirst and others too.

"Oh! it started visible big buildings here, which city is ahead " Dad asked Punu.

 Yes dad, turning to Sukhdev which city is nearby?"

"One kilo meter away, if we take turn right-side, we can go to city Mathura" he said.

All uttered "Mathura"

"Pappa we will buy sweets" Anusha insisted.

"No it 'll be late to reach Agra" Ganesh warned.

"No mama, Mathura is famous for sweet we're hungry also let's buy some sweet" Punu too insisted.

Then we went in side the city and saw the board 'Mathura-Sweet' in a sweet-stall. Anusha and Punu brought different types of sweets.

The delicious smell of Mathura sweet was lip-smacking and all of us ate not only our tongue even our mind danced with joy.

By the time we reached Agra it was three at noon. Punu straightaway took us to the luxurious hotel 'The Taj' -five star hotel.

We were stupefied when we entered the hotel. It was extremely good.




We didn't spend much time to be fresh and went to the food-court to eat lunch It was Chinese only girls were there to serve us.




We ordered biryani as no other substitute was there and didn't pay much attention  to our food for all
were very anxious to go to see Taj Mahal.

After resting for a while, we headed out to see Taj Mahal, one of Agra's most popular tourists' attractions.

Punu told us to stand little far awa

y facing Taj Mahal with closed eyes and after a while told us to open slowly our eyes to see it.

                      WAH! what a beautiful monument! the glorious structure, built of white marble symbolizes purity, love and pain.
   At once struck in my mind the quotes of Rabindranath Tagore which I taught in some poetry class to my students...."The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended the cheek of time".....

"Many stories revolving around it"- the guide said.

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal whom he held precious. She was giving birth to the fourteenth child of the emperor and she died in the process. So Taj is built in dedication and homage.

We just kept our mouth-open in wonder when we heard it.
 Yes everyone recognizes Taj Mahal as one of the seven wonders of the world.
The guide showed us all the other attractions in the surroundings.  Ganesh mama clicked many photos.
   
  There were heavy rush people were moving in flock like flowing a river. Really Taj Mahal is not only a building but a complete experience.
 
                "I didn't get any opportunity to visit it when I wished in my young age but now I got the chance"
      said my husband with a sigh.
 Of course we dreamt and planned many times to come here but in vain.
    
       "Dreams have no age-limit, no expirations, with age comes wisdom, experiences and clarity. Go for your dream even when you think it is too late"
     I quoted the sayings positively and dramatically- we both had hearty laugh.
       
           It was evening time - getting dark Taj Mahal looked marvelous No one is ready to leave the place. 

Punu and Anusha once again went back to click more photos but with in no time they reluctantly came back as Mama called them.


       The other attractions we saw in Agra were- -       

         Red Fort-it is about 2.5 km northwest of Taj Mahal.
             Sheesh Mahal-glass palace- it was royal dressing room adorned by tiny mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.. the guide showed us.

Fatehpur Sikri-a town in Agra district. There are majestic buildings built by Akbar.
        
Buland Darwaz-Akbar built to commemorate his victory over Gujarat-its total height is 54 meters.
    
    

Akbar's Tomb-located in Sikandra in the suburb of Agra on the Mathura road. N.H.2  The driver Sukhadev was kind enough to take us to this place though it was in different route.


Visiting Taj Mahal was our right choice it was not only sentimental but a complete experience.
                                                      

                                                                                 Indu Naik

Family Tour ..happiness over-loaded

Family Tour.. happiness over-loaded

I was much excited when I boarded the flight to New Delhi from Goa with my son Puneet and my husband Shivanand.

This time the reason for my un controlled excitement is that my brother also joined us with his family for the first time, flew in the air sitting in the priority seat, one side we three and in the same row other side my brother Ganesh his wife Nayana and his lovely daughter Anusha.

I could make out from all their faces that they're happy about it . Dad asked, " Why is airplane window round in shape?"

"It is round and  it has a tiny hole in it, it keeps window fog free"  Puneet responded in a simpler way.
"Yes it regulates the pressure within and outside the plane" he  added more. We nod our head as if we understood everything!!

My husband sat by the window seat coolly observing the outside scenery-the extra ordinary things pass across icy peaks, shiny ocean, mountains, laps of  clouds, and other aircraft - it was heavenly feeling!!

For a few moments I sat and lost in my thought .. when Puneet came to us from Netherlands on leave with in no time how quickly  he decided with his Mama Ganesh eight days tour to New Delhi, Agra Jaipur and Udaypur.

I doubted it would be a flop for hardly two weeks remained for him to go back to Netherlands and before that he was supposed to complete this tour.

Thank God! how quickly he arranged it  through Make-my Trip package!!!  As Pooja says 'Puneet is like that- once decided he won't be back'. Poor thing she and Rahul were not with us this time for they didn't have sufficient leave but wished us to enjoy the tour at the most.

My thought had a break when the air-stewardess came to our seat with moving trolley serving us food like light snacks with bread and cheese and beverages.
I looked at the other side. Ganesh and Nayana were looking through the window pane as if watching suspense movie!!!
My husband glued to the window seat, not aware of anything just enjoying the beauty scene from the flight.
I just pushed him back with my head and peeped through the window-pane. . each time there are new changes-the light is different sometimes pale sometimes bright . The clouds cast shadows on the sea. The lakes reveal rainbow hues. It is thrilling to see the edge of space that is the curved horizon beyond the sea. Nature shines and cities feel colossal!!  Yeah now  I came to know why Puneet always ask for a window seat while travelling in flight.

 We reached  New Delhi within two hours and from the Delhi Air-port we travelled in the cab to the luxurious hotel the Park. From there we began our day- through out - sight-seeing- visited the most beautiful places - India Gate, a beautiful stone archway  Red Fort, a famous tourist place, Qutub Minar -73 meter high tower built in 1193, Jantar-Mantar located in modern city in New Delhi consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments and Lotus Temple a prominent attraction and notable for its lotus flower shaping. Puneet clicked a lot of pics in his Cam  and  Ganesh  with his iPhone .  Eating in posh hotel, strolling on foot-path, moving in park,  boating- rafting in lake were other pass times and had a lot of fun and amusement. 

It was a  hassle- free journey convenient and easier for us as the cab driver Sukhdev was  good and friendly with all of us, called me 'Mathaji' every time helping us in need and became a good friend of my husband , accompanied him when he took rest instead of moving with us. 

In between Ganesh mama's jokes kept us lively and enthusiastic. We were not tired as it was
well planned  by Punu.

The first day of our tour was joyous!!!


                            Indu Naik

World Laughter Day

       World Laughter Day

I learnt that the first Sunday of May is World Laughter Day. It was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga Moment. It is look joyful and feel joyful precept.

But now it has expanded to include world peace and raising awareness of a global brotherhood and friendship through laughter.

We experience a flash of happiness when locked in a hug and when laughing out aloud.

Research shows that while children laugh upto400 times a day and do it only 17 times a day on average.

We should surround ourselves with positive people, people with a well developed sense of humor.  We need to indulge our funny bone by watching the funnies on T V, on You Tube Oscar Wild, Woody Allen. 

When others burst out laughing we need to let our inhibitions go and join them. Most importantly we need to upgrade our capacity for happiness, joy and sense of humor.

Laugh aloud and let lose your anger.

                 

                                 Indu Naik

On the way to Koppa

  On the way to Koppa  

  

Last month I had been to Koppa with my husband accompanied by a few close relatives of mine to attend a religious function in my relative's residence. It was a long road-journey- to while away the time, visited a few delightful places nearby. I was very much attracted by two spots  in the outskirts of Shivamogga. One is Tavarekoppa Lion Tiger Safari that is about 10kms. away from Shivamogga. It is open zoo where safaris are conducted for the tourists by the forest department.

My brother took ticket for all of us and we went in the guided vehicle  for safari. There were many others in that vehicle and all of us were very eager to see especially lions and tigers there. The guide enthusiastically gave details about the wild beings pointing towards lions and tigers that are seen there. Tigers and lions by name Vijay Dashami and Arya are very cute and lovely.

 We had a very close look at the tigers and lions . Some are kept in separate enclosures and a few were roaming alone in the large open place meant for it. These animals seem tamed. When the guide shouted at one big lion sitting there ' get up and go' at once the lion got up and started walking back majestically. We saw variety of animals and birds like Emu, Ostrich, Pythons and different colorful birds.

There is a beautiful children's park with lots of slides, swings and no. of sea-saw, We all enjoyed a lot but I felt it's the best place for kids.

The other delightful place that gave us immense pleasure is Sakrebailu Elephant Camp.
It's a nice place.

                 We can watch a lot of elephants at a time. Thrilled to see the care-takers feeding them and bathing the elephants in the backwater is just rejoicing!! Guides are kind enough to give details abt the elephants like how they're fed, bathed and tamed also.

We can watch them within scheduled time between 8.30 am  to11 am.

With a very close distance watching the elephants when they're bathed in backwater of river Tunga is amazing. We elders felt our joy knew no bounds. Then whatabout the  little ones. They certainly enjoy it!!

   

                                                                      

These places are best for a day's picnic.

             Indu Naik