Days 14-16: 6th-8th March

Journey to Udaipur City within Nathu Ram Ji's comfortable coach. 

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Arrival in Udaipur - ​The Venice of the East! 

 

​​​​​​Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it is set around a series of lakes and is renowned for its opulent royal residences. The City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex consisting of 11 palaces, courtyards, and gardens, celebrated for its intricate peacock mosaics.

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Udaipur possesses a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all of India. The tag of 'the most romantic spot on the continent of India' was first applied in 1829 by Colonel James Tod, the East India Company’s first political agent in the region. Nestled beside the tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction, the city boasts fantastical palaces, temples, Havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences), and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets that add a human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. For visitors, there's the serenity of boat rides on the lakes, the bustling and colourful shopping bazaars, a lively arts scene, the quaint old-world feel of its heritage hotels, tempting crafts, clothes, wares, and some lovely countryside.

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Shopping in the Old City

​Renowned for its traditional clothing, Udaipur's markets offers a variety of garments, including batik and bandhani print sarees, known for their vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Every corner of Udaipur reflects its rich ethnic heritage, making it a colourful paradise for shoppers.

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A dream destination for tourists, Udaipur is filled with palaces, water reservoirs, and temples. It is also a major hub for traditional decor, paintings, accessories, and clothes. Shopping in Udaipur provides a wonderful array of keepsakes to take home.

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The City Palace Museum ​

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Udaipur, often hailed as one of the most romantic cities in India. Spend your morning serenely discovering the intricate passageways of The City Palace Museum in Udaipur, situated within the historic 450-year-old Palace, once the royal residence of the rulers of Mewar.

 

In 1969, Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Mewar (r. 1955-1984 CE) played a pivotal role in officially declaring it open to the public. The Mardana Mahal and Zenana Mahal of The City Palace, Udaipur were entrusted to the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), a trust established by Maharana Bhagwat Singh himself. He also generously endowed the cause with a substantial contribution, giving rise to The City Palace Museum, Udaipur. Over the past fifty years, the museum has flourished and consistently attracts a growing number of visitors from around the world.

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Bagore Ki Haveli Museum 

​Bagore Ki Haveli is one of Udaipur's notable attractions, standing proudly on the waterfront of the picturesque Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Built in the 18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, the then Prime Minister of the Mewar kingdom, this haveli has been meticulously restored over time and now serves as a museum.

 

The Bagore Ki Haveli museum is divided into five sections: The Puppet Museum, the Main Haveli, the Turban Museum, the Weapon Museum, and the Wedding Depiction Section.

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One of the main highlights of Bagore Ki Haveli is the Dharohar Dance Show, held in the evenings. This show takes place in the charming courtyard known as Neem Chowk. The beautifully illuminated balconies of Neem Chowk add to the Haveli’s enchanting atmosphere, providing a perfect backdrop for the traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music. Seating for the show is arranged on the floor around the stage, with large mattresses placed on three sides of the courtyard to ensure an excellent view of the performances.

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​​​​Lake Pichola boat ride 

​​For a scenic experience, we have previously arranged private boat rides around the lake. It’s an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of Udaipur.

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The Jagdish Temple ​

Situated in the heart of Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple is a major tourist attraction in the Old City. Located just 150 meters from the City Palace’s Bara Pol, the temple was built in 1651 during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur from 1628 to 1653. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Jagdish Temple is an iconic example of Maru-Gurjara architecture from that era.

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The temple was constructed at a cost of 1.5 million rupees, a significant sum invested by Maharana Jagat Singh to enhance its structure. Unfortunately, during a Mughal invasion, many of the temple’s figurines and carvings were damaged. This act of vandalism was part of the Mughals' retaliation against the Rajput rulers.

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According to local legends, the marble slab within the Jagdish Temple is believed to have healing powers. It is said that rubbing your shoulder, knees, or back on the marble can provide quick relief from pain. While some may find this hard to believe, the deeply held religious beliefs associated with this practice remain an integral part of the temple’s charm. The Jagdish Temple is a very famous Hindu temple situated in the middle of Udaipur. This major attraction is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. 

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Udaipur at Night 6pm performance in The Old City

​Situated gracefully on the shores of the enchanting Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is a renowned destination in Udaipur. Constructed in the 18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, who served as the Prime Minister of the Mewar kingdom at that time, this haveli has undergone meticulous restoration and transformation into a museum.

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This evening, Bagore ki Haveli offers a captivating experience with its main attraction, the Dharohar Dance Show, commencing around 7 pm. Held in the picturesque courtyard known as Neem Chowk, the hour-long show is illuminated by the beautifully lit balconies, setting the stage for traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music.

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Audience members are seated on the floor around the stage, with large mattresses arranged on three sides of the terrace to provide an optimal view of the dance performances.

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The Dharohar Dance Show is meticulously organized, beginning with a brief introduction by a Rajasthani woman dressed in traditional attire. The performances start with the rhythmic beating of a drum, the resonant blow of a conch shell, and a soulful religious song.

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Choreographed dances are accompanied by skilled musicians playing the tabla and harmonium. The female dancers, adorned in vibrant Rajasthani folk costumes embellished with glasswork and embroidery, present various captivating performances.

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The first dance, known as Chari Dance, features performers skillfully balancing lit brass pots on their heads. The subsequent Terha Taal Dance showcases dancers playing 13 manjiras (bells) tied to their hands and legs with perfect coordination, holding a knife in their mouths while balancing brass pots on their heads.

The Gorbandh Dance follows, where dancers adorned with camel ornaments dance with abandon, twirling at high speeds. Taking a break from the dance sequences, the Rajasthani Puppet show brings comical skits with puppets, delighting the younger audience members.

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The Ghumar Dance, a high-class performance, features rhythmic circle dances synchronized with accompanying music. The grand finale, Bhavani dance, involves performers dancing with earthen pots on their heads, showcasing incredible skill and artistry, including balancing up to 13 pots while standing on broken glass.

The Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore-ki-Haveli is a vibrant and colorful presentation that brings the traditions and culture of Rajasthani folklore to life in an engaging manner. The performers' skills and artistry are truly admirable, making this a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful Haveli.​​​​

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​Accommodation: Historic Haveli​​​