Timeless Udaipur: Ankit’s Family Exploration of the City of Lakes
The moment we arrived in Udaipur, my parents were already in awe. I had arranged for us to stay in a beautiful lakeside property, with a view that took everyone’s breath away.
As we walked into the room, my mom gasped. The room had a balcony overlooking Lake Pichola, from where we enjoyed the sunset later that day.
My dad, always the practical one, turned to me with a raised eyebrow and asked, “How did you manage all this?” I just smiled, watching their reactions, feeling a mix of excitement and relief.
I had been planning this anniversary trip for months, and now, seeing them so happy, it felt like all the effort had been worth it. My mom immediately started snapping pictures, while my dad suggested we take a moment to sit and watch the stunning views together. That’s when I realised— this trip was going to be one for the books!
The Majestic City Palace!
Our first full day in Udaipur was dedicated to exploring the iconic landmarks of the city.
We started with the City Palace, which is just as magnificent as you’ve heard. The intricate carvings, the stunning courtyards, and the panoramic view of the city from the palace’s balconies were breathtaking.
My mom, who loves history, was busy soaking in every detail, while my dad and I had fun trying to guess how many rooms the palace actually had— there were so many!
After wandering through the palace for hours, we decided to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. As we glided across the water, with the City Palace towering above us, it felt like we had stepped into a dream. The cool breeze, the peaceful lake, and the sight of the Jag Mandir island in the distance made for an unforgettable experience.
My parents were lost in the beauty of it all, and I could see the joy in their eyes.
From Palaces to Lakes!
The next day we explored other popular attractions of the city like the Sajjangarh Palace. Situated on a hilltop, the palace offers a panoramic view of the surrounding lakes and the Aravalli Range. The drive up was a little bumpy, but the sight from the top made it all worth it.
My mom was already planning to come back during the monsoon season, and my dad suggested we take a family photo against the backdrop of the setting sun. We spent the evening just sitting there, watching the sky change colours, and talking about everything and nothing. It was one of those moments where time seems to stand still, and all you can do is appreciate the present.
Later in the day, we visited Fateh Sagar Lake and Manshapuran Karni Mata. The boat ride on Fateh Sagar Lake was peaceful, and we even spotted a few birds soaring above us. As we made our way to Karni Mata Temple, we took the ropeway ride, which gave us an incredible view of the city below.
Rajasthani Delicacies are a hit!
Now, let me tell you about the food in Udaipur. If you’re a foodie like me, you’re in for a treat.
The local cuisine is a delightful mix of flavours, and every meal felt like an adventure. We tried Dal Baati Churma, a traditional Rajasthani dish that was rich, hearty, and perfect for the cool evenings. We also sampled Gatte ki Sabzi, which was a new experience for me— spicy, tangy, and absolutely delicious.
One evening, we went to a local restaurant that offered a beautiful rooftop view of the city. The thali we had there was like a mini feast. It included everything from spicy curries to sweet desserts, and my mom was so impressed by the variety. We also made sure to try the famous Udaipur street food— pani puri and kachori. The pani puri was tangy and spicy, and I couldn’t stop myself from going back for more. I still think about that kachori to this day, it was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with a savoury mixture of spices.
Celebrating Silver Jubilee
It was the evening of my parents' anniversary, and I had planned something truly special for them. We arrived at a lakeside restaurant, and as soon as we stepped in, my parents were completely taken aback.
The entire place was glowing with soft candlelight, and the table was set just by the water, with the gentle sound of the lake adding to the serene atmosphere.
My mom was in utter surprise, and my dad, who usually keeps his emotions in check, couldn’t stop smiling. “You really outdid yourself this time,” he said, clearly impressed. As we sat down, the waiter brought out a beautiful cake, and my mom, trying to hold back her tears, whispered, “This is perfect.”
We spent the evening chatting and laughing, with my dad telling us how he had once tried to surprise my mom on their anniversary but ended up burning the dinner. We all burst into laughter, and it felt like time had slowed down— just us, enjoying the moment.
As we packed our bags and prepared to leave Udaipur, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. My parents had enjoyed every moment, and I had made memories with them that would last a lifetime.
On our way back home, we couldn’t stop talking about the trip— what we had seen, what we had eaten, and the moments we had shared. I think we all agreed that Udaipur had become one of our favourite places, and I couldn’t wait to visit again someday.
Thank you, Udaipur, for making my parents’ anniversary so memorable, and thank you to Thrillophilia for helping me plan such a beautiful trip. Also – Thank you, Thrillophilia!
Read More: Thrillophilia Udaipur Reviews