Udaipur has great potential – with two lakes in the middle of town that almost looks picture perfect. Some day, when the Indians decide they want to clean up the lakes, it’s going to be a great city to live in.
But right now, hate to spoil it to you, there are some serious problems with the lake water, something that has sadly proven an issue all over India. What’s most shocking, or sad, is seeing the locals do everything with that water, from washing clothes to bathing and the occasional teeth brushing. It made me want to throw up.
The evening before we walked around the old town and had ourselves a relaxing dinner overlooking the lake. The Udaipur old city has charming alleys and temples and being quite small, it’s a pleasure to explore by foot.
We started our day from the Udaipur City Palace. Another City Palace, but this one was slightly nicer than Jaipur’s.
And then we went down to the palace’s peer and took the tourist favorite Udaipur lake tour.
Coming back to the city, we rested in coffee places till is was time to head out, and before leaving town to go to the airport, we made a stop to the Udaipur Sahleion Ki Bari gardens, which also serve as a science exploration center for the relatively poor.
And then, an exhausting trip to the Airport to hopefully go and warm up at southern India, where my dad was planing to visit a conference.
Fili, I’ve enjoyed reading about your trip to India, particularly because you’re very honest about your impressions of the place. India is NOT an easy place to travel and much about it is disturbing. Most travelers don’t touch upon those disturbing aspects about it. Reading your blog has reminded me that going to India one time is enough! (Although I do have a desire to see Kerala, so I’m looking forward to reading your upcoming experiences in the South – is Kerala on your itenerary?)
Amy – thanks, that’s nice to hear.
Yep, I’d have to say – I wouldn’t recommend India to the average tourist. Compared to other places in Asia I’ve been to (Thailand, Vietnam etc.) it’s relatively difficult to travel in and not that tourist (/human) friendly. It was an interesting cultural tour, I had some good times there, but unlike some of my friends who fell in love – I’m not looking forward to going back there. Thailand, Vietnam, especially Taiwan and the rest of East-Asia, though, I can’t get enough of.
Agreed about that (loving other Asian countries). I’m very curious about East Asia and plan to visit some of those countries one day, which is one reason I read your blog regularly. We just went to a Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday (see my blog for photos). One of the great things about where I live is the rich Asian cultural heritage here.
Amy – that’s nice to hear. Let me know if you and you guys ever come to this region.
If you plan using a trusted car and driver you will find inexpensive, better places
to stay and enjoy your trip. India isn’t your place. I’m going back a 5th time with
the same driver. It makes all the difference in how it colors your picture. That and lots of reading for understanding in between.
It’s horrible to hear about how a potentially beautiful area complete with 2 lakes can be horrific with the amount of waste that’s in it. I feel bad for those who have to use that product for cleaning clothes and personal hygiene. Despite that, the pictures that were posted here have majestic views of the building structures and nicely done landscaping. I have to admit, however, that there are problematic bodies of water right in the United States that need attention. For example just a little over 5 years ago there was a report from U.S. Water News that stated… Read more »