From Mumbai (which I will write about later) we fly to Udaipur. From here we start our journey across India in a rented car.
And the first state is Rajasthan.
The White City of Udaipur. According to an ancient legend, the site for the new capital was indicated to Udai Singh by one of the monks who often came to the hill
at Lake Pichola. On this hill, under the protection of the Aravali Range, the new city of Udaipur was founded.
Translated from Sanskrit, the name of the city means “City of the Rising Sun”.
For anyone who has read Kipling's book about Mowgli, the name Udaipur will seem very familiar, and for good reason, because this is the city in the book
is the birthplace of Bagheera, who was born in captivity in the Rajah's menagerie in Udaipur.
Jagdish Mandir (Jagannath Raya) Temple. Towering over a major intersection just north of the City Palace, the Jagdish Mandir Temple
is a hub of constant activity. It was built in 1652 and dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an aspect of Vishnu, its external
The walls and the high shikhara are decorated with rich carvings of Vishnu, scenes from the life of Krishna, and dancing nymphs.
For just 10 rupees, any local sadhu will get up from the floor, sit down and pose until you say enough.
In the ancient city bazaars of Bapu and Bara you can buy dolls, toys, fabrics, and jewelry.
The main architectural complex in Udaipur is the City Palace. Although it has a singular name, it is still a complex of
several palaces located on the shores of Lake Pichola. The construction of the complex began simultaneously with the construction and development of the city.
Lake Pichola is located in the centre of the city and on two islands of the lake are two palaces – Jagnivas and Jagmandir.
The Jagmandir Palace, with its magnificent park and marble rooms with mosaic decoration, was built in 1620. The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan once lived here on the island. The entrance to the palace is guarded by eight stone elephants.
Jagnivas, or the “Lake Palace,” should be familiar to all Bond 007 fans. The floating palace in the film “Octopussy” was filmed here. This building is actually over two hundred and sixty years old, built in 1746 on an island.
The material it is built from – cold white marble and mosaics – make it an instantly recognizable landmark of Rajasthan. Jagnivas is currently one of the most famous and most expensive hotels in India.
And in many Udaipur eateries they show Octopussy in the evenings.
The details of Indian architecture are certainly stunning.
Source: travel.ru
