Tadoba - Face to face with the Big Cat (Day 1)

If someone asks me which is my favourite animal, I would say without thinking that it is the Tiger. The majestic walk, the beautiful skin with reddish orange furs, the roars - all just adds to the beauty of this animal. I am almost the foremost champion of the "Protect our Tigers" campaign - I have mouse-pad with its picture, T-shirts printed, badges, etc of these beautiful animals. Born free is still my favourite movie and the first poster that I ever pinned on my bedroom wall was that of a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Obviously, the longing to see one in the wild, was a passion that I cultivated from my childhood. I had been to wildlife safaris in Bandipur, Kanha, Panna and other places wanting to see a tiger, however, my favourite animal had always been elusive to me. So, when the opportunity came to visit Tadoba with TCPC (Twin Cities Photography Club), I had agreed only due to the opportunity of visiting another wildlife sanctuary and secretly hoping, maybe I would be lucky to catch a glimpse this time. However, what happened in reality is something beyond my wildest dreams!!

The TCPC group started from Secunderabad on the hot summer day of April 26th. As usual, time just flew in train with every member of the group narrating stories of their wildlife adventures, showing off their cameras with the big lenses and the announcement of a reward for the best photograph during the tour. We reached Chandrapur (which is approx 40 km from the reserve) early morning and took a cab to reach Tadoba Tiger Resort - our hotel for the next 2 days. It is a simple hotel with air conditioned rooms, home cooked meals and courteous staff, and most of all it is just a few meters away from the Moharli Gate. 

Let me first give you a brief history about this place. Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra. In fact, the Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Santuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The park derives its name from "Taru" the local deity, whereas the Andhari river that meanders through the forest gives the sanctuary its name. The reserve has three zones -- Moharli, Tadoba, and Kolsa -- with numerous entry gates. There are about 43 Tigers (2010 National Census on Tigers) in the reserve, one of the highest in India. 

Since the safari start time has already passed, we quickly freshened up, had a light breakfast and headed for the buffer zone which leads to the Tadoba lake. We got up a watch tower and had an amazing view of the forest and plenty of birds and monkeys during this short trip.

View of the Tadoba Lake

After coming back to the hotel, we quickly showered, rested for a short while, had lunch and then got ready to start our first safari. We started our trip fromt he Moharli gate, in Moharli village which provides entry to the Moharli zone. It is the reserve's most commercial entrance point. We were accompanied by our forest department guide Mangesh. Our first glimpse was of a peacock who welcomed us by flying past the gate as soon as we entered. Within 15 minutes of our entering the forest, our guide drew our attention to the cub at the Telia Dam. I could not believe that I actually got to see a tiger, though, it was really small from the distance. I was speechless and was totally focused on capturing the moment with my camera. The cub remained submerged in water for sometime before deciding to take a stroll along the banks. Soon, it disappeared in the grassland and so the queue of vehicles decided to move forward only to find another cub dipping herself in the water. About 15 gypsies patiently waited one after another enjoying the sight of the beast. The experience was exhilarating. It was also fun watching tourists and photographers (with their big zoom lenses) watching in anticipation to see what the cub would do. Though it was really hot, none of us were actually taking our eyes from the majestic animal. 

After about an hour, enjoying its cool dip, the cub decided to get up, stretch itself and then decided to cross the bank. I was totally mesmerized by seeing my favourite animal so close. 

We ran out of water and decided to go to the gate to fill up our water bottles. During this trip, we got to see a wild boar, black drongo, magpie and other birds. On our return, we found the cub again resting on the bank. After about what seems to be an hour, she majestically got up and walked right in front of our vehicles back into the bushes, walking past the motorcycle of a forest guard who made way for her. Watching a tiger at such a close range is a life changing experience and you realize what a majestic creature a Tiger is and deserves to be called the King of Jungle.

The 1st day of our jungle safari came to an end with me watching my favourite beast not for a few minutes, but for a couple of hours. It was like watching your own National Geographic or Animal Planet show - one which I can never forget!!

We returned to our hotel by dusk, each one excitedly talking about our experiences and showing the photographs that we captured. Those who had seen a tiger earlier, also admitted that this is the first time, they have also seen the royal beast for such a long time. 

The Telia cubs had made our day and they would be edged in our memories permanently.

Ellora Caves - An Architectural Marvel

Today, I am going to write about another one of my dream trip - The Ellora Caves.

I had actually visited them, when I was 3, along with my parents but hardly remember anything. Then "Kailashe Kelenkari" happened and nothing attracts me better than a Feluda backdrop. It can be very safely said that I grew up with stories of the caves. So, when Rajani mentioned about planning a tour through GHAC, I actually started counting days. 

On January 25, 2013 along with Shyamala, Rajani, Nandita and other GHAC members we started our journey from Secunderabad station. One interesting point was that since Nandita's decision to join was last minute, she had a RAC ticket and we had to share a berth tightly packed. Though it was slightly uncomfortable, the cold weather made it easier and proves the point what are friends for :)

We reached Aurangabad early morning and checked into our hotel. After breakfast we did a little sight seeing of the city including Bibi ka Maqbara which is the duplicate Taj Mahal. In the lawn, we also met a group of girls from Sainik School who gave us a short demonstration of their skills and practice techniques. It was infectious to see these girls' energy and enthusiasm.

Don't mistake it for the Taj Mahal - it is Bibi ka Maqbara

Nandita & I with the girls from Sainik School

After lunch, we went straight to the Ellora Caves (29 km north-west of the city) as we needed enough time to explore these caves and knew that the gates will close by 5 pm. The sight that greeted me brought back memories of the Feluda movie and everything that I saw on TV till date. The only disappointing factor was the crowd of people thronging the area as it was a weekend and a very popular destination. It was difficult to capture photographs as you could only see black heads all around. 

There are 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, and were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View of the entrance to Cave 16

Caves 1 to 12 are the Buddhist caves which were built in between 5th and 7th centuries A.D. Caves 13 to 29 are the Hindu caves and were built between the mid of sixth century and the end of the eighth century. The Hindu caves occupy the center of the cave complex. Caves 30 to 34 are the Jain caves and their evolution belongs to the ninth and tenth centuries. The Jain caves resemble aspects of Jain philosophy and tradition reflecting a strict sense of asceticism accompanied with exceptional detailed artworks. Spectacular paintings are still visible on the ceilings of these caves.

Since, we didn't had enough time on hand to cover all the caves, we started with Cave 16, also known as the Kailash temple and is the unrivaled centerpiece of Ellora. This is designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva – looks like a freestanding, multi-storeyed temple complex, but it was carved out of one single rock. Within the courtyard are two structures. As is traditional in Shiva temples, an image of the sacred bull Nandi fronts the central temple housing the lingam. The Nandi Mandapa and main Shiva temple are each about 7 metres high, and built on two storeys. The lower stories of the Nandi Mandapa are both solid structures, decorated with elaborate illustrative carvings. The base of the temple has been carved to suggest that elephants are holding the structure aloft. The temple itself is a tall pyramidic structure reminiscent of a South Indian temple. There are two Dhwajasthambha (pillars with flagstaff) in the courtyard. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, with his full might is a landmark in Indian art.

The Kailash Temple - Cave 16

Sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailash

The exquisite work throughout the temple complex left us speechless and I could not stop myself clicking. It is really amazing how people in those days could carve such beautiful sculptures only with the help of chisel in absence of heavy machines like today. These caves can capture your entire day even if you are not a student of history or archaeology. 

Next we went to Cave 10 which is a Buddhist cave known as The Vishwakarma. At the front is a rock-cut court, which is entered through a flight of steps. The main hall, with its impressive colonnade, is focused upon a huge teaching Buddha, seated in the bhadrasana pose on a lion throne. A large Bodhi tree is carved at the back. The hall has a vaulted roof in which ribs have been carved in the rock imitating the wooden ones. The main image is flanked by standing attendant bodhisattvas: Avalokitesvara (with his long-stemmed lotus and what may be a ruined Amitabha in his jata headdress) to the left and Manjusri (a stupa in his crown) to the right.

Entrance to Cave 10

The detail of each carving and the massive statue really leaves you spellbound and you keep wondering about the talent and level of craftsmanship in those days which is unparalleled even today.

We next went to Cave 12 which is locally known as Tin-tal. The eastern wall contains a seated Buddha in bhumisparsa mudra along with two standing figures of Buddha in varada mudra behind. At the center of the transverse hall supported by simple square pillars is a special pillared vestibule leading to the main shrine. The walls of the vestibule each have a cell containing Buddha in the dhyana mudra. 

This place is a photographer's paradise and we regretted that we had so little time to enjoy the beauty of all of the caves. You can spend an entire day, yet not be satisfied. 

As it was soon going to be closing time, we decided to miss the remaining caves and headed towards Cave 29 or Dhumar Lena which is a large Brahmanical cave with a gallery that overlooks "Sita ki Nahani" a monsoon (seasonal) waterfall and the pond formed by it. There are two ways to reach this cave and we took the road from the Kailasa to the Jaina caves.

This is the largest Brahmanical cave. Two large lions with small elephants under their paws guard the steps which lead to the hall from three sides. The hall is in the form of a cross, the roof supported by 26 massive pillars. There are large sculptures in the front aisles on three sides. In the west aisle, on the south end we find Ravana lifting the Kailas mountain. In the north end, we find Bhairava with two victims. In the west end Siva and Parvati are playing the dice game, Vishnu and Brahma standing on either side. 

 An interesting feature of this cave is that it lets in light from three directions making it rather better lit than most of the other caves. The setting sun's light on the Dwarapalas flanking the main shrine was beauitful to watch.

Soon it was time for us to leave. The beauty of this architectural marvel is permanently edged in our memories. I definitely would like to come back once more and spend an entire day here. Though we have seen the main caves, it has only increased my desire to see the remaining ones. Celebrating Republic Day in one of India's finest places was actually fulfilling for all of us and gave us the true pride for being an Indian!!

Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. It can be safely said that Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. 

If you wish to travel, you can stay at Hotel Kailas that directly faces the caves and is at a stone's throw away. I would definitely like to try that next time I visit. For a virtual tour of the caves, you can also visit http://elloracaves.org/about.php

Bijapur - Tales of a bygone era

Bijapur is a name that most travel enthusiast is aware of. For those who do not know, a little background - Dusty Bijapur tells a glorious tale dating back some 600 years. Blessed with a heap of mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications, it was the capital of the Adil Shahi kings from 1489 to 1686, and one of the five splinter states formed after the Islamic Bahmani kingdom broke up in 1482. Despite its strong Islamic character, Bijapur is also the centre for the Lingayat brand of Shaivism, which emphasizes a single personalized god. The Lingayat Siddeshwara Festival runs for eight days in January/February

When GHAC (my favourite travel group) came up with a day tour of Bijapur, I jumped at the opportunity to visit. On Mar 16, along with my fellow travellers (Organizer - Rajani, Sonali, Ankit, Sarvanan and Rajesh) we boarded a bus from the MGBS Bus Stand to start our journey to this historical place. The journey was uneventful - the only thing worth mentioning is the delicious dinner that we had a roadside dhaba with phulka, paneer and chicken curry along with the other fellow passengers.

Our bus reached Bijapur city around 7 am. When we entered the city it made me feel as if we have gone in to some few centuries back. We got down at the main bus stand and checked into a nearby hotel to freshen up. Though none of us really slept well that night, the excitement of seeing all the historical places kept us bursting with energy. So, after a nice hot breakfast and a shower, we started on our tour. Our first destination was the Gol Gumbaz which is the most beautiful specimen of architecture of this dynasty. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah. It is the largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

View from the Main Gate 

The moment we reached the gate and saw this marvelous structure, we had no doubt in our mind about it. However, the view is deceiving as the dome that you see in the picture above is the dome of the Gol Gumbaz and the structure in front is a separate building which houses the Museum. We realized that only when we crossed the museum. This reminded me of the Taj Mahal which you really can't view till you reach the arch. The magic of this always makes me spellbound. The finishing of the monument is a classic example of skill and art that Indian rulers had in the past

We were given a guided tour of the monument by a Government Guard who explained to us the history and geometry of this architectural marvel. The perfect circular dome constructed without the help of any engineering equipment is amazing. We then climbed the steep narrow stairs (the guide told us that the stairs were built according to the height of Adil Shah who was almost 7 feet tall) to reach the central chamber where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 meters away. The guide gave us a demonstration of all this by whispering from the other side of the dome, clapping, or singing a song which could be heard distinctly from our side. When you go up to have an birds view, surely it relives all tensions and gives such a wonderful feeling that I felt like staying over there.

The Central Chamber that also houses the Whispering Gallery

After spending some good time soaking the history and the engineer of this massive monument, we headed to our next destination after quenching our thirst with tender coconut water. It was a really hot day and we really had to struggle to keep our energy to enjoy the trip.

The next place we visited was Basanta Vana which houses the 85-foot (26 m) tall statue of Lord Shiva. The 1,500 tonnes statue is considered as the second-biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the country and was prepared by sculptors from Shimoga for more than 13 months. You have to take your shoes off to pass through the tree arch and enter the garden area. It was painful to walk as the pavement was really hot and I kept jumping like a kangaroo.

Next we went to the Bara Kaman - the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Roza built in 1672. Ali Roza wanted to build a structure greater than the Gol Gumbaz. The plan was to construct twelve arches which will be placed horizontally and vertically (hence the name), however, the work was not completed. It has now seven arches and the tomb containing the graves of Ali, his queens and eleven other ladies. The unfinished structure left me wondering how it would have really looked if the structure was complete. The group had good fun running from pillar to pillar posing for photograph - the mystery is who will click as everyone wanted to be in front of the camera. It was a race for the camera and the tortoise in the game always ending up clicking :)

Enjoying cool pineapples in the hot sun

Next we went to the Malik-E-Maidan which has the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. We took a walk around the cannon trying to imagine its impact during its glory days. 

The hot day was really sapping away all our energy. Tired, we decided to see the Jod Gumbaz from outside before heading back to our hotel for some rest and lunch. These are twin domes built in the memory of Khan Mohammad and Abdul Razzaq Quadri. There is a beautiful garden around it which is a popular picnit spot.

On reaching the hotel, we had lunch and took a shower again to cool ourselves. After resting for a while, we headed to Ibrahim Rouza situated on the western outskirts of the city. It is the 2nd most beautiful monument in Bijapur. Ibrahim Rauza comprises two buildings, a magnificent tomb and a remarkable mosque enveloped by a garden. Facing each other, these twin buildings have a fountain in between them. These buildings stand on a raised terrace supported by arches in a large rectangular enclosure with a high entrance tower in the centre of the north side, adorned with four graceful minarets. Both the buildings have square plans with four minarets at the corners and a bulbous dome at the centre, which emerges from lotus petals.

Team GHAC in front of Ibrahim Rouza

We hired a guide who not only took us around the monument but also the dark labyrinth around the catacomb where the actual graves are located. The entire structure is profusely ornamented, especially the outer wall of which every part is covered with ornamental carving. The beautiful carvings left all of us spell bound and we enjoyed every moment basking in the beauty of this magnificent monument.

We wanted to sit in the Mausoleum garden for a while before we continued. But our organizer Rajani had to remind everyone constantly that all the historic monuments in Bijapur closed at 6:00 PM and we had to visit the Alamatti Dam which is at least 1 hour drive from here. Reluctantly, we left this beautiful place and started for our next destination.


The Almatti Damis a dam project on the Krishna River in North Karnataka, India which was completed in July 2005. Though we were not allowed to go close to the dam, we saw the water in the dam and two excellent gardens moghul and rock garden.

Alamatti Dam and the garden surrounding it

Seven terrace gardens have been developed as a picnic spot in the dam area. Boating, musical fountains, and stagnant fountains have been set up in the area. We took a walk through a garden named "Rock hill" which has an artificial forest with ceramic wild animals and birds and many idols representing village life in India.

Entrance Gate of the Rock Hill Garden

There is light and musical fountain show in the evening which we could not see due to lack of time. This area is a very good place to spend one evening. We left soon after sunset. After we reached our hotel, we quickly changed, had dinner before heading to the bus stand to catch the bus back home with cherished memories of this old city that will remain with me forever.

Most people say that your journey is as good as your companions are. Bijapur trip proved the point. It was a small but friendly group and though it was a hot sunny day, the trip became enjoyable only because of my companions. I am grateful to Rajani and GHAC for ensuring these trips are memorable by their superb skills and friendly demeanor. 

For all of you who would like to travel to Bijapur, I suggest that you spend at least 2 days there as there are numerous monuments to visit and we could not cover all due to lack of time. Also, do not forget to take the famous "tanga" ride - I heard that is another experience that is unforgettable. 

For more details: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/karnataka/bijapur

Last but not the least, I would like to appeal to the Archaeological Survey of India, to continue to maintain the structures as they are doing right now. It is painful to see people scribbling wall with their names irrespective of so many awareness campaigns. Bijapur is a part of our history and would continue to remain so.

Dear fellow travelers, welcome to Wanderlust, I am excited to have you here, please add icing on the cake by leaving your comments and I will be very happy to reply thanks. Happy travels!!
See more at: http://wanderlust2506.blogspot.in/  

Romance of Udaipur

Besides shimmering Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India. Fantastic palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The city is named after its founder Maharana Uday Singh.

My passion for travelling comes from my mom who nurtured this during our family holidays since childhood. I stayed in Jaipur for 1.5 years, however, during that stay, I never got to visit Udaipur and she kept telling me about the charms of the city. Hence, when I decided to visit Rajasthan again, I knew that Udaipur will definitely be in my agenda.

We reached Udaipur in the evening and the sight that greeted us was the huge City Palace that lines the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, with its balconies gazing out at Udaipur’s other famous landmark, the Lake Palace – a fairy-tale confection that seems to float on the lake’s waters, gleaming by day and spotlit by night. Eastward, away from the lake shore, extends a tangled inner city of lanes lined with homes, temples, shops and businesses that is fascinating to explore. 

We checked into our Hotel "Lake Pichola" (http://www.lakepicholahotel.com/) by crossing some narrow streets fit enough to pass one car. We were given a deluxe double bed room on the 1st floor. All rooms at Lake Pichola Hotel are styled with traditionalist architecture and fixtures, Rajputana style furnishing; yet offer all up to date modern services to make the stay extremely comfortable. Each room is a reflection of the hotel's heritage and has a balcony with a breathtaking view of the Old City, City Palace, Jag Mandir and serene waters of the Lake itself. Sitting in their balconies you will feel that you have reached the bygone era of the Kings and Queens. At first glance, I have fallen in love with the hotel and with this beautiful city.

The next morning we woke up with an overcast sky worrying whether it is going to rain. I kept praying that it doesn't rain because it will spoil my chance taking photographs of this beautiful city. After an early breakfast, we got into our car and drove towards the palace. We first went to the city center and hopped into the ropeway. Ropeway in Udaipur is newly introduced and is an important tourist attraction. It is installed between two mountains right on the bank of Lake Pichola. The Ropeway links Deen Dayal Park, Doodh Talai and Machhla Hill top through a fixed grip mono cable jig back system. It is from here that you can click best view of Udaipur city including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and above all artistic landscaped Aravali mountains on the other side of the lake.

View from the top of the hill

After enjoying the panoramic view of the city from the top of the hill, we came back and went straight to the City Palace. We bought a package tour of Boat ride at Lake Pichola, the City Palace Museum, the Crystal Gallery and the Vintage Car Museum from the entrance gate. 

First, we decided to take the boat ride around Lake Pichola. This lake is the centre-piece around which Udaipur revolves. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands. The lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. The lake is fairly shallow and can actually dry up in severe droughts. One day's heavy rain is sufficient to fill the lake for a year. Amusingly, the water of the lake belongs to the Government of India whilst the land under water belongs to the royal family. A ride on the boat gives you an opportunity to see the most important city landmarks including the 7 star Udai Vilas Hotel belonging to the Taj Group. If you have the time, please take the boat ride during the sunset as well.

City Palace as seen from the lake

My hotel "Lake Pichola" on the bank of the lake

City Palace boat which took us for the ride

Udai Vilas Hotel - Taj Oberoi Group

During the ride, we stopped at the Jag Mandir Island. Jag Mandir is a beautiful palace located on the southern island of Lake Pichola. The three-storied building is a palatial structure made in yellow sandstone and marble. Built in early years of 17th century, Jag Mandir Palace was raised by Maharana Karan Singh to serve as a hiding place for Prince Khurram (popularly known as Shah Jahan). You would be mesmerized to see the eight life-sized Elephants carved out of white marble, giving the impression of guarding this beautiful island Palace. Currently the Palace complex also comprises a Darikhana Restaurant that serves lip smacking cuisine of Rajasthan. 

Jag Mandir Island - Notice the elephants

Darikhana Restaurant

Entrance to Jag Mandir Island

After the delightful boating experience, we went to visit the City Palace Museum. Surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas towering over the lake, the imposing City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace, with a facade 244 m long and 30.4 m high. Construction was begun by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city’s founder, and it later became a conglomeration of structures (including 11 separate smaller palaces) built and extended by various maharanas, though it still manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. We entered the complex at the Badi Pol at the top of City Palace Road at the palace’s north end. We hired a guide to take us through a tour of the massive structure. The museum includes the Bari Mahal, which has a lovely central garden. The Mor Chowk with it's beautiful mosaics of peacocks; the Manak Mahal with it's collection of glass and porcelain figures and the Krishna Vilas with it's fine collection of miniatures are a treat not to be missed. The Zenana Mahal (The women's private living quarters in a palace) also has a collection of paintings. If one wants to see examples of beautiful mirror-work then a visit to the Moti Mahal is a must. The Chini Mahal is covered in beautiful oriental tiles. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it. We enjoyed every moment of the tour while our guide continued to explain to us the history behind each of the places we visited.

Exquisite glass mirror work at Manak Mahal

Mor Chawk

 The gorgeous view of the city and the palace garden from the top leaves you spellbound. 

Our next stop was Fateprakash Palace (now run as a luxury hotel) which has a crystal gallery. Before entering the gallery, we passed the massive Durbar Hall. The Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace is one of the most lavish Durbar Hall in India and one of the grandest chambers in Udaipur. It is decorated with paintings of Maharanas and various weapons adorn the walls. The hall has an exquisite ceiling and is surrounded by viewing galleries from where the ladies of the palace could view the proceedings while remaining veiled. As soon as you enter Durbar Hall, it's impossible for your attention not to be captured by the seven crystal chandeliers suspended from its ceiling. The centerpiece is a mammoth chandelier weighing one tonne. Its brilliance dominates the whole room. Two slightly smaller chandeliers, weighing 800 kilograms each, flank its sides. There are another four smaller chandeliers, weighing 200 kilograms each, in the corners of the hall.

Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel

Durbar Hall

Center Chandelier weighing 1 tonne

Through the Durbar Hall we entered the Crystal Gallery armed with an audio guide. The Gallery consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery and table fountains. There is also a unique jewel studded carpet here. Maharaja Sajjan Singh had ordered these rare items in 1877 from F&C Osler & Co of London but he died before they arrived here. It is said that the packages containing these crystals remained unopened for 110 years. Photography is not permitted at this gallery and hence there is nothing I can show. But the gigantic crystal bed and all other artifacts displayed there lingered in my memory for a very long time.

The palace guards offered us coffee and cold drinks post the tour and we rested for sometime before heading towards the next point -The Vintage & Classic Car Collection that is a landmark in the city of Udaipur ever since it was inaugurated in February 2000. The grand limousines and cars showcased in the Collection belong to the House of Mewar and are still in perfect running condition. They have a  magnificent collection of Rolls-Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937 Opel models. The collection is housed in the original Palace Garage. The semi-circular garage with its forecourt is housed within a greater courtyard, creating a pleasant hideaway from the bustle of the streets. One of the original Burmah Shell petrol pumps is not only still standing, but also in a usable condition. The garage itself was built at a time when the only cars in town belonged to the Royal Family and the present-day surroundings make this garage as wonderfully stylish as it must always have been.

Pebble Beach Winner

Original Burmah Shell Petrol Pump still in working condition

Tired after the whole day's trip, but enthralled by the beauty of this beautiful city, we returned to our hotel. The day ended with dinner at the rooftop restaurant (Upre 1559) offering a splendid of the city palace at night.

For anyone who loves travelling, Udaipur is a must in the list of "Top 10 places to visit in India". The ethereal beauty of the city combined with its history is something that needs to be experienced and cannot be read.