Day 16 : Not the usual post

Dear readers, I apologise for today's change of pace and content because we are not doing any suffering today.

Because accumulated fatigue is real and because Udaipur was just so beautiful we decided to blow a whole chunk of our budget on an extra day here in sinful opulence. Whoops.

On the bright side it didn't actually cost that much, such is the wonders of international economics and superior currency.

With that I present...Udaipur. Voted Best City in the World by an online poll in 2009, definitely worth that title.

Catbus is happy with a real parking lot

As was previously mentioned by Yinghao, this was the first time that parking had become an actual consideration when choosing accommodation. The streets seemed way too dangerous a place to leave Catbus, especially considering the deposit we put down for her safe return.

Breakfast was a happy affair at the rooftop restaurant in the hotel with nice city views and heating. Also, Nutella and bread. Nutella. Mm.

Idyllic pool, complete with suntanning angmoh

On a side note, the temperatures are really cold. We're talking like 10 degrees in the morning kind of cold. And here someone is fearlessly suntanning. It totally boggles my mind. Meanwhile we were wrapped up like Christmas presents in sweaters.

The big attraction of the city was the City Palace, one of 3 palaces around Udaipur, and also the one where the Maharajah currently resides.

Doesn't actually capture the whole palace

We also had a great guide who brought context to a lot of the things we were seeing, talked about the history and culture of Udaipur as well as the surrounding areas. Apparently, since it's founding Udaipur had always been an independent city, up to the point it joined India during its independence from the British.

Some close scrutiny going on

Other than places there's also a pretty large temple involving a mix of pilgrims, priests and tourists. I'm not really a temple-y kind of guy but the carvings and architecture were pretty impressive.

Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, due to the large lakes that surround the city, created over the years by an intricate lake and river system, providing irrigation and water for the city.

As in theme with living it up, we had to take a sunset boat ride. I mean, why not? It's cheaper than a river cruise in Singapore and infinitely more picturesque.

Celebrity Wenwen gets an upgrade to Princess Wenwen

Private boat, yo.

That's pretty much the entire palace. It's huge.

These Maharajahs really know how to live it up. There's even a man made island in the middle of the lake that serves as the King's personal helipad. Only accessible via his personal boat, moored at his personal dock somewhere at the bottom of that huge structure.

It's a hotel in the middle of the lake

The king also leased out some of his land to a hotel situated in the middle of the lake, accessible only by private boat. For the low price of $1000 a night you too can live in absolute swankiness as you gaze out over at the peasantry. I briefly considered if we could fit that in our budget, although I quickly realized the real question was whether we should. I might come back if I win the lottery.

Suddenly, birds.

Good night from Udaipur

It's almost like someone painted the mountains in the background.

Well, on to Jodhpur for real!

Cheerios,
Jik
https://give.asia/movement/rickshaw_run_-_driving_for_charity