Travels with Craig and Jeri: Journey to the Subcontinent: Day 8, Arrive in Udaipur

Day 8: Fly to Udaipur

Day 8: Jaipur to Udaipur

Up early this morning to fly to Udaipur, the capital of the wealthiest state in India. Udaipur’s wealth comes primarily from zinc mining, and now, tourism. The area is distinctly different from all the areas that we have been to. The terrain is green and hilly, with a significantly less dense population (only 1 million people). Literacy rate here is also highest in India, near 100%. Most importantly, roadside garbage in most areas is minimal. It was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh

The airport in Udaipur is fairly new, about 4 years old. An advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic is that the airports are much less crowded. Our bus met us and we began our visit to Udaipur with a 1 hour drive into the countryside to visit two Hindu temples, Sahastrabahu and Eklingji.

Sahastrabahu also known as Saas (mother-in-law) Bahu (daughter-in-law) are twin temples,one built by King Mahipala in the 10^th or 11^th century for his wife who worshipped Vishnu (the god that preserves and protects the universe), and the other (on the same property just adjacent) by their son for his wife who worshipped Shiva (the god that destroys the universe in order to recreate it).

The temples are made of marble with elaborate carvings adorning the walls anad ceilings. On closer inspection of the carvings outside the mother-in-law’s temple, one realizes that the friezes are all erotica from the Kama Sutra. VERY graphic!

We know a lot more about the history of Eklingji Temple because it was recorded in the Ekalinga Mahatmya, a historical text written in the 15th century. According to the text, the original temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal.It was chiseled out of sandstone and marble In the late years, the temple was renovated and modified.

In ordero enter we were required to remove shoes AND socks (yucchh!). There were loads of worshippers giving offerings to Shiva in the form of flowers and cash. Unfortunately, no cameras wre allowed inside the temple.

We left Nagda Village being pursued by a slew of children begging for money and a slobering cow that thought I was her mother (more yucchh!). After escaping and a short drive further into the Avarhi Hills, we arrived at a beautiful B&B, Raas DeviGarh Hotel. Originally built as a fort in the 18^th century, it was bought and renovated about 5 years ago to its present grandeur. Lunch here was outstanding with outstanding views.

After a long day of schlepping, we finally arrived at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel actually the dock for the ferry to the hotel.

Classic old cars at ferry dock

For Andy and Betty

Built in 1746 by the Maharana Jagat Singh II as his summer palace, the property is now a gorgeous hotel with killer views of the City Palace (winter palace) (and also featured in the James Bond movie, “Octopussy”.. It sits in the middle of Lake Pichola on Jag Niwas Island.