112 JULY 2019
DESTINATION
FOCUS
Visiting... Udaipur
We stayed at The Trident and were really pleased with
it. Next time, I’d love to stay next door at The Oberoi
Udaivilas, which seems totally splurge-worthy! The
400-year-old City Palace is definitely worth a visit; it’s
right on the banks of Lake Pichola and features a blend
of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture. Also
worth seeing is Jag Mandir, a fabulous palace built on the
lake that’s only accessible by boat (you might recognise
it from the 1983 James Bond movie, Octopussy). We
had a relaxing lunch at Restaurant Ambrai, right on the
lake, and it was fabulous – spectacular views of the City
Palace and delicious Indian food! We also really enjoyed
taking tuk tuks around town; weaving in and out of the
narrow, colourful streets and exploring the city from a
breezy rickshaw was so satisfying. Just watch out for
the cows on the road (they’re everywhere)!- AMY GREENBURG, AMERICAN
Visiting... The Golden Triangle
My husband discovered he had a week’s break in
between changing jobs so we jumped online and booked
a car, driver and guide to see the highlights of the
Golden Triangle (indiapersonaltours.com). The limited
time we had meant we could only visit the must-sees.
It’s not normally how we travel, but I was pleased we
saw as much as we did.
Starting in Delhi, the Red Fort was interesting. I
asked friends if I would be disappointed with the Taj
Mahal – are there too many tourists? Is it run down,
being renovated or covered in grime? The answer is no- nothing can compare to the sight of the sun rising over
the dome, reflecting on the gems inlaid in the perfectly
balanced architecture. Definitely go in the morning; it’s
worth queuing in the dark to be at the front of the line.
Jaipur is beautiful – not as pink as expected; more
a rich terracotta. Sights include the biggest sundial in
the world at Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, which is a
delicate feminine collection of buildings (many with
rooftops with city views), Hawa Mahal (Palace of the
Winds) with narrow rooms for ladies of the court to
watch the festivities, and the Amber Fort, which is vast
and wondrous.
A walk around the old town of Jodhpur revealed hundreds of doors
and walls and blue artwork. The Mehrangarh Fort was amazing but
my highlight was the regeneration of the old town – young artisans in
stores with locally produced homewares, clothing and jewellery, and
cafés and hotels in restored buildings. Tip: Have a night-time drink at
the beautiful RAAS hotel, looking up at Agra Fort. Also, book dinner
at Umaid Bhawan Palace – half the palace is a luxury hotel (lots of
Bollywood Stars are married there) and the other wing houses the
actual royal family!
I’d recommend a few more days and add in Udaipur and the “Golden
City” Jaisalmer, made of sandstone. Next time...- DANIELLE ROSSETTI, AUSTRALIAN