The Cube

This was one of the lorry we saw on the so-called highway in India. Out of curiosity, we asked the driver what was the cargo. Have a guess?

Answer: Waste


Side note: Highlight the above space with your mouse for answer ;)

On our road trip from Udaipur to Jaipur, we saw some happy folks getting on a lorry (or maybe ute is more apt), on their way to a wedding ceremony. ^^


Side note: Shall not do grocery shopping when hungry...

Many moons ago, on a fine autumn day, I visited Nami Island in South Korea. I have never blogged about this because this was so long ago that that it would have any contribution of information to anyone and I probably don't have much to say about it anyway, so it would be photos after photos.

This was my first holidays overseas (Singapore don't count), self sponsored. Yes - I actually went to South Korea before stepping into Thailand. All the way back during the fame of the dramas of Autumn in My Heart, and Winter Sonata.


Side note: Reminiscing past holidays before going on another one ;)

Unexpected view of India

It is said that the population in Udaipur in the year of 2011 is just over 450,000. This number is about 50,000 more than the population of Alor Setar, the city I grew up in. Alor Setar was only officially granted the status of city in 2003. Anyway, I digressed. I meant to write about Udaipur, and Alor Setar is miles and miles away from Udaipur. Let's park it as I am trying to imagine the space, etc.


We had some spare time before dinner after visiting the City Palace,  Island Palace (Jag Minder) and a garden, so we requested if our driver can leave us somewhere in the city and pick up us later. It would give us some time to wander and have a glimpse of Udaipur life, not just the palaces.

Our driver left us outside his friend's shop, we commenced on our little walk as he catched up with his mate.

From the bridge, refer to above photo

We walked towards the archway and it felt like entering another pocket of the city.

Superior carrying things on head skills

We then back tracked and walked along the river. It was interesting to find a cafe by the river.

The bridge has some characteristic that reminded me of China, LOL

Stringed chillies, I think it was to ward off negative energy

We then re-joined our driver and made another pit stop at a local market. One shall not look at the kids who said hi to you or you would be followed for the longest time till you made some payments or purchases.




Side note: I need to be less glutton :|

Chicken masala, paneer, garlic naan and rice

My dose of masala tea

Our first lunch in Udaipur - as much as we have informed the driver and guide that we can take spicy food, they still kept cautious and brought us to some touristy eating place. That being said, the food wasn't bad though I believe the price probably was on the higher end compared to us eating the same food in another place where locals would go.

After lunch, we were brought to visit one of the gardens. Our guide recommended Sahelion Ki Bari which is known as the garden of the maidens. On the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, this garden was built for forty-eight maidens meant to be part of the dowry of the a princess. The alternative version of the story was that this garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II for entertainment of royal ladies and their maids of honour.


The pathway leading to this was lined with water spraying fountain, and we were told by our guide that the height of the water will increase if we clap our hands. He had this twinkle in his eyes that we thought he was making things up. Right after that, we saw a group of tourists started to clap their hands and indeed, the fountain was responded to that - just like musical fountain. All thanks to the two men below.

The men behind the 'clapping fountain'

They kept an eye to the visitors entering the garden, and increased the pressure to the fountain as people clapped.








Side note: What's on in Sydney on 9th of Aug?

Sis went to Taiwan and bought me a sheep! This paper art sheep traveled from Taiwan to Perth, before reaching Melbourne.


Side note: I..have...no...control...over...food... = ="

There are three major palaces in Udaipur - City Palace, Lake Palace and Monsoon Palace.

Lake Palace

Looking at Lake Palace from City Palace

Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746 during the royal dynasty of Mewar by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a royal summer palace, right smack on an island in Lake Pichola. It was named Jag Niwas after its founder but it is now converted to a luxury hotel - Taj Lake Palace.

According to the legend documented in Taj Lake Palace website, this lake palace came about after a young prince was denied his indulgence in moonlight picnies with ladies in another lake island palace of Jag Mandir.

As this is now a private property, running as a hotel,  it is not exactly open for tourist, unless one is a resident guest. Apparently, one of the many films shot at this location was James Bond film Octopussy. I don't really remember this series of James Bond film though.

That being said, we only saw this summer palace in the past from afar as we were not guests at the current Taj Lake Palace.

Monsoon Palace

See, the white bits on top of the hill? That's Monsoon Palace

Pardon the iPhone 4, ok? ;)

Monsoon Palace, fomerly known as Sajjan Garh Palace, named after Mahara Sajjan Singh also of Mewar Dynasty. This hilltop palace was built in 1884 with the idea to watch the monsoon clouds.

This Monsoon Palace which overlooks the Lake Pichola was also meant to serve as a resort for the royal family. The palace is 5 km west of Udaipur and link by a winding road. Unfortunately, due to our lack of time, we didn't have the chance to visit this place. I like the name of this palace though, Monsoon Palace does sounds very interesting.

City Palace


Before anyone starting boo-ing me that I am making this up and wonder if I really have been to Udaipur, I have gone to one - City Palace.

Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in the Rajputana Agency and its last capital. This marble palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, stood by the banks of Lake Pichola. What's impressive was not all parts of this palace was built at the same time, but the whole of it does look similar.


Entrance fee to Udaipur Palace Museum at that time of our visit was at Rs 115. There is also a charge for photography, to which we paid for one camera, Rs 225, this of course only started once we entered the building. We requested for a local guide on our visit, and his name is Dinesh. Lol, super easy for me to remember because one of my friend share the same name.

Prevention at door, said in case attacked by elephants

After a couple of hours in the City Palace, we cruised Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir (return ticket Rs 340.)

Island Palace

Jag Mandir is the first island palace of Lake Pichola. This palace built by Maharana Karan Singhji is right smack in the middle of the lake. It was intended to serve as a pleasure palace for regal parties and functions.

This island palace was also served as a refuge for Moghul Emperor Shahjahan when he was a prince against the wrath of his father in a family dispute in the seventeenth century. It was also said that following this, the island palace was the inspiration behind Taj Mahal.

In present day, this is a now a ideal destination for weddings venue. Other facilities at this place is an all day cafe, restaurant and bar.








Side note: Ah.. yummy cottage pie..