Rest day in Udipur

February 10, today is Rich’s birthday and we took him out to dinner on a rooftop restaurant. Beautiful views of the city.

I’ll just say that everyone in the tour group is great. People are interesting and supportive of everyone. The group is very open, encouraging and we all get along really well even with our own personal quirks. There’s really no posturing or competitive stuff going on which is really great.

February 11, rest day in Udipur. Nice to sleep in for a day. 4 more days of riding coming up and temps are getting in the high 80’s.

We went to see the City Palace today and spent two hours touring around.

City Palace (Raj Mahal), Udaipur is a palace complex situated in the city of Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Its construction began in 1553, started by MaharanaUdai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajputfamily as he shifted his capital from the erstwhile Chittor to the newfound city of Udaipur.[1] The palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex.

The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in the state of Rajasthan. It was built atop a hill, in a fusion of the Rajasthani Rajput architectureproviding a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Overlooking Lake Pichola, several historic monuments.

City Palace Udaipur

The palace grounds and area are really spectacular. Lots to look at, history, artifacts, war implements, paintings, mosaics, map room, textile gallery, statuary, musical instruments and more.

After our tour we wandered around streets in the market area.

Fun time watching the guys buy custom clothing and miniature paintings.

Udaipur is know for these extremely detailed “miniature” paintings.

Whether it was the aerial view of the city from the fort wall, scenes from the Indian mythology or a grand procession, the artists would paint the entire scene in its full grandeur in amazing detail and finesse on a small canvas, for the king to keep as a memory of the event. These were the exquisite Miniature paintings of Rajasthan in the 16th Century. An art that was brought to India by the Mughal rulers, these were essentially a means for documenting history for the future generations.

A small section of a very detailed miniature painting of a wedding procession.


Jagdish Temple

Comments

  1. Jo Layne McDowFebruary 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM

    I love the photo of the elephant painting. And it is interesting to know it took 400 darn years to build the palace you saw. The architecture in these religious and weathy homes is so busy and intricate. I wonder why. It’s interesting.

    Getting warm for you all. You’re over half way now. Good job! Lots of riding in unknown and unfamiliar parts.

    Free Fox Hollow was very cold today. Started at 10 am and temp was only 30 then. The Congdon’s, Steve H. and I were the only ones. It’s only my 5th ride this year. Gotta get going!

    Hope your day went well on the 12th. It’s the 11th here at 9:07 pm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ErinFebruary 16, 2025 at 12:46 AM

      Thanks Jo Layne, I’ve heard a bout your cold weather, hang in there. It’s way too hot here for me, in the high 80’s, most days now are getting up to 88 and 89 degrees F. yikes

      Delete
  2. PeerFebruary 12, 2025 at 2:50 PM

    Erin it all looks exotic and amazing. I'm sure you are doing great on your bike. Have you bought any cool things? I'm cheering you from San Antonito. A picture from our Joshua Tree Park trip showed up today. Good memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ErinFebruary 16, 2025 at 12:49 AM

      Yes of course I have purchased some cool things, lol, mainly textiles / fabric, a rug and a miniature painting, which is incredible. Also a beautiful piece of jewelry. More opportunities to come when we spend two days in Mumbai. Yes, that was a great trip. Don’t forget about Yellow Stone for xmas.

      Delete

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