The Romantic City - Udaipur

The route to Udaipur from Ranakpur was an ordinary one. It is the only route with a proper highway in Rajasthan. It was really hot outside and on our left and right were all stony hills. It was like passing through a barren land with nothing on it, only us. Mirages were almost everywhere along the road and I kind of remember the scenes in the movies where truckers need to pass through the desert road. Assured that nothing would interest me, I decided to just to sleep, whilst my buddy with her travel book.

Around noon, we arrived Udaipur but we didn't go directly to the hotel. We stopped by at a garden, known as Saheiyon Ki Bari. The garden was 'wet' with fountains and pools everywhere. At least it helped to cool down the environment. There is a small museum displaying basic knowledge of science. There is no entrance fee to enter this garden.

Saheiyon Ki Bari

Later, we checked in at Raj Palace Hotel and rested. We had lunch in the hotel restaurant and later we walked to the Udaipur City Palace. Entrance fee is Rps 300 with camera fee Rps 150 each. Udaipur is known to be a romantic city for it has the romantic view during sunsets and romantic settings of the posh hotels. Well, the romantic environment will be well defined only if a couple is willing to spend an exorbitant amount of money for the least romantic items. The cost of the cheapest juice in a restaurant facing the sunset would cost around Rps 300 a glass.

From certain part of the palace, the views of the lakes, Fatih Sagar lake and Picchola lake were, however, awesome. We were strongly recommended to take a boat ride across the lake but the price didn't sound nice at all. And taking a boat ride during mid day is obviously not a good idea. So we just spent some time in the palace where the air was much cooler and relieving.

There is a museum displaying various weapons used by the king/maharaja during the battles in the past. Judging by the size of the weapons, I bet people in the past must be physically huge and strong. Otherwise they would not be able to carry the weapons.

Udaipur City Palace

The main gate/entrance to the palace.

Different palace/fort in India has their own special decorations. In Udaipur City Palace, I think it is not that lavishly decorated, compared to Amber Fort in Jaipur but it does have special paintings/carvings which is much more interesting. Most of the decorations in Indian palaces/forts have a little bit of Persian influence. Obviously reading the history books will explain how does this influence occur. Unfortunately I am lack of such resources.

One of the most expensive hotels in Udaipur. One needs to take a boat ride to get there.

My favorite spot in this palace

Door after door

There are several shops in the palace compound selling really cool stuffs, and expensive too. I was tempted to buy the shining and shimmering bangles but after a second thought, I didn't buy anything. It was not possible to bargain here and things would be much cheaper outside the palace.

After the visit to city palace, we returned to the hotel. We have a lot more time to kill in Udaipur, so we decided to go to the internet cafe. As for me, I did have some work to check so I took the chance to ensure everything is in good order back in the office. There is free wifi in the hotel but I need to used a computer to check some data from the external hard drive.

So basically our day in Udaipur was an ordinary one but at least we know how the city is like. Things would be much more interesting during winter time, not during summer.

From Udaipur, we visited the last city in Rajasthan, Jaipur, where things were more interesting here, and cheaper.

The Splendid Turkey - Istanbul

17th March 2014

We took MAS flight to Istanbul this flight was the cheapest when I surveyed from the net. IT was much cheaper to book return flights but since our (our means my mother and I) trip starts from Istanbul and ends at Madrid, Spain (with 2 transits in Dusseldorf and Abu Dhabi).

This was my first time flying with MAS and to be honest, I am proud to have MAS as Malaysia's official airline. It seemed that all the bad comments on this airline were just over-elaborated. It's normal for human being to pinpoint on the flaws and seldom we appreciate the perfection. But if I have the opportunity to fly again (don't know when since I am jobless now), I would definitely want to fly with MAS again. AirAsia is great, only if I manage to get the best airfare. Hehe..

The flight time was 12 hours, the longest flight time for me, so far. But I didn't feel the lengthy time as I get to watch movies as I like and sleep quite well during the fly. 

We arrived Istanbul around 6.45 am. After the immigration clearance, we changed some lira at the money changer. Then I was looking for the Metro station but later mother told me to just get a cab to get to the hotel. Well, it was a regret to take the cab as the driver didn't know where our hotel is. We were charged 40 lira and we were like 500 meters away from the hotel. The cabby dropped us near the Sultanahmet tramway and thank god I have installed Tripadvisor Istanbul city guide. All I need to do was to activate the GPS on my phone, and start navigating. Just before the Blue Mosque, we stopped by at a cafe. Mum was hungry as it was pretty cold that morning. We had mixed grilled and it was lovely. However, the price wasn't that nice. Mind you that as long as you are in Sultanahmet, you have to spend additional amount of lira and impossible to get cheap stuffs here.

After heavy breakfast, the cafe crew guided us to get to Hotel Serenity. He didn't really know the hotel location but at least he brought us to the right direction. I used the GPS and finally we reached the hotel. Our hotel is super near to the Blue Mosque and I was glad to pick the right hotel. We dumped our luggage in the room and relaxed. I thought of having some sleep but the longer we stay in the room, the lesser time we have to spend in Istanbul.

So around 10.30, we went out and wander around the Blue Mosque ares. But lighting was not so good to take pictures of the Blue Mosque so I saved it for later. Syrian refugees scattered around the historical area and I wasn't sure if they were truly Syrian, or just local Turkish taking the advantage of the crisis in Syria to earn extra lira. My god forgive me!!

The air was nice and the surrounding view was pretty. Colourful flowers bloomed but not at the peak yet. Tulips were a lot but most of them were still in the bud state. I might have sat on the bench and enjoy the beautiful view but that was not possible this time.

Obelisk of Tutmosis, opposite the Blue Mosque

Sultan Ahmet Camii a.k.a Blue Mosque

 There are several souvenir shops near the mosque and we surveyed the prices. It was written they 'Fixed Price' so we would not buy anything from these shops. Walking further towards Hagia Sofia, there is a garden and fountain which is perfect for enjoying the environment. And there was a guy approaching us, promoting the Bosphorus cruise. Actually I did plan of taking the cruise and took this chance to purchase the tickets. It was 10 Euro per person. We were told to wait under a tree where that guy showed us a group of people who have purchased the tickets. We were quite worried about this scam thing but to see a lot of people would join the cruise, so our worries subsided.

We waited for 15 minutes, before the huge group of people start to walk downhill behind Hagia Sofia, heading towards the pier. I don't really know what pier was that as there is no signboard there. And it seemed that someone did have a good time plucking the sitar by the bank.

A guy and his sitar.

 The ferry docked and we boarded the ferry. The cruise took 2 hours and it was nice to see Istanbul, both the European and Asian side, via Bosphorus strait. Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace were amazing when viewed from the ferry. It was unfortunate for us that one of the museums were closed on Monday. So, seeing the buildings were good enough. However, the weather was not good enough for perfect shots. It was quite misty, especially on the European side whilst it was clear on the Asian side.

Topkapi Palace seen from the cruise

We cruise passed through the Golden Horn bridge (or Leonardo bridge as it was designed by Leonardo Da Vinci), which is the landmark that we are entering the Golden Horn area. Golden Horn is actually an estuary and a deep natural harbour which was important as protection during the Byzantine empire from the invasion of Constantinople.

Galata Tower at the European side of Istanbul

Oh, by the way, if one intends to take this cruise, ensure that you get a seat at the upper deck, otherwise it would be difficult to take pictures if seating at the lower, glassed deck. But be prepared to feel cold especially when it approaches sunset. And don't forget to but some snacks to kill the time or if you feel sleepy, munching some snacks would help. Pity mother that she was asleep 45 minutes before the cruise ends.

To be honest, the cruise was a little boring and too long. There might be other cruise operators with more interesting service but need effort to look for it.

This posh building is a hotel

Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress and Fatih bridge

Bosphorus strait behind

 The cruise ended at the pier where we embarked the ferry. So we have to walk uphill towards Hagia Sofia and it was a little tiring. To distract from the discomfort, we had mixture of nut while walking. It was not a proper thing to do, I know, but it was essential to keep on walking as the day was ending.
We didn't really know where to go but then mother wanted to go the Grand Bazaar.

So we kept walking, and stopped for awhile near Basilica Cistern and based on the signs, we arrived Grand Bazaar. It was 3rd entrance, if I remember it correctly. It was really a tempting moment to enter this bazaar but as I have already set in mind that this bazaar was not worth for shopping, I manage to refrain myself from shopping excessively. The fridge magnets, the potteries, and other stuffs were AMAZINGLY expensive and I was not interested to haggle at all. But mother seemed to have fun shopping in Grand Bazaar. It was weird this time because she didn't haggle hard. She got herself cushion covers, table cloths, hand-woven bags (I don't think they are hand-woven), and a few others. I just got myself a pair of boots and fridge magnets. Turkish delights seemed to be great gifts for friends so I bought them too.

The display of various types of teas was very attracting. I was quite surprised to see those tea sold includes variety of dried flowers. Wondering how it tastes like, I bought the 'Love Tea', made of rose buds, lemons, chrysanthemum and several other flowers.

Various types of teas

The shops selling items using stained glasses attracted me the most. I just love colours, glitters and lights so this was a good chance for me to treat my eyes, and my camera lens as well. I did think of buying this but due to limited luggage space, I kept my intention until my next visit to Istanbul (only god knows when).

Not only the shops that contribute to the colours of Grand Bazaar, the design and decoration of the ceilings also make the place look unique and alive. I couldn't remember visiting this kind of bazaar but this was truly worth to explore, worth to see and worth to visit even if you don't wish to shop.

Painting on the ceiling

Most of the shopping bags are my mother's, not mine.

 I thought we have spent around 2 hours in Grand Bazaar, and my spine was signaling stress. I told mother to finish up the shopping thing and we exited the bazaar around 5 pm. We stopped by at a restaurant to have early dinner and since mother couldn't walk any longer, resting our pair of feet would sound great.

One thing I don't like about Istanbul is that, the men seem to be arrogant especially at the Grand Bazaar and the restaurants. I guess it is true what most people have said on the treatment that you would expect when there is 'no man by your side'. Seriously dude, if you come to Malaysia, no one will care about your presence if you insist with that kind of double-standard attitude.

The sun was setting and the temperature was dropping fast. Actually we got lost for a while trying to return to the hotel. I was worried that mother would aware about it so I kept on walking confidently, as if I knew the way. Thank god when finally we reached a junction where the Blue Mosque was right in front of our nose. Mother complained again about her aching feet so we have to stop again near the mosque, though I was about to run to the hotel due to the near freezing temperature. To reduce the tension, I suggested to mother to take some pictures around Blue Mosque. So we did a last minute photographing in Istanbul before returning to the hotel.

Blue Mosque at dusk

In the hotel, we repacked our luggage and ensure all items bought were properly arrange. We didn't have time to pack tomorrow as we have to leave early in the morning to catch the early morning flight to Kayseri. Good night Istanbul.

The Desert State of Rajasthan - Ranakpur - Khumbalgarh

Ranakpur is actually a small town which surrounded by the rocky hills. From the coarse view, it is much cleaner and it is not a crowded place. Ranakpur is also located nearby to the Kumbalgarh National Park. According to Mr. Gyan, this place is beautiful outside summer and the green lushes everywhere within this area. 

We stayed at Hotel Roopam and the cost was within our budget. It was something different compared to our stay in the other hotels, in the sense that more trees, more greens and much more tranquil. We had lunch at the hotel restaurant. At least they have more variety of food here. And it seemed that my buddy has already tired eating paneer in every meal. Hihihi...

While having lunch, we discovered two big trees with massive beehives on each of them. And that explained where the bees come, disturbing our peace of mind while having lunch. And guess what, I got stung TWICE and that was totally not awesome. Ironically, I have never got stung be the bees in Malaysia, not even when I visited any bee farms anywhere. My forehead and my knee were the 2 spots stung. Thank god I don't have allergies to most of the allergens known.

Then, around 2.30 we went for a visit a Ranakpur Jain Temple. To be honest, I don't even know the difference between Hinduism and Jainism until I read something from the internet (wikipedia of course). While entering the temple compound, I saw several women with white sarees and they put on a a piece of paper tied with rope or something, to cover their mouth. Didn't mean to tease them or being funny, i thought they covered their mouth  to prevent small insect like flies or mosquitoes. And asked Mr. Gyan, it is true they do not want any living thing to enter their mouth. The fundamental of Jainism is the practice of non-violence towards all, I mean ALL, living things and promote equality and spiritual independence in all forms of life. 

There was one Jain temple in Jaisalmer fort and the design was more or less the same with what we have seen in Ranakpur. The entire Ranakpur Jain temple is made of marble and when we entered the temple complex, it was pretty cooling inside. By the way, any form of photography is strictly prohibited and we left our camera in the locker. We were worried about keeping our belongings in the locker but we were assured that we could count on people of Rajasthan.

The temple was very close to our hotel and since there is not much to see around Ranakpur, we returned to the hotel and spent time around the hotel area. It was too warm to stay in the room so we took the chance to breath the free fresh air and enjoy the nature.

I was a little bored so I tried to find any subject for my camera. And what a lovely moment to see many colourful birds nibbling on the ground. Not sure if these are parrots, or lorikeets. They were sharing food with other birds and chipmunks too. So cute.

It was really a relaxing day and less exposure to sunlight so there was nothing much to tell here. There is no internet and no TV, which means we were totally disconnected with the outside world. But we could live with that.

The next day, we left the hotel around 8.30, heading to Udaipur. We passed through the Kumbalgarh national park, consists of winding road, uphills and downhills. Not many vehicles on the road and yet Mr. Gyan drove cautiously. If he sped, then most probably we would throw up and ended up having headache for the rest of the day.

While passing through road, monkeys were everywhere. There were 2 -3 types of monkeys but the black-faced monkeys seemed to dominate the road. I guess there were expecting food from the passers-by. Would be great if we have a pack of peanuts and feed these creatures

Around 4-5 hours later, we reached Udaipur, the so-called 'Romantic City'. Sheahhhh right!!

The Desert State of Rajasthan - Jodhpur

Journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur took roughly 4 - 5 hours, depending on how fast one drives the car. So we arrived Jodhpur at 1 pm and spend a little too much time looking for a cheap accommodation. Well, we managed to find one and it was rather a house-like hotel. And that house is not made of bricks, but made of stone. And no wonder it was stifling hot and stuffy. Our room was actually at the rooftop but none of us was willing to go out during the soaring heat mid day.

We just rearrange our stuff and rest, before went out to visit the attractions in Jodhpur. We had lunch in our room and it was good enough to get our tummy filled with proper food. At least we had sufficient energy to do the walking and so-called exploring

The weather was a little cloudy and grayish so we didn't have to worry much about getting another layer of sun-burnt skin cells. The first point of interest visited was Jaswant Thada. It consissts of several cenotaphs which was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh for his late father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The whole structure is made of white marble. The carvings on the marble were done by the brilliant sculptors. In the main cenotaphs, there were pictures of the maharaja and other religious artifacts. The

And  by the way, entrance fee is Rps 30 and each camera is charged Rps25. Pfftttt...

A charming place with a relaxed atmosphere

The main mausoleum

The inner of one of the cenotaph with he paintings of the maharaja

From Jaswant Thada, it was a mere 1 kilometer walk to the hilltop Mehrangarh fort. Th view of the fort was really stunning and even better with proper sun rays and clear sky.

View of Mehrangarh Fort from Jaswant Thada 

Later, o Mehrangarh Fort we went. I did not expect that the entrance fee would be that expensive, Rps 400 per person. However, this fee includes the audio-guide which is quite useful. But due to time constrain, we have to rush a bit as the fort will be closed at 5 pm.

Like Jaisalmer fort, not all section is accessible to visitors. From this fort, one can see most of the houses below were painted in blue, especially on the northern side which is actually the city of Brahmpuri, where many Brahmins live there. I was also told that the houses painted in blue, which is the colour of copper sulphate salt, as prevention from the termite attacks. I'm not so sure which is which but both reasons seem logical and acceptable.

Heading to the entrance

This view got my neck stiffed

Impact of the canon balls on the walls

Blue City of Brahmpuri

Looks cool and cooling this way

The last section accessible in Mehrangarh fort

Nicely carved structure but still Jaisalmer has the best haveli

Nice one...

This is obviously not the blue city

After spending 1 hour in this fort, we headed to city of Jodhpur. I was a little exhausted but my buddy insisted to visit the clock tower. We have to walk a bit at traffic was not so good for our car to enter that area. It was worth visiting the clock tower though, which is located in the Sardar market. People scattered here and there as this market sells cheap items. But none of the sold items caught our attention.

It was almost dawn and we returned to our hotel, and had dinner there and spend our time at the rooftop enjoying the cooling night air.

The next day, it was time to head to Ranakpur.