city palace udaipur

city palace udaipur, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.


City Palace Udaipur is a majestic monument to byegone era of royalty. Rajasthan is a land of Palaces. Among all palaces of Rajasthan, City Palace holds special place.

Sisarma-Village near Udaipur

600 years old Temple Rituals- Devra, Udaipur

Udaipur-on of my favourite cities of India. City, which I like to visit again and again. I visit Udaipur at least once a year if not twice! This year I visited it twice in 2 months. For my 2nd visit I decided to stay at "Devra" home-stay. I had read a lot about the place. Recommendation coming from Alastair Sawday is not something to take lightly. Devra is situated on a small hillock outside the city of Udaipur. One can enjoy the panaromic view of  hilly countryside and beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace-Sajjangarh. Location of Devra makes it an ideal place for a holiday-place to go away from it all. No T.V., no intercom helps in maintaining the distance from everyday reality. Many sit outs are thoughtfully provided all round the property. Rooms are simply yet elegantly decorated.

Interesting sidelight to stay at Devra was 600 years old tribal temple situated inside the property. Tribal family of nearby village has a right to perform "Puja" (religious offering) at thsi temple. Each Saturday, 3 times a day,this special offering is done. We were lucky enough to be there on Saturday. I have tried to capture images of  this 600 years old tradition through my camera.

Preperation for the ceremony gets underway.

While few people were busy with preparations others were relaxing under the tree.

Now is the time to start the ceremony.

After the "Puja" was over it was time for faith healer to take charge. People from the village come to ask for cure for their woes and to listen what future holds for them.

I was lucky enough to be there for this Saturday special!!

Check out Devra's website!