What do you do when you don’t know what to do? When worldly pleasures hold no value and there’s nothing that can fill the vacuum in your heart? Trust me, in times like that, you should travel. Go Solo!
At one such restless moment of my life, I decided to sprint away from the chaos and booked a Train ticket to Udaipur. Why Udaipur? I don’t know but I think that was the best impromptu decision I have ever made.
The train leaves at 12:00 am from Borivali station. At midnight, there I was, confused, afraid, but determined, waiting for the train. The wait ended soon and I boarded. I was probably the only person in the whole lot travelling alone. It felt odd.
I like night journeys. It was a chilly winter night and to my luck I had a window seat! Being late night, fellow passengers fell asleep soon after the train started. I spent the night looking at the sky full of stars wondering where these tiny twinkles were all this while? Were they not present or was I so ignorant? Thoughts kept drifting and soon I was asleep.
Day 1: The train arrived at Udaipur next evening. I had already made reservations at a decent budget Hotel. To my relief, the hotel wasn’t too far from the station; Soon I was done with the check in formalities. I had my evening tea at the rooftop of my hotel overlooking the city. The evening view of the town made me realise what they mean by ‘Love At First Sight.’
Out of several suggestions by the manager of the hotel, I chose to attend a cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Thanks to my habit of being punctual, I reached way before time and managed to get front row seat. Soon the venue was lit up by colourful lights and a group of men wearing Rajasthani attire started singing the traditional welcome song “Kesariyaa Balaam, Padharo Mare Des.” It was so enchanting! I was spellbound.
The show progressed further with various folk dance performances and the puppet show. I thoroughly enjoyed my presence there.
I ended my first day in Udaipur with scrumptious Rajasthani Thali.
Day 2: I decided to go to Nathdwara – A town famous for its Krishna Temple (ShreeNathji). There are many buses which take you to Nathdwara from Udaipur. It’s approximately an hour long journey. Walking for few minutes from the bus stand; you will pass through a thin lane with shops on both the sides. These shops are loaded with frames, idols, posters, and all kind of souvenirs of Lord Krishna (Shreenathji). At the end of the lane is a huge entry gate to the temple premises.
You will be greeted by many pundits offering you a guided tour of the temple and promising you “guaranteed” darshan. I chose to accept the invite. I was guided through the various sections of the temple and was told a tale associated with each one of it. After a while, I was asked to stand outside a huge closed door. “Abhi yeh darwazaa khulega toh aap sab ke saath daud laga ke andar jaana” advised punditji.
People of all ages were standing with their hands joined and shouting in unity “Shreeji Baba Ki Jai!” It was a different aura altogether. I felt a strange sense of belongingness amidst that crowd. By the time I could make sense of my feelings, the door was opened!
People ran as if they were in a marathon – a spiritual marathon. Everyone was eager to get one glimpse of their beloved god and seek his blessings. They ran for the solutions to all their problems. I joined the crowd seeking my answers too.
After the wonderful spiritual encounter, I paid the dakshina to punditji and left from the temple. Enroute bus stand I had hot jalebis and yummy rabdi. Late afternoon I boarded the bus to head back to Udaipur.
In the evening, I explored city market selling local specialities in clothing, accessories, bags and so on. After a long walk, I decided to go to Gangaur Ghat to witness the beautiful sunset. Ghat was fairly populated but there was a strange calmness in the atmosphere. Standing alone there, in that moment, I realised how much we all miss enjoying our own company. How much we are trapped in the web of materialism.
Wandering deeper in these thoughts, I didn’t realise when the setting sun was overtaken by a brightly shining moon. I left from the ghat and went to a small cafe nearby for my dinner. Within few steps`, I was back at my hotel. Soon I wrapped myself in the soft, warm blanket and closed my eyes to the world.
Day 3: It was my last day in the city today. I had to board 10 pm train to Mumbai. To make most of last few hours, I decided to hire a rickshaw and explore highlights of the city. I visited the two prime lakes – Pichola Lake (the most beautiful one) and Fatehsagar Lake (the deepest of all – depth unknown)
Followed by a visit to Moti Magri which has a bronze statue of Maharana astride his favourite horse “Chetak.”
I went for a ropeway ride to Karni Mata temple on Machla Magra Hills. You get an aerial view of the entire city from here.
As the end of the day approached so did end of my journey. Soon I was back to the hotel. After finishing repacking, I headed to the rooftop for one last time to bid adieu to this wonderful city.
After spending few minutes in solace and absorbing the entire experience, I checked out from the hotel and headed to the station. The train was waiting, and in few minutes journey back to home began.
Once again I was sitting at the window looking at the starry sky but it felt different. The stars were known to me now!
