Wild Junket » Culture

Top Attractions in Paris, by District

Guest Blogger — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:30:00 +0000

This is a sponsored guest post by Andrew Minh.

For your next trip to Paris why not try a little serendipity? Find a district and start wandering around. Chances are you’ll discover many interesting nooks and crannies around you that you might not have seen had you stuck to a fixed itinerary. Whenever you feel lost, check the free Paris iPhone app offered by Paris Museums to find attractions nearest to you.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, each with its own unique flavor. They start at the center of the city and make a snail’s spiral out towards the banlieues. Most of the hugely popular museums and monuments of Paris are located in the first eight arrondissements.

Arrondissement 1

This is the least populated of all the arrondissements, and this is the one where you will find the most attractions. Here you will the massive underground shopping precinct, Forum des Halles, the iconic square of Place Vendôme and the former royal palace and prison, La Conciergerie. The string of attractions go on: the impressive Gothic chapel of Sainte-Chapelle and sprawling gardens Jardin des Tuileries. But to top it all, this is home to the world-renowned Musée du Louvre, the most visited art museum in the world and the iconic landmark of Paris.

Arrondissement 2

Money speaks here in the central business district of Paris. Here, you can get a different perspective of Paris, one that is rarely associated with the City of Romance. You will find La Bourse (Stock Exchange), Bibliothèque Nationale and the Passage des Panoramas, a picturesque precursor to many 20th century shopping malls. It’s not the most visited district in Paris, but definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in uncovering the less conventional corners.

Arrondissement 3

Located ay the northern end of historic Marais neighborhood, this is quite a small and tranquil arrondissement, but one well worth getting lost in. For art lovers, you can’t miss the Picasso Museum, a quirky and theatrical presentation of the famous artist’s sculptures and engravings. Other attractions you’ll find here are the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (National Conservatory of Arts and Craft), the Carnavalet Museum, and the Place de Vosges (where you can visit Victor Hugo’s house).

Arrondissement 4

Containing one section of the Marais neighborhood (the old Jewish quarter) this is one arrondissement that is on every visitor’s radar. There’s the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral and the St-Jacques Tower. Get your fill of modern art in one of the best museums in the world, Centre Pompidou. This area has that ineffable Parisian charm that epitomizes the city: the quaint old-world architecture, teeming sidewalk cafes and some great art.

Arrondissement 5

Perhaps best known for two attractions: the well-known Panthéon and the Quartier latin (Latin Quarter). But you’ll be surprised that there’s more to the district that that: wander around landmarks like the magnificent Val-de-Grâce church, the National Museum of the Middle Ages – Musée Cluny, St-Etienne-du-Mont church, and also the roman-era Arènes de Lutèce.

Arrondissement 6

Both locals and visitors to Paris love this one, and that is primarily because of the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is among the most beautiful parks in France. There are quite a few well-known landmarks here as well, such as the Abbey of the Saint-Germain des Prés, where Sarte, Beauvoir and Hemingway use to carouse, the Saint Sulpice church, and the Odéon Theatre.

Arrondissement 7

Millions of tourists from around the world visit this arrondissement for the most acclaimed icon of Paris: the Eiffel Tower. The tower is the tallest building in Paris, standing at a height of 324m, equivalent to a 81-story building. Visitors can ascend the tower either by stairs or lift, where you’ll be treated to a jaw-dropping view of the city. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, there are also a myriad of museums to visit, from the Musée d’Orsay, an impressive Beaux-Arts railway station, to the Musée du Quai Branly. This arrondissement also houses the Invalides and the Palais Bourbon.

Arrondissement 8

No visit to Paris would be complete without experiencing the Champs-Élysées, Paris’ legendary boulevard, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The Petit Palais and the Grand Palais (small and big palaces) are also here.

Other arrondissements worth checking out are 14 where the eerie Catacombs of Paris that house the remains of over 6 million people are located and 15 for Tour Montparnasse, boasting what is arguably the best view in Paris (even better than the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur). For a taste of the Parisian nightlife, check out arrondissement 11 where the younger crowd loves to hang out amidst the array of cafes, clubs and restaurants. And in the 9th arrondissement, don’t miss the beautiful Opera Garnier, shopaholics’ paradise Galeries Lafayette, and the Musée Grévin (wax museum).

For more information on Paris monuments and museums, check out the new Paris iPhone app. All authors are provided by author.

Travel Misadventures in Kyrgyzstan

Guest Blogger — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 +0000

This is a guest post by Andy Jarosz.

We had walked for three hours to reach a cluster of large yurts. They had been erected only a few feet apart on an otherwise empty mountainside; for warmth I presumed, despite the very pleasant midday sunshine. We would be spending our first night in the Kyrgyz mountains and had finally arrived at our overnight accommodation.

The concept of a neighbour is very different in rural Kyrgyzstan to how it is perceived to us European city folk. While our neighbours are typically within a gentle stone’s throw of us, here the distance between fellow dwellers on these slopes can be measured in kilometres. It was a chance encounter therefore when our host’s friend from the next valley happened to ride past our little group of weary hikers. After a brief exchange of greetings he disappeared over the distant hill, gesturing that he would soon return.

Around half an hour later we heard the sound of a galloping horse and sure enough he was back, this time dangling a goat hide from the back of his horse. Our Russian guide had already told us that an inverted goat skin was the traditional storage vessel for the favourite local brew, kumis. This is fermented mare’s milk and is one of those things that most Western folk will not enjoy drinking but that will always be offered to visiting guests.

“There’s poo in the milk!”

I can’t say that the idea of drinking fermented mare’s milk appealed to me but, never shy to try something new, I reluctantly braced myself for a taste and waited my turn as a small amount of milk was poured from the goatskin into a cup and passed around.

It was at this point that our guide, who was standing next to me and had seen it all before, nudged me and whispered, “Don’t drink it; there’s horse poo floating inside!” Sure enough, as the man was pouring the milk out of the skin we could clearly see brown lumps within the white liquid.

Maybe those who had the first taste couldn’t see this, but as we were unable to warn them without offending our host the drink made its way unannounced around the circle, each taking a small sip before passing the cup to their left. When it came to me I made up a lame excuse about having a stomach ache and passed the cup on. Better to lie I supposed, than to be ill. What would you have done in my position?

The irony of the story is this: that night as everyone in our group slept soundly, I suffered a full-blown bout of food poisoning. I will spare you the details, but it is sufficient to say that I didn’t see much of the inside of our yurt despite the sub-zero temperatures. Perhaps I should have drunk the dirty milk after all?

Andy Jarosz is a lifelong traveller and freelance writer. He writes on his own 501 Places website and also for adventure travel company Tourdust, who specialise in trekking in Morocco. You can follow Andy on Twitter.

The Ultimate Piping Challenge: Blowing the Asturian Bagpipe

Nellie Huang — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:30:00 +0000

During my recent trip to Asturias, I gave a shot at playing the bagpipes (you know me, I had to give everything a go). I don’t want to blow my own horn, but for a first-timer, I didn’t do too badly though my travel mates who were there might beg to differ! While I did make a fool out of myself, I really enjoyed the experience and found great pleasure amusing everyone including myself.

Prior to this experience, I had never seen a bagpipe in my life. The Asturian bagpipe traces its roots back to the Celtic culture. In certain parts of Northern Spain – namely Asturias, Galicia and Cantabria, some of the ancient Celtic influence has survived despite the long evolution of the local musical traditions.

At the Casa Juan Sidreria (cider house) in Cangas de Onis, we got the chance to watch a young trio play the traditional Asturian musical instruments: the gaita (bagpipe), banderetta (drum) and tambor (tamborine).

At 18 years old, this young gaitero (bagpipe-player) plays the instrument for his pure love of traditional music. With his band, they play in cider bars and at weddings.

Here is a video of the trio performing local Asturian music:

Asturian Bagpipe Trio

If you really have to see it, here’s a video of me trying to play the bagpipes. It looked harder than I’d imagined – playing the bagpipes involve a combination of stamina (for blowing) and strength (for squeezing the bag as you blow) – although I did manage to spurt out a note or two at the end of it. Try not to laugh, will ya?

WildJunket learns to play the Asturian bagpipe

The bagpipe is played commonly throughout the region, not only in cider bars but also on the streets. Along the streets of Gijon, I found a performer who was more than happy to strut his stuff for my camera. Here’s a video of him on his gaita:

A street performer playing the bagpipes

To see more of my photos from Asturias, click on any of the images above or go to my online gallery.

This experience was made possible by Asturias Tourism Board and Turismo.as, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Asturias here.

Photoblog: Flag-waving Ceremony in Lucca, Italy

Nellie Huang — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Knees bent, chest raised, the flag-waver uses all his strength to thrust his flag high into the sky. Tension heightens amidst the crowd as the Italian national flag soars towards the San Martino bell tower. Whop! The young sbandieratore catches his flags with much precision, and the crowd roars in unison. The intense silence now explodes into a cacophony of cheers and music.

I am in the medieval city of Lucca to witness Italy’s traditional flag-waving ceremony. It’s a special day for them: Italy turns 150 today and everyone is out on the streets to celebrate. Along with a group of travel bloggers, I’m here to join in the city’s celebrations and explore this region. I’ll let my photos take you through the impressive flag-waving ceremony.

Sbandieratores, as the flag-wavers are called in Italian, keep the tradition alive these days with occasional performances during festivals and major events. The rationale behind flag-waving is to re-enact the ceremonies that took place during the 1500s. This explains why they are usually dressed in medieval clothing.

There is a lead flag-waver who plays the protagonist of the performance. It is said that back in those days, the sbandieratore who could throw the flag highest would win the girl. Judging from the performance we caught, I’m sure the lead flag-waver earned his fair share of fans. Here’s a video of him strutting his stuff at Piazza di San Martino:

Lucca is best known for its flag-waving performances having given the world some of the top sbandieratores.

Girls take turns to throw the flags as well.

The flag-wavers are accompanied by a drumming band.

We were lucky enough to witness the performance of Nikola Cosentino, famous actor and two-times winner of the National Flag-waving Championships.

The two have a duet of sorts, tossing flags into the air and swopping them from one hand to the other.

At the end of the performance, the lead flag-waver takes a bow.

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This experience was made possible by Avventurosa and Casa Gentili, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels in Tuscany, Italy here or follow me on Twitter with the #TuscanyTrip hashtag.

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Celebrating Italy’s 150th Birthday in Lucca

Nellie Huang — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:54:04 +0000

Splashed in the national colors of green, white and red, the streets of Lucca are buzzing in a festive mood. Powered up for Italy’s birthday celebrations, locals take to the streets with the Italian flag in hand and pride in their hearts. Despite the drizzle, the energy is impalpable and the atmosphere contagious.

It’s not everyday that I find myself participating in Italy’s 150th birthday celebration but here I am, standing amidst the crowd and cheering ‘Viva Italia!’. Accompanied by several fellow travel bloggers, I am in Tuscany, Italy with a mission: to experience local life and explore the offbeat area sandwiched between Pisa and Lucca. Organized by Avventurosa and Casa Gentili, the Tuscany Blog Trip promises to unveil secrets tucked within the region and show us Tuscany beyond Florence.

Lucca’s Streets

Earlier that morning, we had entered the medieval city of Lucca through the old city walls that surround the entire historical quarters. Meandering our way through the cobblestoned streets and narrow alleyways, we discovered a city oozing with character and bleeding with history.

Lucca swoons like an elegant maiden – its medieval streets resemble those in fairytales while its piazzas bring to mind Renaissance settings. At every street corner, we stumble upon a charming church, an impressive monument or historical building. There is plenty to discover here, yet Lucca remains off the tourist radar.

Our experienced guide, Antonella Marucci, tells us, “Lucca is said to have a total of 100 churches within the historical centre, but according to investigations," she pauses for effect, “we have just 87.”

Along the way, we find Italian flags draped all over the yellow-washed buildings and people with their faces painted in green, red and white. It’s a special day in Lucca today and within 10 steps into the historical quarters, we get a sense of the excitement.

Street Parades and Music

Along the main drag of the city, Via San Paolino, a parade is making its way into the city centre. Dressed in military wear and armed with musical instruments, the soldiers take the city by storm.

Antonella tells us that some of these parade participants have lost their children in the war, and the parade is a commemoration of their sacrifice for the country. I snap a shot of a white-haired elder beaming with pride – seemingly for both his country and his son.

We drift further along through the streets of Lucca before arriving at the San Michele church, a stunning Romanesque-style architectural masterpiece standing in the heart of Lucca. Spotting a white facade (symbolizing peace) emblazoned with numerous animal figures, the church was built in the Middle Age and has since been restored to its original glory.

At the Piazza di San Michele, bundles of balloons and confetti have been set up to welcome the parade delegates. Here, the parades culminate and everyone gathers to sing, party and celebrate.

Flag-Waving Ceremony

We continue our tour of the city, arriving at the Piazza di San Martino just in time to catch an impressive display of the local flag-waving group. Sbandieratores, as the flag-wavers are called in Italian, re-enact the ceremony that used to take place since the 1500s.

Lucca is best known for its flag-waving performances having given the world some of the top sbandieratores. We are lucky enough to witness the performance of Nikola Cosentino, famous actor and two-times winner of the National Flag-waving Championships.

Dressed in medieval clothing, the flag-wavers throwing white-and-red flags (colors of Lucca) high in the air, wowing the crowds with their precision and skills. More photos to come in my next article on the flag-waving ceremony, stay tuned!

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To get in touch with our guide, Antonella Marcucci, find her on facebook or contact her at +39 339 6328832.

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Photoblog: The Last Remaining Tatau Tribe of Sarawak, Borneo

Nellie Huang — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:34:47 +0000

It’s a hot and wet afternoon in the tropics of Sarawak, Borneo. The jungle surrounding us is an artful assemblage of bamboo and palm trees, draped over the river banks. We are gliding through the murky waters of Sungei Tatau, flanked on both sides by lush foliage. Our destination: the last remaining Tatau longhouse in the region.

I am in Bintulu, Borneo – a destination better known for oil and gas than cultural attractions. Few tourists make it out here except for local visitors but I’ve heard it is all about to change. With newly introduced tourism infrastructure development, giant chains have all set up shop here including the innovative Tune Hotels group. The hotel chain that has made it to the forefront of the budget hotel industry in Malaysia has just opened a new branch in downtown Bintulu and I’m here to check it out and explore the area. On our first day here, we’re going deep into the tribal territories in search of the last remaining Tatau tribe of Sarawak.

Hopping off the traditional longtail boat, we received a warm welcome from the Tatau tribal folks. Like most other tribes in Sarawak, they greeted us with a shot of tuah, hand-made rice wine. The men in the tribe then guide us into their house with a traditional dance.

Sarawak, Borneo is a stronghold of tradition. Many tribes still live in various corners of Sarawak and conserve their traditional practices. Although the family we visited is a mixture of Tatau and Iban tribes, they are the last remaining Tatau tribe left in Sarawak and thus hold extreme importance to the Bornean culture.

Residing in traditional longhouses (as the name implies, they are elongated houses where 15 to 20 families live under one roof), the Tatau tribes were warm and friendly, asking us to join in the dances and ceremonies. I was joined by a group of over 20 Malaysian journalists, among which many agreed with me that this tribal experience was as authentic as it could get.

By the end of the dance, we were invited to enjoy lunch in the longhouse. Typical Sarawak food was laid out on the floor as we dug in for a taste of tradition. A Tatau senior in her sixties, explained to me in Teochew dialect, “Everything we eat is from nature or grown by ourselves, such as the coconut core, bamboo and chicken.” The entire tribe is self-sustained by their own crops.

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My trip was made possible by Tune Hotels, but all opinions are my own. Read more about my travels through Sarawak, Borneo in the next few weeks.

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Off the Beaten Path: Hong Kong

Nellie Huang — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:27:34 +0000

Today’s sponsored post brings us alittle closer to home, the vibrant, dynamic city of Hong Kong. Riding on a tram to the top of The Peak, catching the Star Ferry across the harbour, gawping at the incredible skyline and shopping at one of the many markets are all must-dos when visiting Hong Kong. But if you want to come back knowing you saw a side to Hong Kong not every tourist did, you need to get off the beaten track.

Hike Up Smuggler’s Ridge

In the heart of the New Territories, an area dense with protected country park, Smuggler’s Ridge is a stretch of low peaks with vertical drops on each side, offering panoramic views over the bustling metropolises of Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, along with the long stretch of Ting Kao Bridge and the distant peaks of Lantau Island on one side, and the sparkling Shing Mun reservoir and verdant hillsides of various mountains on the other.

Photo from Hongkong Tourism Board

What really marks this hike as special though, is its history, which can only be truly appreciated if you ignore the signs warning ‘Danger. Desolate trench. Do not enter’. Do this and you will discover the remains of Shing Mun Redoubt. Constructed during WWII, the redoubt is formed by a series of underground bunkers and pillboxes connected by cement passageways that formed the key part of the Gin Drinker’s Line, an 18km-long string of defense positions along the hill separating Kowloon from the New Territories. The tunnels are named after famous London locations by homesick soldiers, and the inscriptions remain – ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’, ‘Regent Street’, Piccadilly’, and ‘Charing Cross’, and the main command post of the redoubt, ‘Strand Palace Hotel’.

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Tai Long Wan

This involves another hike, however it is one on which you are constantly rewarded by stunning views, empty trails, and, at the end of it, the beautiful Tai Long Wan beach. White sand, turquoise sea, rugged headland, and usually not a soul in sight. This is truly one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets and an ideal place to escape the crowds and noise of the city.

Photo from iloho

Do Tai Chi In the Park

If you’re an early riser, or if jet lag has forced you to become one, visit one of Hong Kong’s many urban parks to see elderly ladies and wizened old men doing their morning exercises, often to traditional Chinese music. Various types of Tai Chi may be performed, some with huge red fans, others with ornamental swords, but all of it absolutely captivating. It’s a tranquil way to start the day in an otherwise manic, bustling city. Try Kowloon park if you are staying in a Tsim Sha Tsui hotel, or Victoria Park if you in a Hong Kong hotel on the Island.

Flickr photo by rayparnova

Wander Around Hong Kong’s Local Markets

Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its markets selling clothes, bags, shoes, antiques, and furniture but its wet markets are just as fascinating and show a side of Hong Kong life that you might otherwise miss. The Chinese often visit the food markets daily to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat, and the produce is so fresh that it is often still alive up until the point that you buy it, when it is killed, gutted and chopped right in front of your eyes – a trip to the wet markets certainly isn’t for the squeamish!

Flickr photo by msmccomb

Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon have good wet markets, whilst Central has one of the largest and Causeway Bay’s is worth a trip purely for the fact that it is located just one block from the glitzy Times Square shopping centre, full of designer stores and swanky restaurants. Here is a great example of Hong Kong’s extraordinary mix of old and new, traditional and modern.

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India’s Royal Pink City of Jaipur

Nellie Huang — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:59:37 +0000

From the desert city of Jaisalmer, we continued our journey eastwards towards one of the most popular destinations in India. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the third corner of India’s tourist circuit, the Golden Triangle. At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, an old walled quarter packed with extravagant royal palaces, Hindu temples and Asia’s most colorful bazaars. These lavish edifices – scattered all over the chaotic city – are remnants of India’s strongest empire.

Jaipur can be overwhelming with its pushy vendors, dense crowd and polluted streets (it was far from being our favorite city in India), but if enjoyed at a slow pace, the world-class architecture is astounding. Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds (pictured above), is an excellent example of Jaipur’s beauty. It’s best appreciated from the outside, especially in the evening.

Hotel Raj Palace

Arriving at Raj Palace at dawn, we saw the palace shimmering in the sun’s rays. Winner of numerous tourism and hotel awards, the Raj Palace is definitely one of the best places to stay in Jaipur for both its history and setting.

The 300-year-old palace was once home to Jaipur’s Maharaja (royal king) and is still a property of his descendants. Converted into a luxury heritage hotel, the Raj Palace has been restored to its original glory.

Each suite in the hotel is decorated with 200-year-old antiques: brass figures, golden-plated pillars and bronze furnishing. Our suite even had a mini-museum with artifacts on display and old photos of the Maharani (Princess) who used to live in the palace.

The Maharaja Suite ($15,000 a night) below is the hotel’s biggest suite for now. With three rooms (the gold, silver and ivory rooms), a golden-walled lobby and an internal elevator, the suite definitely gives one the feeling of entering the Maharajas’ home.

Within the suite, you’ll also find a glassed area where the king’s throne sits. The suite is also floored by one of the world’s biggest and oldest carpets. One of India’s biggest chandeliers also sit in the hotel.

The hotel is still in the process of restoring more rooms. One suite in particular is the Shahi-Maha suite, which will be the world’s most expensive suite, priced at $42,000 a night (min. 2 nights).

Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur’s main attraction is its City Palace. Framed around colorful pink walls, the palace is unlike other sandstone palaces we’d seen in Udaipur and Jaisalmer, in both structure and color.

Jaipur City Palace is evidently restored immaculately, with shimmering chandeliers, perfectly arched gates and intricately-carved patios.

Its display of photos is particularly interesting, showing the Viceroy of Great Britain on his visit and the Maharaja of Jaipur holding his court sessions in the majestic court house.

Amber Fort

Poised imposingly on the hilltop of Amber, the sheer size of the Amber Fort itself is dramatic and awe-inspiring. As the main battle ground of the powerful Rajputs, the Amber Fort is massive and laid out with numerous courtyards, rooms and patios. Although the interior has not been restored, and is nowhere near the City Palace in terms of grandeur, the setting of the fort atop the craggy, narrow ridge makes it worth a visit.

Colorful Bazaars

Jaipur is best known for its bustling bazaars stocked full of handicraft, textiles, jewellery and pottery. At Tripolia Bazaar, right next to Hawa Mahal, I found rows upon dizzying rows of bangle stalls and sari shops. Bapu Bazaar is also great for tie-dye cloths and embellished textiles. As you can seen from the picture below, shopping in the bazaar is simply a way of life for the Jaipur locals.

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Photoblog: The Desert City of Jaisalmer, India

Nellie Huang — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:45:17 +0000

Poised at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is blanketed in golden-brown sand, evocative of Arabian tales and legends. The town itself is a wonder: Studded with stone forts and palaces that resemble sand castles, the enchanting city is one of Rajasthan’s secret gems. Its sandstone ramparts, tanned to a honeycomb color by the setting sun of Rajasthan, have given Jaisalmer its reputation as the “Golden City”.

From the lakeside city of Udaipur, we head further north, deeper into the heart of Rajasthan. This region is known for its strong adherence to traditions of the past – man wearing colorful turbans, women in bright saris, cows roaming its streets. That’s precisely what makes Rajasthan such a compelling place to visit.

Jaisalmer Fort

Rising above the city of Jaisalmer is the golden-brown sandstone fort. From the fort, you can get a gorgeous panorama of the compact town and the surrounding Thar Desert. Jaisalmer’s skyline is packed with square sandstone housing and sharp towers of Hindu temples.

Embellished with latticed balconies, peacock-shaped windows and mosaic tiles, the fort resembles a lavish palace more than a battle ground. The old Maharajas’ (kings) sleeping area, throne and jewelry are all on display.

Jain Temples

Within the fort itself lies several Hindu and Jain temples, each dedicated to a different god. Admire the intricate carvings or give offerings to the shrines built within. While traveling in India, I have stumbled upon temples of distinctive background, beliefs and practices. Amongst them, the Jain temples in Jaisalmer are some of the most unique I’ve seen.

Lavish Havelis

Mansions built centuries ago have long lost their shine, but today, these havelis still stand strong, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s prosperous past. The havelis’ intricately-carved exterior, elaborate latticed patios and beautiful fountains are evident to yesteryear’s glory.

Streets and People of Jaisalmer

Backdropped by the ubiquitous sandstone, the streets of Jaisalmer are beautifully livened up by colors. The bright red, purple, orange saris and turbans that Rajasthani people adorn contrast immaculately against a blanket of yellow.

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India’s Romantic Lake City, Udaipur

Nellie Huang — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:39:38 +0000

Said to be the most romantic city in Rajasthan – if not India, Udaipur has won the heart of many, including mine. With a poetic setting around the shores of Lake Picchola, backdropped by gentle rolling hills, it’s easy to see why. But if you’ve come expecting to find Paris of the East, don’t be stumped to find the usual chaotic traffic, ubiquitous cow dung and commercialized lakeside development. Look beyond that and you’ll see Udaipur’s charm.

Udaipur Lakeside Palace

From our humble guesthouse, I could drink in a view of the calm Lake Picchola and white-washed havelis (extravagant mansions) floating upon it. Amidst the pile of pastel-colored buildings, the City Palace stacks high up to surface through the rooftops. Lattice-balconies and intricately-carved windows adorn the exterior of the grand palace, while sparkling mosaic tiles and stain glass liven up its interior.

The palace’s most striking features are the turrets and cupolas that crown the main building. Look above and you’ll be find yourself overshadowed by these intricately-carved patios that jut out of the edifice’s structure. Maharajas, the Indian royal kings, used to stand out on these patios to address the public.

The palace’s interior are extremely striking in color, as compared to its yellow sand stone facade. Mural paintings and carvings are washed in bright blue or red, while arch-shaped windows are wedged with stained glass.

Jagdish Hindu Temple

Another attractive work of architecture is the Jagdish Temple that stands proud and tall right in the center of Udaipur. Despite its all-grey facade, the well-preserved carvings of Vishnu are rather impressive. Head up to the rooftop of a nearby hotel and you’ll find this view of the temple (pictured below) and the surrounding hills.

Colorful Rajasthani Artwork

Rajasthan is home to India’s most elaborate artwork. Many of the country’s best painters and artists call Rajasthan home. From hand-carved animal sculptures to larger-than-life puppets, a myriad of artwork can be found in Udaipur. If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home, this would be a great place to stock up.

Udaipur is best known for miniature painting, a style of painting favored by the Maharajas (royal kings). Along the streets of Udaipur, it’s easy to spot massive paintings depicting battles and emperors with the City Palace as the backdrop. Hindu mythology is also often painted, with Ganesh being the most painted character. Curious about the ancient art form, we did a painting course at Ashoka Art School, learning the tricks of miniature painting.

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