A Royal Retreat: Ankit’s Family Voyage to Udaipur with Thrillophilia
Planning a surprise anniversary trip for my parents was something I had never done before. Honestly, I was nervous.
Gifting them something this big felt like stepping into uncharted territory, but I wanted to do something truly special for their milestone. After days of scrolling through options, I decided on Udaipur— the City of Lakes and romance.
Thrillophilia played a huge role in helping me plan everything, from stays to experiences. When I finally broke the news to my parents, their reaction was priceless. My mom gasped, “Are you serious?” while my dad, trying to hide his excitement, said, “This is too much, Ankit.”
But their smiles gave it away— they were thrilled. And so, with a mix of excitement and jitters, we packed our bags and set off for a journey that would leave us with memories to cherish forever.
Lakes, Palaces, and Charm
Our first few days in Udaipur were dedicated to exploring its iconic landmarks, and what a start it was!
The City Palace left us awestruck with its grandeur. As we walked through the intricately designed corridors and admired the panoramic views of Lake Pichola from the palace balconies, my dad couldn’t stop saying, “How lucky the kings and queens must have been to live in a palace like this!”
My mom, on the other hand, was busy admiring the architectural detail, chandeliers and the colourful glass windows.
Next up on our itinerary was the iconic Lake Pichola. I had personally requested for a boat ride during sunset because I simply wanted my parents to have the best experience. And let me tell you - with the shimmering water, the golden hues of the setting sun, and the majestic palaces surrounding the lake made it a surreal experience. My parents sat together, soaking in the tranquility, while I captured candid pictures of their happy faces.
Sajjangarh Palace, or commonly known as the Monsoon Palace, was another highlight of our trip. (Ps: Just in case, you miss the sunset on Lake Pichola, head towards this palace, because the sunset here is equally magical!)
Perched on a hill, Sajjangarh Palace offered breathtaking views of the city. We spent some quiet moments there, simply enjoying the breeze and the scenic beauty. Fateh Sagar Lake was more lively compared to Lake Pichola— lined with street vendors and buzzing with activity.
We tried the famous kulhad coffee, which was so good that my mom insisted on taking some home. Finally, we visited Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple, which required a cable car ride. The ride itself was thrilling, and the views from the top were worth every second.
Celebrating 25 Years of Forever
The highlight of the trip, without a doubt, was the surprise anniversary celebration I had planned for my parents.
I’d arranged a special dinner at a lakeside restaurant, with candles flickering, fairy lights twinkling, and soft music filling the air. As we walked into the venue, my mom’s eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped, “Ankit, this is too much!” Meanwhile, my dad, always the more reserved one, smiled and said, “It’s perfect.”
Seeing their faces light up as they took in the setting was a moment I’ll never forget. They held hands, exchanged loving glances, and shared sweet memories from their years together— it was truly heartwarming to watch.
The restaurant staff had also arranged a cake that read “Happy Anniversary,” and my parents’ smiles grew even wider as they cut it together. My dad, in a rare and touching moment of romance, fed my mom the first bite, teasing her with, “Here’s to many more years of putting up with me.” We all burst into laughter at his playful words.
But the surprises didn’t end there. A live musician began playing their favourite song, ‘Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein’ and to my surprise, my dad stood up, took my mom’s hand, and asked her for a dance. It was a simple, slow dance, but watching them twirl together under the stars was one of the most beautiful and emotional moments I’ve ever witnessed. It was as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was their love.
To Sum It Up!
As the trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel proud of myself. Watching my parents enjoy every moment, from exploring Udaipur’s beauty to celebrating their special day, was incredibly fulfilling.
On our last evening, as we sat by the lake, my mom said, “This has been the best gift ever, Ankit.” My dad nodded in agreement, adding, “You’ve made this anniversary memorable.”
Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about the places we visited or the things we did. It was about the moments we shared— the laughter, the conversations, and the joy of being together. It reminded me of how important it is to celebrate the people we love.
A big thanks to Thrillophilia for making everything seamless and memorable. This trip wasn’t just a gift for my parents, it was a gift for me too— a treasure trove of memories that I’ll cherish forever. Udaipur, with its charm and magic, gave us a story worth telling, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate my parents’ love.
Read More: Thrillophilia Udaipur Reviews