A Family Bond Forged in the City of Lakes: Srinivas’ Udaipur Trip with Thrillophilia
There’s something poetic about travelling with family. It’s not just about the places you visit; it’s about the connections you rediscover, the stories you share, and the memories you create together. That’s exactly what Udaipur became for me- a canvas of love, nostalgia, and togetherness.
Our family trip to the City of Lakes was long overdue. Between my work commitments, my wife managing the household, my elderly parents enjoying their retirement, and my daughter’s school, we rarely had time to come together as a unit.
But as life would have it, one of my closest friends mentioned his unforgettable experience with Thrillophilia, and the seed was planted. He said, “They take care of everything; all you have to do is show up.” I was sold. I wanted this trip to be perfect, especially for my parents, who had always sacrificed their desires for us.
The moment we landed in Udaipur, the city embraced us with its old-world charm. As we drove to our hotel, the narrow lanes, dotted with traditional havelis and vibrant markets, were alive with the sounds of daily life. My father, seated next to me, peered out of the car window and muttered, “This reminds me of my childhood days in Rajasthan.” His voice had a wistfulness that struck a chord. I knew then that this trip was going to be more meaningful than I had imagined.
Our hotel was a palace-turned-hotel overlooking Lake Pichola. My daughter squealed in excitement as she ran into the balcony. “Papa, look! The lake is shining like diamonds!” she exclaimed. My wife smiled, and my mother, despite her usual reservations about trips, sat down on the balcony chair and gazed at the view. It was already worth it.
The Romance of City Palace and Lake Pichola
We began our exploration with the iconic City Palace, a masterpiece that stood as a testament to Udaipur’s regal past. As we walked through its corridors, adorned with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and sprawling courtyards, I could see my father marvelling at the architecture. “Imagine living in a place like this,” he said, his eyes sparkling.
For my daughter, it was like walking into a fairy tale. She tugged at my wife’s dupatta, saying, “Mumma, am I a princess now?” We all laughed, and my wife, ever so graceful, replied, “You’ve always been one.”
The highlight of the day, however, was the sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. As the boat glided through the calm waters, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the city in a warm glow. My wife leaned in and whispered, “This feels like a dream.” I held her hand and smiled, silently thanking life for this moment. My parents sat quietly, taking it all in, their expressions reflecting peace.
Nostalgia
The next morning, we ventured into Udaipur’s bustling markets. The streets were alive with colours—bright textiles, glittering jewellery, and handcrafted souvenirs. My mother, who rarely indulges herself, stopped at a stall selling embroidered dupattas. “Should I get one?” she asked me, her voice hesitant. “Get two,” I replied, grinning. She laughed, a sound I hadn’t heard in a while.
Meanwhile, my daughter had her eye on a small wooden elephant. “Papa, can I take this for my school show-and-tell?” she asked. I nodded, realising how such small things could mean the world to her. My father, who usually refrains from shopping, surprised us all by picking up a hand-painted box. When I asked him about it, he simply said, “For memories.”
Exploring History
On our third day, we took a short trip to the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort. Known for its towering walls and stunning views, the fort left us all in awe. The climb was a bit challenging for my parents, but they insisted on reaching the top. “We’ve come this far; we might as well see it all,” my father said stubbornly.
When we finally reached the summit, the panoramic view of the Aravalli hills took our breath away. Standing there with my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My wife snapped a picture of the five of us, and my daughter, with her tiny arms around my parents, declared, “This is the best trip ever!”
Serenity
The morning of our last full day in Udaipur was spent at Saheliyon Ki Bari, a garden built for royal women. The fountains, marble pavilions, and lotus pools created a serene atmosphere. My mother sat by a fountain, reminiscing about her younger days. “When I was a child, I used to dream of visiting a place like this,” she said.
Later, we visited the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace. As we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I realised how this trip had brought us all closer. My father, who rarely shares his emotions, turned to me and said, “You’ve given us something to cherish forever.”
Gratitude for Thrillophilia
I must thank Thrillophilia for making this trip so seamless. From arranging comfortable transportation for my elderly parents to ensuring kid-friendly activities for my daughter, everything was handled with perfection. Their recommendations and attention to detail allowed us to focus on what truly mattered- spending time together.
This trip wasn’t just a vacation; it was a celebration of family. It reminded me of the importance of cherishing the people we love and creating memories that last a lifetime. Udaipur, with its timeless charm, became the backdrop of a story we will tell for years to come.
As I sit here, writing these words, I can’t help but smile. This was more than a journey—it was an experience that touched our hearts and brought us closer. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Read more: Thrillophilia Udaipur Reviews