City Palace Udaipur is one of the best local attractions you should visit when you are visiting Udaipur. Popularly known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is one romantically beautiful city which remains so close to our hearts. Sarah and I remember our trip so vividly that we still share some of our experiences when we share our Udaipur experiences.
Obviously, when you are visiting City Palace in Udaipur you should give it a whole day. This is because the palace is so vast it will take you hours before you finish the tour. The overall architecture and design are massive and complex with so many small doors, windows and alleys that you have to navigate.
We decided to hire a registered tour guide Mr. Natwar who took us along through various palace doors and entrances. However, this Thursday Doors post focuses on a singular experience we had as Mr. Natwar took us through the City Palace tour.
So, as we were exploring the architecture of the palace we came across many small doors and windows. However, when we reached this particular door, Mr Natwar decided to take me for a ride (in a good way).
He promptly asked me to open the door and look at what was inside. Now, I’m not a muscular person but I went ahead to open the door. At this moment, Sarah was clicking my pictures while Mr Natwar I believe must be enjoying the show.
I tried with all my might, but the door was jammed. To make it worse, I had the camera bag on my left shoulder and the monopod bag on my right which was inconvenient. Eventually, I decided to put that down and give it another try.
After 3 to 5 minutes of several failed attempts, I gave up. The door was jammed horribly.
It was then, that Mr. Natwar came forward and said, ‘It’s just a wall. There is no door’.
I was like ‘WHAT?’
He was like, ‘Yeah, this wall was designed by the king to make it appear like a door. He would then make fun of his guests and relatives who would try all their strength to open the door but fail miserably. This door is for entertainment purposes.’
By this time, many other tourists gathered around us probably assuming that I would open this door and reveal something interesting. Instead, I just made a fool of myself in front of all. I went through a lot of mixed emotions then. However, it was a funny incident we still cherish and now decided to share.
We also later found out that the palace has many such doors that never open.
To this date, the wall/door has been maintained to entertain the visitors. It is likely if you do not hire tour guides you would pass by this door assuming it is just a plain door.
I hope you enjoy this mini post on City Palace Udaipur. Stay tuned for many such stories and posts coming up related to our travels in India.
4 comments
I think this is the first time we’ve had an entertaining door shared for Thursday Doors, Sharukh. I have to say, I was laughing as I read this. The king had a strange sense of humor, but it works. It is a beautiful door.
Probably the first time a ‘wall’ is nominated for a Thursday ‘doors’ post. Glad that you enjoyed it, Dan. That was my intent. Thank you for visiting.
Ha! Who would have thought — a king who played practical jokes. Thanks for the fun post, Sharukh. Hugs.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Teagan.