Udaipur is the city of lakes. We are staying at the Taj Lake Palace in the middle of a large lake. We take a pontoon boat as a taxi to our hotel. We are in the middle of a large basin. Mountainous hills surround us. The hillsides are dotted with temples and other buildings. Most imposing, right on the edge of the lake, is the City Palace Complex with its walls of marble and granite. Now a large museum, we will visit the complex the following day and then walk through the old walled city.
Horns announce our presence as we pull up to the dock at our hotel. We are met by umbrella carrying attendants to shield us from the midday sun. In the lobby, we are met with cool towels and cold drinks as is the custom. The historical seasonal palace of the maharajas has been converted to a hotel. We learn the significance of the common areas, palatial rooms, and more. We enjoy a traditional dance and music show in the evening over drinks. We wake up to yoga in the morning just after sunrise, before touring the city complex and the old city.
Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
The narrow streets and Havelis of the city rise and fall with the hills. We’re never far from the lake. The shadows of the old buildings are welcome in the midday heat. The old city reveals secrets – entering a building leads to an enclosed courtyard out the backdoor, which we cross to a tall building filled with textiles and more treasures. Ornate stairwells lead up to new wonders. The cobbled streets harken back to another time that fits with the stone craftsmanship around us.
The view from the roof of our hotel reveals so much. It’s quiet in the middle of the lake, but for the gentle breeze. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and the sunrise. The granite and marble buildings on the lake’s edge offer the perfect reflective backdrops. It feels like the trip is coming to a close and this indeed true. We’re on to Delhi and then, back home.
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
4 days ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
5 days ago
Careful service
older gentleman
5 days ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
