Manikya Lal Verma Garden

Doodh Talai – Uniquely Defined Water Source

Being a travel freak and exploring historical places keeps your mind storming with the various thoughts all the time. And, when it’s about our Udaipur, the city never fails to astound endless magical history that is covered with the lakes and water sources that are present in and around the city. But what’s more interesting is the uniqueness of their names. Like, Fateh Sagar is named after Maharana Fateh Singh (Mewar dynasty) and Udaipur itself has got its name because of Maharana Udai Singh of Sisodia Clan of Rajput. Same in the series there is centrally located small water pond in the heart of the city, i.e. Doodh Talai (Dudh Talai).

Name and Origination:

Do you ever think that why it is called as Doodh Talai? People in Lake City have subjected many stories behind the name and origination of this water source. But, according to the old citizens, Doodh Talai (A small Milk pond) fulfilled the basic needs of cows that were present in government cow shelters (Raajakeey Goshalas) that carry through the requirement of milk in heritage kitchen. Later on, the dairy was shifted to Goverdhan Vilas area from where the animals were brought daily on grazing, drinking water, and for bathing purpose in Dudh Talai. Hence, it can be concluded that this unique, freshwater reservoir was primarily meant for the Royal concern.

Sites to Explore:

From the location viewpoint, Doodh Talai is located quite near the centre of the Udaipur. And, shares a common link road with another point Lake Pichola. Basically known for its compact and managed shape, it is surrounded by small hillocks that host:

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park (Rock Garden or Musical Fountain Garden)
Manikya Lal Verma Garden
The Ropeway
Lake Pichola
Jungle Safari (3.5 km)

Because of scenic greenery, and different tourist attractions it is the famous spot in Udaipur to explore while travelling. One can also enjoy the fast food counters, camel and horse ride, and boat ride at the same location.

Manikya Lal Verma Garden

The Manikya Lal Verma Park (also known as Doodh Talai Garden), offers a glorious view of Lake Pichola and Doodh Talai. It was constructed in the year 1995 by Nagar Parishad (Municipal Council) Udaipur and was named after Manikya Lal Verma (Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan). There are stairs constructed to reach to the garden with the separate road for vehicles. And, on the top of it, Karni Mata Temple is located with the white stone idol of the goddess inside the zone.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Garden is another small park located on the adjacent point to Manikya Lal Verma Garden. It was developed by UIT (Urban Improvement Trust) Udaipur. The best part here is the Rajasthan’s first “Musical Fountain” manufactured by “Yagnik Mechanical Engineering Works”. Also, this park offers a sunset point, from where one can witness the sunset in the lap of Lake Pichola reflecting magnificent light.

The Ropeway (Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway)

There is a ropeway from the top of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park, which follows the journey of tourists to the Karni Mata temple. The cabin car was developed by business person Kailash Khandelwal in collaboration with UIT. This ride is at the height of around 500 meters and runs over a fixed grip mono cable. It is the first ropeway of Rajasthan that offers a 4-minute ride that is adventurous and joyful to check out the aerial view. The ride gives a panoramic view of the city including Lake Pichola, captivating City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort, and other locations, from its cabin. In addition to the cost, the ticket is quite affordable around Rs.80/- per adult.

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is the another attraction that can be witnessed by the crowd of tourists and holding the four islands within it (Jag Niwas, Mohan Mandir, Jag Mandir, and Arsi Villas) that represent the royal architecture of Mewar. One can enjoy the scenic view of all the locations by taking a sunset boat ride which costs around Rs.200/- per person. Also, one can also take camel and horse ride on the Lakeside (Paal) of Pichola during any time of the day to enhance the travel experience.

In addition to all these explorations, another site that an individual can visit is Jungle Safari which is at the distance of 3.5Km through the road going by the private jetty’s zone of Lake Pichola. Therefore, to cover the diverse locations at a single spot set a plan to know Dudh Talai more closely.

To gather and feel the ravishing breeze of this water reservoir, experience the fascinating look by making your evening visit towards the destination.

Dudh Talai – Deliberate Potency of Aestheticity

Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace its shore. M.L Verma Garden and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty. It is located at the coordinates: 24°34’8″N 73°41’9″E

Manikya Lal Verma Garden :

The Manikya Lal Verma Garden or the Rock Garden, on a hillock near Dudh Talai is the best place to catch a spectacular landscape and is carved out of a rugged rock at an attractive eminence. There are curved stones inducted in the bottom of the garden and the small stream of water goes across through it. It was constructed in year 1995 by Nagar Parhisad (Municipal Council) Udaipur. The blue and white paint is unfortunate but adoption and use as ‘public open space’ is probably the best way of managing India’s brilliant heritage of stepwells. A peep from here gives a panoramic view of sediments of nature. The grandeur of this garden lies in its wall maintained smallness. The scene of dusk, which appears shuddering through the ripplets of the gloomy lake Pichola is astonishing. There are steps constructed to reach to the garden, as well as a separate road for vehicles.

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park :

At the same elevation of Maanikya Lala Varma Park there is another garden called Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park. It was developed by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur. The lake is horizoned by masterpiece like Pichola Lake on west and the beautiful City Palace in the north and the rocky M L V Garden in east. These places together make a chain of ‘must visit’ tourist attraction of the city. It also has Rajasthan’s first “Musical Fountain” manufactured by “Yagnik Mechanical Engineering Works”. In this colored milieu fountains dance according to the tunes of music. On the other hand it is a sunset point, from where the sun sets in the lap of lake Pichola reflecting crepuscular light.

The Ropeway :

A ropeway to Karni Mata temple was constructed between tourist spot Deen Dayal Park, on the top of hill near lake Pichola and the Machhala Hill. Inside the temple there is a white stone idol of the goddess Karni Mata. It was built by the businessman Kailash Khandelwal in collaboration with UIT. It is a delightful ride of 500 meters over a fixed grip mono cable and is the first ropeway of Rajasthan. It is not just a 4 minute ride but a joyful adventure, the altitude bounded with scenery and the people bouncing in the air is so experiencing that one can just fall in short of words. It gives a breath-taking view of the city including Lake Pichola, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and many more, from its cabin. Being the major attraction the ropeway system has also developed the ease to visit the temple and other historical sites at Machhala Hill. The ticket costs Rs.69/- per adult.

To add more attractions for tourists, boat rides and camel rides are also introduced near the Dhudh Talai pond, by Udaipur Municipal Corporation.

Being a famous relaxing spot of the city it offers a serene and scenic environment with beautiful lake side drive and one can spend a very intimate quality time here.