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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:

doodh talai

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:

  1. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park (Rock Garden or Musical Fountain Garden)
  2. Manikya Lal Verma Garden
  3. The Ropeway
  4. Lake Pichola
  5. 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

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

Pandit deen dayal Upadhyay park sunset point

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)

Ropeway karni mata

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 Paal

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.

camel and horse ride

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.

Lake pichola boat ride

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

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Places to Visit

Hangout Plan for the Weekend: Doodh Talai

Be it a school going child or a working man or woman, a college student or a housewife, everyone desperately waits for the upcoming Sunday, from the parting Sunday night itself. Weekend is the time to refresh yourself from a long tiring week and fill yourself up with new energy for a new working week; 2 days to hang out with friends, plan an outing with family and sensationalize your taste buds with delicious cuisines.

Hmmm I know, you must have already started thinking of a weekend plan in its greatest pace but this boiling heat would have put a brake on every plan of yours. But but but “When UB is here, there is nothing to fear”. These 3 years of my college life has made me a graduate in making hang out plans be it summers, winters or monsoon. So we’ll be helping you out for few upcoming weekends with ‘hang out plans’, recipes of some appetizing dishes, and restaurants in the city where to dine with your friends and family, and lots more.

This weekend let’s plan an outing at “Doodh Talai”, popularly named as DT among youngsters. It is at the Pal of Lake Pichola that will soothe you with its calm waters. It’s the place of beautiful gardens, the lush greenery of which will keep you cool despite the rising mercury outside. Be it a hangout plan with your friends, or to spend time with your family, there’s the perfect location and the perfect plan.

You can spend your afternoon in the various gardens of DT like DD Park or Deen Dayal Park and Manikya Lal Verma Park. Put a Reverse Gear in your age and start playing all those games you used to play in your childhood like Pakdam Pakdai, Hide and Seek, Vish Amrit, Nadi Pahad, and many more. You can even play Cards or any board games like Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Business, Monopoly or the best of all times Antakshari. And I can bet there won’t be a pinch of stress left inside your mind after playing these games. There is also a Love Garden made especially for the love birds in the city but let me warn you – It’s Sunday, a family day. So if you are planning for Love Garden then just plan it on a weekday. 😉

Next in line to visit is Karni Mata Temple by Ropeway. You are sure to enjoy this Ropeway Ride. You can even enjoy over snacks in the Restaurant made over the hilltop. On returning back, you can sip your evening Tea, ek kadak adarak wali chai, at the Pal of Lake Pichola. As the sun sets down behind the scene, you can enjoy Jungle Safari Ride or a Boat Ride in Lake Pichola, capturing the panoramic view of sunset in the Lake.

Doodh Talai | UdaipurBlog
Pichola-Doodh Talai | View from Karni Mata | Image Credits: Deepankshi Chittora

There is also a Musical Fountain Show that plays in DD Park after sunset. You can breathe the scent of water and feel the splashes on your face while tapping your feet and watching the streams of water going up and down and changing its color on the beats of music.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy dinner in your favorite restaurant (PS: If you don’t have a fixed/favourite, There are too many of them nearby), chatting and laughing over the table. Your favorite ice cream scoop will make a perfect ending of a perfect weekend. Take as many photos as you can while posing wildly and stupidly at the camera. Months later, these snaps will help you recollect those golden moments.

Now there will be no more Monday Blues, but only an energetic start of a new week. Wishing you a Happy Sunday and a Happy Week ahead. 🙂