Why Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan are surprisingly beautiful during the monsoon
Credit: Canva
While most tourists imagine Rajasthan to be great deserts, golden sand dunes, and blistering summer heat. But there are two cities behind the façade of Rajasthan's notoriously arid landscape that turn into awesomely gorgeous places during the monsoon: Jaipur, the Pink City, and Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
Jaipur: The Pink City Redefined
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is world famous for its palaces, vibrant markets, and ancient forts. The Pink City, as Jaipur is famously called because of the pinkish hue of its buildings. In the monsoon, though, this city of life and color becomes something different: green, lush, and even more photogenic.
Credit: Canva
The monsoon turns Jaipur's landscape around. The dry desert landscape gives way to green foliage. The classical Jal Mahal, resting majestically on the Man Sagar Lake, becomes all the more regal.
The lakes, which are rain-fed, like the peaceful Samode Lake and the slightly Mansagar Lake, glimmer with the monsoon clouds. The gardens of the city, such as Sisodia Rani Garden and Ram Niwas Barkha, thrive during these months.
Their greenery, budding flowers, and neatly manicured lawns turn into perfect places for taking strolls.
Credit: Canva
Though Rajasthan is usually synonymous with hot summers, the monsoon arrives with a refreshing coolness, with temperatures falling to a pleasant 25°C to 30°C.
This makes outdoor explorations more pleasant, no longer fighting the heat in witnessing the majesty of Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, or Jaigarh Fort. Festivals such as Teej, where women adorn themselves in typical wear, performing folk dances and processions, acquire a lively color during monsoon.
Visiting Jaipur in the rainy season has many benefits. The city is not too crowded, and the tourists can roam about in popular sites in peace.
Hotel and tour rates tend to decrease, which is more affordable.
Udaipur: The City of Lakes in Full Bloom
Udaipur, often called the most romantic city in Rajasthan, is famous for its shimmering lakes, grand palaces, and tranquil atmosphere. The monsoon season reveals a different side of Udaipur, one that is lush, vibrant, and almost fairy-tale-like in its beauty. Udaipur's signature landmark, the lakes, overflow during the monsoon and turn the city into a watery wonderland.
Credit: Canva
Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar fill up with rainwater, creating mirrored surfaces that reflect the majesty of palaces and temples. The floating palaces, the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir, seem even more enchanting surrounded by rain-fed waters and misty weather. Boat rides over these rain-filled lakes are especially magical. The soft patter of the rain on the water, together with the expansive views of the City Palace and the hills, makes for a serene, near-meditative experience.
Credit: Canva
The renowned Saheliyon Ki Bari, an old garden famous for its fountains and lotus pools, bursts into life and flowers in all its glory. In contrast to the high tourist seasons, the Udaipur monsoon is visited by fewer tourists, ensuring easy visits to popular sites like the City Palace, Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace), and Badi Lake. The temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C are tolerable, making outdoor excursions like touring, boat rides, or just strolling around the lakes more pleasant.
Udaipur's food in monsoon also serves hot, comforting meals appropriate for rainy days. Hot favorites during celebrations are meals such as Dal Baati Churma, Mirchi Bada, and sweet Ghewar.
Jaipur and Udaipur are two gems of Rajasthan that sparkle in their own special manner during the monsoon. Jaipur's palaces, forts, and bazaars become green, lively, and camera-friendly, while Udaipur's lakes, palaces, and gardens become a lush, serene paradise. Both cities defy the general perception that Rajasthan could be visited only in the winter months. Rather, they invite tourists to explore their hidden charm during the monsoon season.
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