A misty sky, a sunny morning, head hanging through the car window, hair filled with the monsoon breeze and the petrichor slowly filling up our nostrils. It was time, and eternal bliss was just another boat ride away.
Hidden 51 kilometres and two hours away, Jaisamand Island Resort is an offbeat destination and a perfect getaway for hard workers and adventure enthusiasts. When we think of Udaipur, the Taj Lake Palace and its trysts with royalty come to mind. The city itself is so much more than that. But when it comes to vacations, the idea of disappearing off the face of the planet for a few days is tempting. And to cater to this exact temptation, Dhebar Lake, Asia’s second-largest artificial lake, boasts three islands, along with the only resort in north west region of the country to be built on a private island of 40 acres. Yes, that’s huge!
It was built by the late Maharana Jaisingh, who on its inauguration on June 2, 1691 walked around it distributing gold equal to his own weight in charity. He built six Chhatris (Cenotaphs) with finely embroidered elephants in front, the temple of Lord Shiva in the centre on the embankment. Close to Jaisamand is the game sanctuary, which is spread over an area of about 45 kilometres. The sanctuary shelters wild animals like panthers, wild bear, spotted deer, sambars etc.
After the road trip, we arrived at the Jaisamand Lake Dam which is 300 metres long, entirely made up of marble and is a part of the Heritage Monuments of India. A fleet of speed boats awaited our arrival to take us to the resort. Following a breath taking view, we reached and were treated with welcome drinks and a hassle free check-in. The 43 rooms and suites offer utmost privacy. One can choose between heritage and modern accommodation, both offering equal amount of luxury, without hurting your pocket. They also have a wonderful website offering information not only about the resort, but also about the main city. Reservations can be made well in advance.
The first morning and most of the day was spent sun bathing and making plenty of use of their pool, Jacuzzi and Spa. For lunch and dinner, they serve an exquisite buffet; though the focus is on quantity and not quality. Nonetheless, the hospitality is praiseworthy. The second day was spent thoroughly exploring the island and its rich fauna. A number of birds can easily be spotted from every part of the resort (calling nature photographers). On the record, the island is inhabited by more than 300 species of exotic birds.
In the middle of nowhere, at only a short distance from the city, one feels completely isolated from the world. The island is those kinds that will help reconnect to oneself. Its magnificent gardens, lakeside gazebos, royal rooms and lush forests are perfect ingredients to brew a leisurely holiday. It’s a perfect getaway for scenic sunrises, sunsets, boating, reading and recharging one’s batteries. Jaisamand Island Resort is where introspection and revelry blends effortlessly, bringing out the best in you.
The view is right out of a fantasy land and the solace is blissful. It provides ultimate inspiration for a number of oil canvasses and or an exceptional fiction novel. At night, the hilly islands are illuminated by silent lightning. A whimsical sense of being is felt in the pristine company of nature. A walk along the stony edge under the moonlight explodes your senses and lets you breathe.
The experience is dreamier than it sounds.
Lavanya Grover
Photo Courtesy [Lavanya Grover]