Lakes and countryside at sunset
The Deogarh estate, like much of Mewar, depended on lakes and reservoirs built by its rulers to hold the monsoon rains. Several of these lie within a short drive of the town, some with small pavilions or temples on their banks. After a good monsoon, they fill and draw birds through the winter.
We drive out in the late afternoon in an open vehicle or the car, stopping at a lake for tea and to watch herons, egrets and ducks. Herders bring their animals to the water as the light fades, and the hills turn blue. It is a quiet, simple outing, and a good counterpoint to the forts and cities of the journey.
Water levels depend on the monsoon, and some lakes dry out by spring. The palace team knows which are full each season. We return to Deogarh Mahal for dinner on the terrace.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is there to do in Deogarh
Stay at Deogarh Mahal, ride the Goram Ghat railway, walk the old town and villages, see painters at work and drive out to the lakes at sunset. It is a place to slow down, not a sightseeing stop. One night breaks the drive between Udaipur and Jaipur or Pushkar. Two nights allow the morning train through the gorges, an afternoon with painters and a sunset walk.
When are the lakes around Deogarh full
After a good monsoon, from August to December. By spring, levels drop and some lakes dry out. The palace team knows which are best each season. We drive out in the late afternoon and stop at a lake for tea, as herders bring their animals to the water. Several reservoirs built by the estate's rulers lie within a short drive, some with pavilions or temples on their banks.
Can you see birds at Deogarh
Yes. Herons, egrets, kingfishers and winter ducks gather on the lakes after the monsoon, and the countryside has peafowl, partridges and raptors. Bring binoculars. The best months are after the monsoon and through the winter, while the lakes hold water. We drive out in the late afternoon and stop at a lake for tea as the light fades. The palace team knows which lakes are full.
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