Really, it’s so hard to leave the bed early on Sunday mornings. After Six days in the commotion of life, the hullabaloo of people, always running on the edge of the clock, we all want to relax.

Yet, my Sundays don’t begin in bed; I wake up earlier than the weekdays, climb 600 meters and just become speechless every time, on the cliff of Karnimata. Seeing my City waking up, is a sight which makes my Sunday mornings so special.

Watching the sunrise over the Aravali hills propels me to greet the majesty of the day, of God. Friends ask me, how I can go to the same place again and again, don’t I get bored? I don’t know what to answer them, but I think its love, love with Udaipur.

Udaipur has its own characteristics, its own pace, its own rhythm and it’s so snug that you can dance with it. Every year the city welcomes people from all around the globe to demonstrate its prominent history, its groovy people and spectacular lakes.

Anyone roaming in the lanes of the old city, falls in love with the place. Every time when I wander on the shores of Lake Pichhola, I wonder why this place is so adorable. There are cities which have better palaces than ours, have cleaner and wider water bodies, have good restaurants and night life too.

So what is special here? As an Udaipurite, I think the combo of all the lakes, shores, mountains, people and culture makes Udaipur radically distinctive. It is satisfyingly complete in its own way.

Since a few years, we are getting indulged in the ‘Metro culture’. In Udaipur, we have two Udaipurs now; one that is relaxing on the lake shores and mountains and other one is pacing-up with the malls and multiplexes.

The 450 year old city is now on a verge of modernization. The youth with an ‘Udaipuri’ heart is relishing these changes; it gives them the feel of modernity. I believe, it should never be a matter of debate that which type of Udaipur is better, the erstwhile or the modern. Both have their own fragrance, their own qualities. Every change has its own pros and cons.

All of you have probably heard of London; it is referred as the cultural capital of the world, however, the interesting part is that it also has the largest urban zone in the European Union.

London has a leading position in fashion, healthcare, education, media and much more, yet it is leading also in protecting its heritage and history. So, it is not true that modernization is swallowing the history. It is the balance that makes cities gratifying.

The first thing needed to conserve our city, the city of lakes, is nothing but gratitude; Thankfulness towards God that he gifted us such wonderful scenery; gratitude to the Rulers who developed this city so beautiful and gratitude for our ancestors that they maintained it and passed on to us.

When you have a feeling of Gratitude, it will take you to Admiration and finally land you at Conservation. So next time, when you go with your kids for shopping or for a movie in multiplex, spare some time; go to FS, get a sip of coffee and just admire the beauty.

Be gadgeteer, be trendy, no matter how modern vesture you have; but, keep your ‘Udaipuri’ heart alive, it is the best return gift to this city.

The author is an Engineer by profession, from our very own “City of Lakes”.