Udaipur, Miss Moneypenny...

Udaipur – This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. It has everything…a lake (with a palatial hotel in the middle of it), a palace that has been resident to ten’s of Maharanas over the years (apparently a Maharana is even better than a Maharaja), camel’s, horses, dogs, elephants and even monkey’s and some of the best sunset’s that I’ve ever seen. All can be seen from one of the many rooftop restaurants and cafes.
















Our first day here we found a small rooftop café (also guesthouse) called Dream Heaven café at the top of some very steep steps and metal staircase. This place lived upto it’s name…you could lay on a bed, sit on cushions or have snacks at the tables and the view was breathtaking. As soon as we sat down we realized that we’d need to spend much more time in Udaipur. Have to mention as well that this city is where Octopussy was filmed and at 7.30pm each night you can watch it in nearly every restaurant in the city! (Yes, we did to – at my request not Vanessa’s)..



The art here is also really amazing. Rajasthan is famous for its small detailed paintings on marble and silk, and of course we bought 2! Throughout our time in Udaipur we met lots of local artists...you really have to have a lot of skill, time and patience to churn out the work they do. Paintings can take months and months! They’re magnificent and have amazing attention to detail. The subject being palatial scenes, hunting and the three animals – Camel, Elephant and Horse.


As my Mum and V will testify I love me sunset’s so I’ve been salivating and sitting on rooftops taking photo’s....

Yesterday, we were taken on a tour around the city palace. It was very grand…also found it interesting how each Maharani had to make their mark on it by building a new wing or new room to commemorate themselves and their victories. We were also taken to royal gardens that were impressively green. It turns out we have also been incredibly lucky! For the past few years none of the lakes in Udaipur have been full of water due to drought (especially the most peaceful and impressive Lake Pichola). We're so glad as it’s this lake that gives the city it’s focus.

From the women (and men) washing their clothes at the side (ghats) and the banging noises made by the washing process to the kids jumping in from the walls and swimming.

This made us want to do exactly the same (until we saw the film on the water – although it must be cleanish as their clothes seem pretty clean) and the rubbish also…

Today, we’ve been out on the lake and had a guy in a shop make some clothes for us (aren’t we posh!). Unfortunately, we leave tomorrow…as we travel to Jodhpur – home of the funny trousers…and a magnificent fort.