Udaipur

"The City Palace Udaipur is a symphony of colors, textures, and patterns that leaves you mesmerized." - Unknown

Before reaching Udaipur lunch was at a village where most residence are “Jain” not root vegetables and no meat

The Ranakpur Temples has intricate architectural style the largest and most important temples of the Jain religion. Built in the 15th century, the exquisite marble complex comprises more than 1400 carved pillars all of which are unique

I was given instructions as to what I should where ie no black, no leather and shoulders covered. Lunch was delicious (forgot to take photo). Then a drive through the rolling hills to the temple from the outside not so spectacular but once inside you could see the hard years of labour to build it and the way the light was visible through the various arches. Photo were allowed except at the main worship areas for pilgrems

I continued on to Udaipur staying at the Taj Lake house you catch a boat over to the palace drums beat rose petted are dropped on your head from above before you receive welcome bindi and marigold garland makes you feel like a princess. The hotel spectacular but I think is was a little tired and needed a facelift in parts.. Note the man using the flag is shooing the pigeons away similar to the guy in Colombo Fort hotel in Sri Lanka who used a sling shot. The sunset on the terrace was amazing even through the pollution.

The next day was to explore old city Udaipur once you took the boat you could walk everywhere in the old city. The city palace is a mix of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture that towers over the lake and my hotel. It had a well stocked armoury. This palace appeared in the James Bond Octopussy movie

According to my initinery I went to “ Saheliyon-ki-Bari (‘ The Garden of the Maids of Honour’) to see a lavish tribute to the 48 ladies in waiting who formed part of a royal dowry” can’t find any photos so I was either over it or forgot.

I remember climbing the steps of the to Jagdish temple and why are the steps require extra long legs …..Indian gods have extra long legs.

that nigh I took dinner on the roof top terrace it was a 4 or 3 course degustation a mix of Asian and western it was yummy the view back to the fort was amazing