Around Udaipur with Big Brother

23rd afternoon was spent mooching around the backstreets where we found a couple of sitar shops where Mr Banyan (man in a dirty vest) did a 5 minute show for us - was really tempted to buy one but resisted. For some reason the mossies seemed to like the sitar show too - so we didn't stay as long as we would have done. On the way back to the hotel we found a bar called Jasmine's which seemed like a one man show. Relaxing atmosphere and fantastic view of of the main bridge of the town which looked spectacular as the sun began to set.

Almost killed a four year old German boy who ran straight into my camera and 300mm lens as I was slinging it onto my shoulder! Hope the lens is OK.

Finished the evening off on the rooftop restaurant of our hotel which overlooked Udaipur. More Kingfishers and curry - living dangerously. Still no need for the Imodium!

On the morning of 24/10 we had an on-foot sight seeing tour of the back streets which lead to the Jagnath Temple - I didn't realise how structured and hierarchical Hindu religion is.

After the temple we walked to the City Palace where the Maharana of Udaipur lives. It was quite an eye opener to see how much wealth and opulence there was in the 15th to 19th centuries in this (and other) parts of India.

The afternoon was ours to chill. Found an Internet cafe with dodgy WIFI and a great little bar called 'Dream Heaven' which could have been straight out of the hippy era given the 'chill out' (lie down or lay back cushioned booths) and that were located in the bar. Had some great tasting, hot pakoras for lunch, washed down with India's finest - Kingfisher lager.

The evening was finished off with a sunset cruise on the Lake Pichola and, guess what, Kingfishers and curry, at our rooftop restaurant! Heaven!

Tuesday 25th October 2011

Udaipur to Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

Our four and a half hour car journey started at 8:30am and before getting out of Udaipur City we stopped off at our driver, Vinod's favourite sweet market at which we bought over 1kg of typically Indian sweets (ludoo, halva and lots more) as presents for our Aunts Sheila and Maureen who we would be seeing later today and tomorrow.

India's main highways are new and fast. Doing the journeys by bike would be a lot easier and hassle free than I had originally thought.

The terrain and type of countryside has changed again. Now there are green fields and rolling hills. Properly cultivated and farmed land is prominent and is in contrast with UP's and Rajastan's dusty and baron landscapes.