The Maharajas of Rajasthan had many forts and palaces to protect their areas of domination. And taking a look at India's turbulent and violent past it is easy to understand why. Within Rajasthan culture there were many strict codes of behaviour that needed to be observed at all times. Any slight at any level of society, and it was war!North of Udaipur, in the mountains that separate this green wooded part of Rajasthan with the drier plains to the north, is a fort...

Cut-throat barber I had come from the plains and drifted into town on my horse; tied it to the railing outside and walked with my spurs jangling onto the sidewalk outside, positioned my cheroot so that I could rasp in my dust coated voice through the cheroot smoke, "a shave and a bottle of whisky, barber". He sent his boy to get the whisky as he obligingly point out the chair I needed to seat myself. Taking my hat reverently and hanging it up, I settl...

The Maharajas of Rajasthan were kings, mighty and magnificent. Who gloried in battle preferring victory before death and death before dishonour. Where men were men (and carried all manner of weapons to prove it) and women were grateful for the men. These rulers held absolute sway of their dominions and where fabulously wealthy. One of the Udaipur maharajas had seven arches constructed to commemorate his generosity. Seven times during his reign he weighed himself ...

Everywhere in the old city you go, there are plenty of places to stay; and each one has a sign inviting you to watch Octop**** Udaipur was where most of this James Bond was filmed (Ing was very happy to point out that all the train scenes were done in her home town of Peterborough, so let's not get too excited!). If you ever find yourself here, walk the streets of the town, seeing the all the palaces here and just keep your eyes open and try and remember little...

Cooking Classes After having arrived in a city, we always have a little stroll in the neighbourhood and see what's what and get a feel for the place. It was while we were wondering the maze like back streets of our old city neighbourhood that we stumbled across a place to do some cooking classes. "This could be fun. Let's have a little lookie-see". The class, a little later that afternoon, had eight of us watching our mistress and assistant cook up t...