Udaipur

Hello again. We’re still in Udaipur at the moment, although we are scheduled to fly to Amritsar in Punjab the day after tomorrow (in time for Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year). We didn’t originally intend to fly up to Punjab, but we couldn’t get a train out of Udaipur until the 16th (probably due to the very unhelpful staff at Udaipur railway station rather than lack of trains). But at least we get to travel in style, avoiding around 20 hours of train travel!

We will miss Udaipur though (or at least I will – I’m not so sure about Gary as he remains very unromantic!). This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The setting of the town around the mountain surrounded lake, with silly palaces on islands, is truly idyllic. Every time I see the sun go down it amazes me – and I’ve seen plenty of beautiful sunsets before. It’s something about how the reflections on the lake, and the way the mountains seem to fade into the distance. I hope the photos below give you some sort of idea, but you really should see it.

Udaipur is also a nice town to wander around – very alive. Especially at the moment as the festival of Mewar (called Gangaur in most places) is on – something where Indian women parade and worship the Godess of marital happiness, Parvati I think. Very colourful and good natured as you can see from some festive pictures, although they don’t capture the drums and music.

Anyway, we’ll post something on Vaisakhi and Amritsar in a few days. Let us know how you are by posting and email as although we’re having a great time out here we still miss you all!