An hour northeast by plane from Mumbai to Udaipur et voila! Out of the big city and out to the country (well sort of). The temperature has dipped by a good 10 degrees and it feels quite cool in the morning and evening. The countryside is lush and green and the people rural and simple. Our hotel? What can I say? Like something out of Ali Babba and the 40 Thieves. No wonder I am feeling that I am in a different part of the world.
The principle reason for being here is the palace which is home to the King or Maharaja of the Province of Rajasthan. The palace is a full mile in length and sits on the shore of Lake Pushkar. I had no previous expectations so was in complete awe when touring this magnificent royal residence. Walking around the palace, there was something which seemed very familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. After discussing with Jennifer, we both concluded that it reminded us of the Fortress in Malta which we had visited in 2013. This lake and palace was the setting for the movie Octopussy staring Roger Moore as Agent 007, James Bond, filmed in 1983.
The region is primarily Hindu and our guide Misha was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. His explanations of Hindu customs and traditions was very forthcoming. It does not appear, in this region however, that anything is going to change very dramatically in the foreseeable future. Arranged marriages and not meeting your spouse until the wedding day, is still very much a way of life. The seven day wedding and only one chance of getting married for fear of banishment from the family, is a way of life, should you and your new partner not make a go of it.
A leisure boat trip around the lake and a visit to a wedding destination where "Royal" weddings are held for the wealthy is an interesting sidelight. A "Royal" wedding is not describing monarchy but an opulent, grand affair where in excess of a 1000 guests are invited and millions of rupees spent to celebrate the union of two people who have never met and will be partners for life.
The Jain religion is the third most popular religion in India. Even though only 1% of the population are practicing Jains, they control between 35% and 40% of the economy throughout the country. On the way to our next stop Jodhpur, before a tour of the Royal Garden and some ox riding irrigation style, we stop at the Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Completely constructed of marble, because it is so plentiful and inexpensive. None of the 1444 columns supporting the temple are identical.
Our small group of 12 is starting to gel and the different personalities are becoming apparent. A diverse mix will lead to an interesting and fun two weeks.
The principle reason for being here is the palace which is home to the King or Maharaja of the Province of Rajasthan. The palace is a full mile in length and sits on the shore of Lake Pushkar. I had no previous expectations so was in complete awe when touring this magnificent royal residence. Walking around the palace, there was something which seemed very familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. After discussing with Jennifer, we both concluded that it reminded us of the Fortress in Malta which we had visited in 2013. This lake and palace was the setting for the movie Octopussy staring Roger Moore as Agent 007, James Bond, filmed in 1983.
The region is primarily Hindu and our guide Misha was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. His explanations of Hindu customs and traditions was very forthcoming. It does not appear, in this region however, that anything is going to change very dramatically in the foreseeable future. Arranged marriages and not meeting your spouse until the wedding day, is still very much a way of life. The seven day wedding and only one chance of getting married for fear of banishment from the family, is a way of life, should you and your new partner not make a go of it.
A leisure boat trip around the lake and a visit to a wedding destination where "Royal" weddings are held for the wealthy is an interesting sidelight. A "Royal" wedding is not describing monarchy but an opulent, grand affair where in excess of a 1000 guests are invited and millions of rupees spent to celebrate the union of two people who have never met and will be partners for life.
The Jain religion is the third most popular religion in India. Even though only 1% of the population are practicing Jains, they control between 35% and 40% of the economy throughout the country. On the way to our next stop Jodhpur, before a tour of the Royal Garden and some ox riding irrigation style, we stop at the Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Completely constructed of marble, because it is so plentiful and inexpensive. None of the 1444 columns supporting the temple are identical.
Our small group of 12 is starting to gel and the different personalities are becoming apparent. A diverse mix will lead to an interesting and fun two weeks.
Great pics. How's the chow?
ReplyDeleteWhat I wouldn't do for a hamburger or pepper steak mmmmmm :) Last night was really good but some nights when the eastern curry meets the western tummy there is a definite chemical reaction and subsequent explosion LOL
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