Now we come to Udaipur, the Venice of the East. So called as it is on the shores of lake Piccola. From the hotel looking east, we can see the ghats leading down to the lake.
Looking south from the hotel, we see the main body of the lake. It was a really nice hotel this one -- the accommodation highlight of the trip. I'm standing next to the rooftop swimming pool (should have got a shot of that).
Here we see the group coming down the steps of the Jagdish temple in Udaipur. I didn't get an inside shot -- the camera fee must have been too high. Coming down the steps are: John, Trevor, Christine, Kirsten, Adam, Rishab (our guide), and Paul (in front). Note the large number of beggars with their hands out.
The former residence of the Maharaja of Udaipur. In most cities in Rajasthan, the maharajas gave their palaces into trusts to avoid losing them to the new government at the time of independence. Most of these palaces are now museums and tourist attractions. The Maharaja lives out of town in a smaller palace.
Taken from the ghat on the western side. The ghats here seemed to be segregated, men's and women's. (I was at the men's ghat.)
Where the rich American tourist can live in comfort, away from those dirty locals, for the paltry sum of $500 per night (minimum). Later we'll be having dinner there.
Time to dress up and go to dinner! Trevor, Paul, Adam and Martin show off their Nepalese and Indian suits that they bought on the trip. We decided that this was going to be a local-dress affair if possible.
Adam and Paul dressed in traditional Indian cotton suits and hats.
Danielle looks very statuesque in her traditional Indian sari. With a bit of Kiwi boot polish she'd pass for a local :-) 'Danza' fitted several saris and many other clothes, musical instruments, etc. in her pack for home.
Satti is wearing a traditional Punjabi outfit, because she's of Punjabi descent (actually she's Scottish, her parents are Punjabi &Peter's Trip to India, Part 451; the accent is incredible).
Nicole and Leeanne didn't have Indian outfits; neither did Jean, me, Kirsten. or Nicky. Nicole and Leeanne were serious shoppers and also managed to fit lots of stuff in their packs for home.
The Lake Palace hotel on Jagniwas island glows like the Queen Mary at night.
The gang waiting for the boat to take us across the lake to the hotel. For some reason, this shot reminds me of the back cover of the original Abba self-titled album (and Abba Gold). But that's just me.
This shot was taken by a passing English tourist. What a photographer! Oh well, at least we're all in it. Along the back we have: Jean, Trevor, Nicole, Leeanne, Danielle, me, Nicky, Martin, Kirsten and Satti. And in front is: Adam, Paul and Rishab (the tour leader).
A view of the hotel across the (stagnant end of the) lake. The hotel is the tallest white building next to the tree.
The decorative work shows clearly on the front face of the hotel. This place went to a lot of effort on decor and cleanliness. In the doorway are: Christine, John, Jean, Nicky, Nicole, Martin and Leeanne.
