Of Palaces, Lakes and Lal maas.

Udaipur..a trip that was dreamed up by two friends over coffee, which turned into some of the most heart warming memories.

• The Aravallis covered in a carpet of lush green, altering my perceptions of Rajasthan and making me question my high school geography books. 
• Thamla Haveli, our cosy hotel, with a window overlooking the lake and the little naked revellers splashing around in it. 
• 

  The little step near the window on which we sat for long hours, chatted, laughed heartily, clicked a million pictures, drank beer and 'got a life'!
• The 'delicious' pink spagetti which would have made any Italian proud!
• Long walks through the winding streets, trying to dodge the cows and the digested remains of their food.
• City palace-remarkably well maintained and a photographers delight in many ways!
• A vibrant display of colour everywhere you look..the intricate pattern on the jutis to the bohemian charm of the harem pants.
• Every other restaurant screening the famous Octopussy because their beloved Udaipur is the star of the movie.
• The delectable, lipsmacking, fingerlicking fabulousness of the Lal Maas. The undisputed God of all mutton ever cooked or eaten.
• Udaipur, like an eagle would see it, from the SajjanGarh Fort. Breathtaking!!
• Discovering a tiny bakery that served the most delicious apple pie I have ever eaten..
• Wonderful little Yashoda, who makes little stone figurines to pay her school fees.
• Sitting on a lake side restaurant for hours, with the gentle rain and endless conversation for company.
•  Looking around you and realising how lucky you are to have such genuine warm relationships in your life.

This post is dedicated to Misha, Minnu, Philippe, Aishu and Zubin. Love you all and thanks for making Udaipur magical for me.

All lovely images courtesy the fantastic Philippe Martin.