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| Monsoon Palace overlooking Udaivillas Hotel |
Palaces and forts located on hilltops, serene lakes and tales of valor, make Udaipur a jewel among the cities of the state of Rajasthan. There are a large number of temples, havelis, and many green parks and gardens. It is culturally rich as it is a center of performing arts and crafts. Founded in 1568, Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar and was only integrated with the rest of the country when India was liberated.
Rajasthan really is a unique place with its strong tribal customs, ladies who still cover their heads with their sari, and in some villages must cover even their face if a man other than family enter their home. They have high cheekbones and distinct facial structure making them very handsome people.
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| My Window Seat |
The guesthouse where I am currently "living" is one of my favorites so far, except for the noise. The Little Prince Guest House is located in a very old part of the city called the Hanuman Ghat area and is set in a residential neighborhood. It has 5 floors with a rooftop seating area as well as a restaurant with a view of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace Hotel, Jagmandir Island, and the sunset over the mountains next to Monsoon Palace. It is a new establishment and everything is new, fresh, and is kept very clean. If it were not for the noise at 3-4am and at night until midnight, you might even get to sleep without earplugs!
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| Chipmunk Sunning outside my Window |
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| Night in the Chowk |
The guesthouse is very much a family affair. The owner has his nephews and other extended family members working and you are treated as one of the family. My room on the 3rd floor has a fabulous window seat with windows opening onto the rooftops of the neighboring homes with a backdrop of the Monsoon Palace, the sunset, and the surrounding mountains. I spend a lot of time lounging here working on my computer, reading, and just watching life in this area. There is a chowk (open area) in front of the hotel with a parking area, short water tower, and hand pump. The homes that do not have running water, of which there are many in this older area, have to pump and carry water to their homes. You can hear the pumping start as early as 5 am and it is not even light. Water is carried in buckets, urns of ceramic & stainless steel, and various other containers, large and small. Everyone pumps and carries water - men, women & children.
