Udaipur

We got outta Dodge for a 3-day weekend, and headed to the city of Udaipur. What a great place!

Udaipur is located in the state of Rajastan (think turbans, camels, dessert). It's a very unique city- located on hilly land around famous Lake Pichhola. The Indians have dubbed it "The Venice of the East". Needless to say, we were dubious. But lots of friends gave it good reviews. While not quite Venice, it definitely has personality! The architecture was fantastic, and the old part of town is built up onto the sides of mountains/hills, so it's very clustered and crowded, but a real adventure. The city was founded in 1568 and was built by generations of kings.

Day 1 consisted of our late-morning flight, arrival to the hotel, a nap, then a Thali dinner at a local watering hole. Total bill: 160 roupees. That's about $4. Mike and I really enjoyed our food- it's basically lots of little bowls filled with different sauces, sopped up with rice and chappati (basically like a wheatflour tortilla). It's eaten with fingers and gets very messy. FUN!

Day 2 consisted of a trip to the City Palace, a boat ride across Lake Pichhola, a visit to the Jag Mandir Island, another nap, a bit of poolside lounging and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 3 consisted of a trip to Monsoon Palace way up on the mountain, another nap, and a trip to the old part of the city to wander the tiny hilly streets. We got back to Mumbai before nightfall feeling refeshed.

All in all, it was so great to get away, see a unique part of India, enjoy the country's history and just be together. I'm genuinely starting to like this country!