I have written up a day and a half. We are so busy just not time to stop and post. I will try to keep up posts as we go along.

MUMBAI – BOMBAY INDIA

The customs and baggage claim was surprisingly well organized and fast. The airport was undergoing some construction so everything was very messy and not impressive at all. We met the rest of the group traveling with us. One free lance travel writer, Judy, and her Mom, Jean, and the Editor and co-founder of Travel Girl Magazine, Stephanie. Jennifer and Susan Wempe from my office traveled with Stephanie to Botswana last November. The current issue of Travel Girl Magazine features her story from that trip. All very nice people and we knew we would all get along well from the very start.

Driving to the hotel we did see the poverty that people describe when they talk about India. We also saw a very busy population going about their daily activities. The traffic was something to behold. There are no lanes it is a mass of cars, bikes, bicycles and pedestrians all fighting for their space on the road. Heavy traffic.

Arriving at the hotel we were surprised by the luxury and ambiance of the Oberoi Hotel. The lobby, flowers and furnishing could rival any Four Season Hotel. Check in was fast and efficient. Our room was great. King sized bed, TV, nice desk with every type of plug you could imagine and large granite bathroom. This was far more luxurious than I had imagined. A butler turned up with complimentary juice and checked to see if there was anything else we needed. Wifi internet is available in the room for approximately $20 for 24 hours unlimited access or about $5 an hour. This hotel has a view of the water and is located in the business district of Mumbai.

We ate lunch and again we were surprised. The menu was extensive and offered everything you could imagine. Fish, chicken, steaks, pasta, hamburgers along with a few Indian dishes. I quickly realized eating was not going to be the problem I had originally thought it might be.

That afternoon we cleaned up and rested and then went to dinner at an Italian restaurant in the Oberoi. Fabulous ambiance and food. The dinnerware and cutlery was cutting edge and the presentation of the food was outstanding. We had an incredible meal complete with Tiramsu and some the best sorbert I have ever eaten.

Food – no problem!!!

ELEPHANTA ISLAND

Next morning we left at 8.30 and took a one hour ferry ride to Elephanta Island. The ferry was slow but the seats were comfortable and the breeze and view of Mumbai from the water was delightful. On arrival at the island we boarded a small train, Disneyland style, and took a short ride to the entrance to the Elephanta caves. Being the princess that I am I took a “chair” ride up. This is four men carrying me on a wooden chair up the 125 steps. This cost about $4.00. On the way up there were the inevitable souvenir sales stalls and I was able to get an eagle eye view of the merchandise. When the rest of them arrived at the top huffing and puffing I knew I had made a wise investment. One of the others did the same thing and the ride was really quite fun. Just a short walk took us to the caves.

The caves were dug out of the mountain and carved as a temple to the Hindu God, Shiva. Many of the statues are damaged as the Portuguese invaders used these statues for target practice. The carvings and stories they tell were very interesting and we really enjoyed the visit here. Our guide was good and gave us the right amount of information to make it interesting without putting us into overload of information. She lived 2 years in Topeka, Kansas and comes to the USA to visit relatives so her English was perfect and she had a good understanding of Americans.

After our ferry ride back we visited the Taj Hotel. This is an old hotel built in 1903 with a great deal of character and is very luxurious. It is the highest rated hotel in Mumbai. It is very large with 12 different food outlets, 565 rooms and many huge suites. We saw quite a few rooms and the hotel is beautifully maintained. The hotel has a perfect location right on the harbor across from the “Gateway of India” the principal landmark of Mumbai that was built to commemorate King George V’s visit to the colony in 1911. We ate lunch here, not quite as exciting for me as it was an Indian meal and as one that does not even use pepper I was concerned about this. However, I had Ken, the official food taster, and it was not as spicy as I had anticipated it would be. By taking off most the sauce I was able to get through the meal but Indian food is not my “cup of tea”. I think this is my one and only Indian meal. However, everyone else in the group really enjoyed the food.

After this we did a city tour. The city has some incredible architecture, it does need cleaning up but the buildings are quite remarkable. Most built in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

What has interested me is the women’s clothing. I have seen saris and Indian outfits before but seeing them here in India and all the wonderful colors that the women wear I have a new appreciation for this type of clothing. In comparison we looked quite drab in our safari khaki clothes. Who knows before it is all over I may be seen on a REGENT ship sporting a sari on formal night.

We toured the hotel tonight before dinner. The highlight of that was going into the kitchen of the Indian restaurant and watching the chefs cook the bread and then sampling it. They actually attach the bread to the side of a huge charcoal oven and it cooks on the side. Hard to explain but fascinating to watch.

We ate at a Mediterranean restaurant in the Hilton next door to the Oberoi. I ordered pizza and it was fantastic. The food here has been the biggest surprise to me it is really quite good and the menus feature almost anything you could possibly want.

Tomorrow off to Cochin which Mary Ellen tells me she really likes. There is a huge American IT prescnce there and also back water areas where households travel the canals. Cruise ships --- my type of thing!!!

COCHIN

Totally different from Mumbai. Flying in the land was very lush, green and just teeming with palm trees. You could see the water canals they call the backwaters. Houseboats go for 3 and 4 night cruises into the backwaters to view the flora and fauna of the region. This is becoming more and more popular. This is a quieter place and quite a prosperous area. We saw some large homes flying in with swimming pools and big grounds. The state is called Kerala and there is a lot of IT investment here and many Americans are working in this area. The state boasts 100% literacy.

We are staying at a Hilton Trident that is owned and operated by the Oberoi group. A smaller hotel with a lovely layout, nice rooms and a great pool area. Two of our people enjoyed the spa in the afternoon and said it was great. We had yet another very good meal. As the adventuresome people ordered Indian curry I had some wonderful pasta with sun dried tomatoes and basil.

Last night we went to a show of the performers of KATHAKALI, the stately dance of Kerala. This is the only area in all of India you can see these performers. I expected a typical folk dance show but it was not like that at all. The show started with watching the men apply the make up. This takes literally hours to do. They paint their faces for certain characters completely. Watching this was quite fascinating. The show starts with an explanation of the traditions of the dance and that each performance tells a legend of the Hindu religion. Then they explain what all the actions and facial expressions mean. This is where we all sat up and really took notice. The way these men could move only certain facial muscles was truly fascinating, just one cheek up and down and around. How do they do that? It is said it takes four years and 16 hour days to gain the muscle skills and expertise to perform. They are able to express the emotion they are wishing to display so incredibly well it is easy to follow the story. There are no sounds from the actors it is all expressions. Like a highly skilled mine, I have never seen anything like this before. The costumes are really elaborate and the dance tells a story that you can actually follow. We all loved the show. I highly recommend this to anyone who comes to Cochin it would be a shame to miss this experience.

We did the city tour today and we saw an old church with a long history, a palace which is now a museum, and a Jewish Synagogue. Nothing here that was very exciting. The most interesting thing this morning was the chinese fishing nets that are still used to catch fish. I think they are more of a tourist attraction than really useful for catching fish these days. These nets are lowered into the water and then raised with the use of ropes and rocks. We held the ropes and did it once and caught three very small fish. Lot of work for three small fish!!!

The town itself was fun to drive and walk around. The color of India is what is making an impression on me. The saris, the trucks are all painted, everything is colorful.

Tomorrow we leave for a road transfer to Periyar to see the spice planations, the lake and wildlife of this region. On the way we are going to stop to inspect one of the houseboats that takes trips on the backwaters and go for a one hour boat ride. That should be fun I am looking forward to doing that.

Be back later.

Enjoyed the report, Ngaire. Thanks for checking in and telling us about your experiences. India sounds fascinating. Can't wait to read more.

Wow Ngaire, this is such an exotic trip! Thanks for checking in with such detailed report!

Ngaire - thanks for reporting in. Any advice for Cochin is most appreciated. We managed to book a nonstop flight rather than route through Mumbai or Delhi. I'm not adventurous enough to do the barges in the backwaters on a first visit. Cheers, Anne & Gary

Ngaire,

Thanks for your report on your India adventures. Hope we get to see photos!

Betty

What a great report! Thanks, Ngaire. Hope we are able to see some of Ken's fantastic photos soon! Looking forward to living vicariously through your reports, as this is one destination we will, most likely, never get to.

Ah! Sounds wonderful, Ngaire. Loving every word! I may end up seconding Mary Ellen's fascination with this country... :) Michele

Ngaire, sounds lovely. It's now five years since was in Mumbai (not a very pleasant visit), and I am ready to go back again, but would definitely travel first class. Kerala definitely attracts, and Goa.

As for clothing, if you have any time to shop, think about getting a salwar kameez. That is the less formal garb that the women wear--tunic, loose pants, and a long scarf (dupati.) I finally got one from one of my Indian engineers as a gift, and I intend to wear it on formal night in June.

Ngaire, what a fascinating trip you are on. I love your reports.

Sounds great so far Ngaire! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Salwar Kamez is what I had decided to buy Wendy. More practical I could never tie a sari!!!!

Anne, I saw a backwater boat tonight run by Oberio, very nice. Kingsize beds, nice bathroom it was much nicer than I had anticipated. They offer 3 night cruises in the backwaters. It has 8 cabins. Tomorrow the houseboat we will see is just for one couple. We are having lunch aboard and taking an hours cruise. We will see what that looks like.

Okay signing off and hitting the sack, I am really tired.

I forgot to mention we have seen two elephants just walking down the road. So neat to see this. Also tonight on the way to the see the Oberoi ship we saw several temple celebrations. Tomorrow is a holy day so these celebrations were happening at the temples. The largest temple had about 10 elephants all decked out in gold but the sun was in the wrong place and a picture was almost impossible unfortunately. It really was quite a sight.
Ken may try to download a few shots tomorrow if we have time before we leave.

Really looking forward to the photos!!

The colors of India are amazing aren't they? From the magnificent arrays of silks in the Sari shops to the elephants all painted up and decked out in their finery for local celebrations.

Be sure to try all the different fresh fruit juices available for breakfast at RajVillas. I'd never had watermelon juice before, but learned it is quite common.

We stayed at the Taj Mahal in Mumbai on our SS cruise way back in 1998. My impression of Mumbai was not so positive but I think it was because we had just finished our 5-day precruise of India and were dying to get on the ship and the tour people were determined we would NOT get on the ship until 4 p.m! The dirt of the city was impressive with the men sitting around doing nothing! I suppose the caste system prevented them from doing menial work like sweeping the roads, etc.

The "mimes" you saw in Cochin we saw on our Seabourn trip last November. If I knew how to post a picture I could put a couple of them up here. They were simply amazing and not to be missed if you ever get to Cochin. India is a beautiful couuntry in spite of the dirt. When on the SS precruise our group was VERY careful about eating. We never ate the salads and stayed away from "mystery" foods in the buffets and as a result none of us got sick. That trip was one of the hightlights of our journeys and SS was such a wonderful cruiseline. Believe we were on the Wind - Bombay-Athens.

On the subject of colours. I once read that pink is the navy blue of India! Made sense after I had been there.

Ngaire,
I'm so happy to read about your experiences! They all sound so great and sure bring back great memories. Tom stayed at the Taj Hotel in Bombay for 6 months back in 1993 (he was doing a consulting project for Philips Electronics) so he was happy to hear you were there. I have fantastic memories of Cochin too. That's where Capt. Dag rented a private boat for the day and we were his invited guests for a wonderful day of sites, lots of laughs and great memories.

Continue having a great time! Good to hear that Tom and I are not the only ones who are not big lovers of Indian food...way too spicy for us.
Keep us all posted on your wonderful trip! You know how we love your seamail!!

Picture may not make it. Ken spent about 2 hours trying to download one picture yesterday. So dont hold your breath. I am now on dial up very slow so wont post hardly here at all but to say it will be a couple of days before I can get back to you. We are in the spice village area and food here is a prolem for me. Fruit and bread for dinner last night.

Anne, the houseboats on the backwaters are a MUST. I will post more on that later but the highlight of the trip by far at this point. The one we were on is more upscale than I would have imagined. We took pictures, kingsize bed, bathtub, air conditioning pretty neat. The canals and seeing the people on the side of the canals was fantastic. I bought you a present to bring to India when you come could not resist.

Be back and post later.

Ngaire...what a great trip. India sounds like a country of contrasts, I hope to see it some day, your reports make it inticing!

Oh, Ngaire, your travelogue actually makes me want to go to India. I always said I would never go there because of the huge masses of people in such poverty.

And, hmmm, I loved hearing about your being carried up the 125 steps by 4 men. I'll have to mention this to Bob when he gets home. We have a second floor, and it is sooooooo bothersome having to climb up to it all by myself. <wink>

Have fun! Look forward to hearing about that houseboat.

Marti

Monday Night, March 13.
OBEROI CRUISE
About one hour out of Cochin you can board the cruise ship, Vrinda. This is a 3 night cruise that is operated by Oberoi Hotels. This is a pretty comfortable and luxurious ship that carries 18 guests. The cabins are a nice size, with king size beds, air conditioning, flat screen TV, DVD players and nice sized bathroom. The dining room is air conditioned and they have an open air lounge and sundeck. This cruise does travel to the same backwater canals that the houseboats travel. This looked pretty good to me and a nice and easy way to see the backwaters.

Tuesday March14th

Today we transferred by car from Cochin to Periyar. This took about 5 hours. On the way we stopped for a couple of hours and took a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala and had lunch on board. So far this has been the highlight of our trip.


The backwater canals
This is a fascinating area and is featured in the list of the 1000 things to do before you die book. This is a lush, tropical area with narrow canals and people living along the canals. Most are farmers. This is a water locked area so the only means of transport is by the waterways. The children wave and smile, the residents are actively going about their daily lives. Canoes are going up and down, children are swimming, the women are doing the washing it is truly fascinating. The area is also very scenic as the trees cross over the canals and the lushness of the foliage and all the different shades of green combine to create a magical experience. Drifting along in such comfort and style with the friendliness of the local people it feels like a different country from the chaotic atmosphere of Mumbai. If you visit Southern India this should be on your tour plans.

There must be 100 houseboats. Some basic and some are very luxurious. The sizes range from one to three bedrooms. The boats look pretty basic from the outside and are made of local products. Bamboo, coir from the coconut palms, the main rafters of the thatched roof are made from arecanut palm bark and the boat itself is crafted out of the hardwood of the evergreen tree, Anjili. Once aboard the inside of the boats is very nice and comfortable.

We were on a one bedroom, air conditioned boat that was extremely nice. The bedroom had a wood floor, a ceiling with wood squares with a cloth tapestry inlay, a king size bed, TV, air conditioning, a small but nice bathroom with a full sized bathtub. Upstairs from the bedroom was a private deck area with chairs and a lounging area covered with pillows. Total decadence, of course we had to lounge on this and have our pictures taken. The main sitting area of the boat featured a dining table, chaise lounge many overstuffed comfy chairs and two chairs on the very front. Beautiful wooden floors and woods were everywhere on the boat and the wood was enhanced on the doors by brass hardware. We had a lot of fun on this boat, drinking wine, eating and taking pictures. The food was too spicy for me so they cooked me a piece of fish with no spice. It was good.

The ride from the Cochin to Periyar was interesting. We all thought we would nap but none of us did. The sights of India are unique. So many wild ducks and stretches of green vines with purple flowers. Just like in a post card. The rubber plantations and the tea plantations were beautiful. Particularly the tea plantations, I had never seen a tea plantation before, so green, looked like you could bounce from plant to plant. Then there are the little towns, just full of people, and tiny little shops. India is dirty there is no getting around this fact but it is amazing the longer you are here the more you get used to that.

Before dinner we attended a cooking show, yes lots of spices, curry etc. Then we saw two classical Indian dancers. They were truly sensational. It only lasted about 30 minutes so it left you wanting a little more – that is always better than being too long. These girls were so talented and the costumes were absolutely incredible.

Dinner was a problem for me tonight. Everything was spicy, and it was a buffet, fruit and bread for dinner. They offered to cook something else but I just did not want to bother and wait.

It is a long drive in and we have the exact same drive back to Cochin to fly North. So tomorrow had better be pretty amazing to make that long transit worth while. We will see what the day brings. We are doing a tour this morning of the spice villages and the cruise on the lake this afternoon.

Wednesday March 15th.
The group took a bike ride this morning but I stayed and emailed the office, posted a little on LCT. Slow dial up connection that kept crashing. Ken came home and was hot and sweaty. He enjoyed the bike ride though.

Well I cannot really recommend Periyar. Of course most people just stop here on their way to another destination in India but we are turning around and going back to Cochin tomorrow then two flights to arrive in Uduapir Wont get there until around 8.00 pm and we are leaving at 7.00 am. Not the best day of the trip. Just really not enough here to justify this trip in my mind.

In the morning we went to see the spice plantations. I have seen so many trees and plants before this did not inspire me. What I did love were the children. On arrival a little girl about 5 was standing there saying “hello”. She gave me a flower, she was so sweet so I held out my hand and we starting walking together. The guide sent her home and said we should not have her follow us her parents would worry. Well after viewing a few more plants we came out onto the main track and there she was there again with yet another flower. I put these in my hat that seemed to make her happy. After walking through the plantation and narrowly escaping a red ant attack we came out to see her along with about five other children. All they can say is “hello” and “goodbye” in English. They were all excited and smiling, absolutely adorable. I put my hat on the first little girl with all the flowers in it. She was giggling and having such a good time. These are precious pictures sure wish Ken could upload some, may be in our next hotel.

Then in the afternoon we took a boat ride on the lake. We were running late to the boat and on arrival there were no seats left. We sat down on a bench in the middle of the boat. Well all heck broke lose. The guide was yelling in Indian at the Captain and I guess making gestures we needed proper seats. Then the captain told two nuns and some other Indians they had to move. We protested, we felt like the ugly Americans coming in and telling the locals we were more important. The locals stood up and then sat down again Everyone else on the boat was looking it was very uncomfortable. Then more yelling. Eventually the locals left and we sat down in the seats. Turns out they had not bought tickets but had a friend in the ticket office that let them on. The boat was way overloaded with them and us so that some one had to leave. I guess they should not have been there in the first place. It still felt really uncomfortable. The boat ride was okay. It is a pretty man made lake and a wildlife preserve is all around. You are so far away from the deer and wildlife that they were really just specks on the land. This was a one and a half hour boat ride and we were ready to get off. During the middle of the ride it started to rain really hard. Thankfully it had stopped by the time the trip was over.

Tonight for dinner the hotel had a special grill. We had a seafood plate of lobster, tiger prawns and a local fish that is very good. No problem with food tonight. They were also cooking pasta to order and so I had a nice bland pasta made. What a difference a menu makes!!!!

So now I am on a plane flying back to Mumbai and then another plane to Udaipur. The planes are excellent, nice 737 jet aircraft and on a 1 ½ hour flight they serve a meal. Nothing I will eat but at a least a meal is served. Tonight we stay at the luxurious property of udaivila’s. This is supposed to be the best Oberoi hotel so we are looking forward to our two nights here.

Quick post. Udaipur is a WOW place. Southern India was interesting but it was not a place I would be running back to visit. I found certain things better than I would have expected and liked seeing the people.

Udaipur is quite different it is magical. I have to leave tomorrow and I am so sad to go. I wish I had a lot more time here. Not sure if pictures will capture the beauty of this place.

The lake dominates the town, with a temple in the middle of the lake, the Raj Lake Palace hotel, the Grand Palace (fabulous to visit) the Monsoon Palace and the Oberoi Udaivillas all around the lake. At night with all this lit up and reflecting in the lake you would think you were in Disneland but this is the real thing.

The Udaivillas is the most luxurious hotel I have ever stayed in, absolutely spectacular. Food last night was outstanding, on a terrace with dancers preforming, a night I will never forget.

Tonight I got stuck in an Indian restaurant again, just not my thing. I really do not like the food and even when they make me non spicy portions the flavorings still leave me cold.

It is late and I will update the information on this incredible place when I get a few spare minutes in the next few days.

Ngaire,
How fascinating. I would love to go. Thanks so much for such a detailed report. We almost don't even need pictures! Enjoy,

I had to google the Oberoi Udaivilas, what an exquisite resort!

Ngaire, I hope you can find some good old rack of lamb and fast!

KEN'S PICTURES - finally got the first one downloaded.



Amazing what they carry on their heads


Boys at the Children's park in Mumbai



The chair ride at Elephanta


Kathakali dancers - Cochin


Kathakali dancers- Cochin


On the road in Cochin


Kerala backwaters, the front of the houseboat


The girls always seem to be in groups of three.

Ngaire,
I love reading all about your trip to India and love Ken's photos. I imagine you've lost weight missing so many meals. I know what you're going to do as soon as you get back to Dallas...RACK OF LAMB!!!
Have a safe flight home!

I love the picture of the Princess being carried! That is priceless!

Oh it looks lovely! I hope you're having a good enough time to want to take some of your travel addicted friends!

Oh Ngaire. You look great on your perch! And, the houseboat & surroundings look so relaxing & exotic. Ditto Andrea N, when do we go? Hope you enjoy the rest of the trip. :) Michele

Great photos! Thanks!!!

Betty

Michele, let's plan on convicing her our desperate need to plan something for 2008 while we're ROARing. <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />

Ngaire, thanks for sharing all this great information. Sorry about the food. Not sure there is a way around that, except to stick to the luxury hotels. Their sensibilities with food are just way different than ours.

The food was the only thing I actually enjoyed about my trip to Mumbai! It was the best Indian food I have ever had, and I still wish I could find its like here. I really like Indian food, although I do not like it to be too hot. And I tolerate spices less and less as I get older.

Fascinating reports. I'm an Indian food hater too. Just can't stand curry and the other spices. It's not that it's spicy (I eat jalapenos and love spicy hot cuisines) it's the combination of spices used.

The pictures are wonderful as well as your reports. Thanks!

Udiapur – a magical place.

Arriving in Udaipur we were transferred to a boat for our final leg of our journey to the Udaipur Villas. In front of us was a Disney like scene. A temple all lit up in the middle of the lake, the monsoon palace that appeared to be floating in the sky, the Raj Lake Palace and the Grand Palace all lit up. It looked like a fairy land as all this reflected in the moonlight (full moon) water. Directly in front of us was the hotel we were going to be staying at , the Udaivilas. As we came closer they stopped the boat and a fireworks display took place. There must have been about 20 rockets it was spectacular. This was definitely for our arrival. I am not sure if they always do this or if it was just for us but you talk about special. Then we stepped off the boat in to the unbelievable complex. I cannot find the words to describe this hotel. The most incredible property I have ever seen. Contemporary and Indian at the same time, with water everywhere and tons of space. The lobby was breathtaking, and the rooms were fantastic. A large room with a window seat and a view of the pool which was again breathtaking. A private courtyard with table that opened up directly to the pool. A huge bathroom with a clawfoot tub, sofa, table, and so much space. We were extremely happy here and really never wanted to leave. All the rooms are the same and open out onto the pool area. This property covers a huge area and even has a private zoo. Two nights here was not enough. Dinner that first night was on a terrace, with fire torches, with dancers, with everything romantic you can imagine. The food was also fantastic, I had a tenderloin steak and the most flavorful sorbet I have ever tasted.

The next morning the breakfast was great. Ken had waffles with banana and nuts and I had eggs benedict. They had a pastry with cream and blueberries in a word YUM

The first day we went on a tour of the Grand Palace. I must admit I thought, oh no another palace and a long winded guide. However, this was a very interesting palace and I enjoyed our visit here. We stopped at a store called Anoke that a lady in the hotel had told me about. Great clothes, I bought one outfit.

We went to lunch at a hotel out in the country called Devigarh. Another WOW experience. This hotel was an old fort and they refurbished with the local village providing most of the labor. This hotel has revitalized this little town and all the staff, waiters, housemaids etc are from the village. This is a “zen” like hotel with every room being totally different. You have this old building with all the history and these highly contemporary large bedrooms and it works so well. This is an outstanding property. They served me lamb, they knew the way to this girls heart.

We ended the day with about 30 minutes of shopping in a local market and had a blast.

Dinner was at the Lake Palace – unfortunately the “Indian” fine dining experience, I managed but this is not my cup of tea. The experience of eating here, the service and ambiance of the restaurant and going and coming by boat was a night to remember. This town is the Venice of India.

It was a perfect day, I love this town and want to come back and spend more time.

Jaipur tomorrow be back soon.

In my next life, I'm coming back as Ngaire.


Marti

I would love to be Ngaire's shadow! You outdid yourself with this report, Ngaire.

Thanks for your wonderful posts, Ngaire! Your stories and Ken's pictures bring back such great memories of our travels in India in the early eighties! Have not been to Udaipur..and thanks to you, it now is on my MUST DO list!

Have you tried any tandoori cooking? We love it...and you may find it much less spicey.

Can't wait to hear more!!

This time some pictures from the past and a few from today. Dont have time to post much and get these pictures out as well. So I said "pictures first".

Jaipur I was not as excited about initially but it has improved in my mind. WE have been here for two days and there are some interesting things to see here. Also good shopping here and today I did a little of that.

Will post more details later want to get the pictures up for now.




A cow auction. There were hundreds of cows here with painted horns and trading was taking place.



Udaivila's beautiful place



Stephanie (editor of Travel Girl) and Ngaire


Amber Fort- Jaipur


Palace of the Winds - Jaipur

Ngaire,

Thanks for the photos! FASCINATING!

Betty

Great report and photos - India is on our "go soon" list. We both love Indian food So "Indian fine dining" sounds wonderful.

Ngaire...your trip report and photos are fantastic. Another place to add to my "wish" list.