The weather is a bit hotter today, but nothing like the heat in Jaisalmer and Bikaner a few days ago. Having spent yesterday orientating ourselves and doing some more shopping, today we are sight-seeing.
The City Palace, the larges in Ragasthan, was begun by Mharaja Udai Singh II the founder of Udaipur, in 1600 and subsqueantly added to by various Maharajas over the centuries. It’s impressiveness lies in its size rather than its beauty; neither the exterior or the interior are a patch on other palaces we’ve visited here, such as those in Jaisalmer or Amber. Highlights are the Mor Chowk with its five delicate glass mosaic peacocks; the Manak Mahal (Ruby Room) its glass and mirror work having long since lost its lustre; The Bari Mahal has a lovely, peaceful central garden and an indoor fountain; Moti Mahal with its fading mirrow- work and Chini Mahal decorated with ornamenal blue delph tiles and Belgian glass.
After lunch we wander into the loca bazaar around the clock tower for a flavour of the real Uaipur, which is not so different from the tourist bazaar about 500 metres away, except for a few less handicraft shops. A large elephant with mahout is ‘parked’ at ight angles to the pavement taking up at least 50% of the available road space. It’s head and ears are colourfully painted and we are able to get right up close; close enough to touch the rough leathery hide.
Today Andy as aged another ten years; according to the guest house owner he looks about 76!