We tailored our route to Udaipur to travel via Ranakpur, to visit a group of 15th century Jain temples. Jainism is an extreme branch of Hinduism, some of its followers are such strict vegetarians that they wear face masks to avoid swallowing any insects!
The main temple has 1440 unique, intricately carved pillars. The only distraction was the obligatory temple dress we were required..the photo speaks for itself! Lunch at the temple was 40p each, our taxi driver who perhaps had different expectations disdainfully rejected our invitation to join us!
We then had four nights staying within the City Palace (i.e. where the current Maharaja resides!) in Udaipur. We lucked in to an upgrade to a suite with two private balconies and an amazing view over the lake.
Whilst there we met up with friends Peta and Brian and enjoyed a boat ride around the lake (complete with a pied kingfisher, identified by Brian) and some memorable meals.
Diwali culminated in an amazing display of fireworks (most of them street based with health and safety nowhere to be seen), literally dancing in the streets and a great festival atmosphere prevailed.
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