Day fifteen - Udaipur

The weather today is beautiful. It is sunny and warm with a high of 28. Our tour and drive today didn't start till 11:30. That gave me a chance to have a massage complete with soothing oils and of course meditative music. 

A few miles from the hotel was a family that made hand woven dhurrie  rugs. We bought one small rug and now have to buy an extra piece of luggage to get everything home. It was very comfortable at the rug weavers as you can see from my prone position complete with hookah. 

We visited the Jain temple in Ranakpur which was built in the 15th century of solid marble.Jainism is a separate religion best described a a cross between Hinduism and Buddism that prescribes a path of non violence towards all living beings and emphasizes spiritual independence and  equality between all forms of life.

After an hour touring the temple, we headed to Udaipur, some 90 km southeast. Passing through the Aravali mountains, there are many small rural towns, best described as tribalism with wifi. This elderly gentlemen was working the well for water. Although I think his main job was posing for pictures at 10 rupees each. 

We made one short stop to view bats in the trees. Being nocturnal, they sleep wrapped up high in a tree during the day.

We arrived in Udaipur at about 5 during rush hour.  After checking in to a beautiful hotel overlooking the lake and a quick shower we were off to a cultural performance.

Half of our group opted to stay back at the hotel but our mates from New Zealand are always up for some fun and excitement.

The dancing was colourful. I doubt that the music would make the Indian hit parade but it was

entertaining. The puppeteer was very good and humorous. A skill they learned from the British.

This elderly performer was incredible as she danced with water pots on her head. 

Everywhere we have been there is colour. It is simply stunning to see in every village, city and community we visit.