Now where was I?

Before the end of the year, I must catch up with our 

Indian journey.  We had arrived at The Most Exotic

Marigold Haveli.  Not all was as it seemed.

Set in beautiful countryside east of Udiapur, this

lovely old house had had a makeover for a film 

set.   Filming started in Udiapur, after Khempur

the shoot moved on to Jaipur, I think only days

before we arrived.  Remains of 'alterations' to

the building and surrounding area, including a

market place!  Starring Judy Dench and

Maggie Smith, we will have to wait until

Spring 2012 when it should open in cinemas.  

The front of the building; our rooms are behind the three

windows bottom left.  The red jali work in the windows on

the middle floor is polystyrene.  This floor has an open 

area running along the front, with window seats and

cushions to sit and relax watching the sun go down.

An area where we ate the most delicious food under

 the stars - no menu, just perfectly cooked Mawari food.  

We were the only guests, so it was as though we had 

our own personal chef.  On the first night he sent his

apologies for being a bit late - he was on his way 

by bike.   Now that doesn't happen in the usual hotels!

The courtyard, which does look a bit grubby!  The 

fountain is another film prop.  The trees and shrubs

were full of birds singing their hearts out.

Looking out from our window the Shiva Temple and

stables.  Beyond it could be the English country side.

The temple became the focus of two wedding

ceremonies, unfortunately my camera went flakey 

at this point.  I will post some fabulous pictures

taken by Keith later.

The owner of the haveli, and his family, breed 

wonderful Mawari horses.  There are so many

trophies and 'horsey' things inside the havali

it's amazing.  Their ears look like upside down

tassels!   To see them all decked out for part

 of the wedding ceremony was sensational.

The villagers were charming, wanting to stop and

chat.  Inviting us into their homes for chai.

Plenty of these bullock carts to be seen.

We had a very peaceful two days here.  The surrounding

countryside teaming with wild life.  It was just great

walking for miles in complete silence, except, that is,

the sounds of wedding drums progressing 

around the village.

I think we might be returning at the end of February.

Lots more to explore, plus there is a village nearby

that specializes in block printing and dyeing which

is certainly worth investigating.

I looked at the haveli's website www.ravlakhempur.com

it's amazing!  Looks like a different place altogether.

So back to Udaipur for three days before returning

home.  Catching up with a couple of friends, and yes,

a little more shopping.  Well, a girl can't help herself!

As ever, someone doing something you haven't

noticed before.   Very intricate wood carving.

Sunset, time to pack.

Happy  New Year