Octopussy

Trip Start Oct 30, 2005

Trip End Jun 19, 2006

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Flag of India Udaipur, India
Monday, January 30, 2006

If you've ever watched the two hours of action, drama, and debonair misogyny that is Octopussy, one of Roger Moore's least cringe-worthy outings as Britain's favourite spy, you'll probably be familiar with Udaipur and it's picturesque lakes. Nestled amid craggy hills, Udaipur is one of Rajasthan's real gems. The city is wrapped around two lakes, and the view at sunset across the valley, taking in city, lake and hill, is one of the best you can find in this photogenic country.
In the center of the main lake, Lake Pichola, is the legendary Lake Palace, one of the world's most luxurious hotels, and the centrepoint for James Bond's adventures in Udaipur. Thankfully, the lakes are full this year, after a welcome heavy monsoon season (the lakes have been dry for 5 or 6 years, much to the dismay of the thousands of touristicles who find their way here each year). Nestled on a small island in Lake Pichola, and directly opposite the whimsical City Palace (the current and former abode of the Maharaja of Udaipur), the Lake Palace can only be accessed by boat and offers only the finest of services

[01] Sunset over Udaipur

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Alas, such luxury is waaaaaaay out of my budget, but throw a stone and you'll hit a budget guest house in this town. And yep, rest assured, every single one of them has a nightly screening of Octopussy, at 7 pm! Hell, even half of the restaurants will proudly entertain you will Roger Moore's campy adventures while you enjoy your chicken biryani. As yet, I have managed to avoid this pleasure, but like the inevitability of the dawn, it will happen I'm sure.

Udaipur is a wonderful place to sit and relax, and that's exactly what I'm doing. I'll probably spend four days here, and the best way to do that is on a lounge chair, in the sun atop one of the many many rooftop restaurants, looking out over the lakes with a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other.
In a couple of days I'll make my way north to Pushkar, to another lake and some more peace and quite (I hope). But for now, I'll have a martini...shaken, not stirred.