This place just keeps getting more romantic! Today I strolled the winding lanes and rambling palace in Bundi, southern Rajasthan. It's the home of the oldest kingdom in the state, including temple wells and buildings that date back to the 12th century. The Palace and fort watch over the town below reminding it of it's majestic past.
We are staying with a local family in their huge haveli (heritage house decorated with murals) who are descendants of the maharajahs. The owner, his wife, daughter, grandsons and nephews all greeted us and work for the hotel. A nephew, Yogi, was our guide around his ancestral home and the vibrance of the town was immediately clear. Fresh vegetables lined the market place as random animals - goats, sheep and of course cows - wandered. The stall holders carried big sticks to keep the animals away from their precious stock.
Being a white woman in India can certainly build the ego, as men say hello at every turn, followed by "very nice" or "beauty", but when followed by a giggle it does not seem lecherous. Indian people readily stare at things without averting their gaze, but are quick to smile when you do. Everyone is keen to have their photo taken, from young boys to older men and women who pose nonchalantly for the camera. They were also keen to share a taste of their products, whether sweet snacks or powder to dot my forehead in blessing.
The crumbling palace clings to the hill, in seemingly endless levels of apartments. Much of it has gone to waste and the monkeys certainly have free reign, but it is still possible to imagine living there.
The area is famous for its murals, some are quite provocative. Here are the ones that decorate my room:
- racy for the bedroom.
- water theme for the bathroom. Bundi is also famous for elephant fighting.
Our visit to Bundi has turned us into celebrities. My picture is on the front page of the paper, advertising the upcoming kite festival. Apparently that's the reason for our visit. Check it out:
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