Udaipur: the most romantic city in India

Udaipur is a sity that is vastly different from the other Rajasthani towns I have visited. It is considered the most romantic place in the country (a country that is big on romance!)

The old city is a maze of winding streets, up and down steep hills and is reminiscent of a European town. It is also set on a lake; the beautiful buildings line the water and it feels like I could be in Venice.

The palace is even more magnificent than the last and the people are more relaxed and friendly. There is a remarkable energy in this city; as if it exudes peacefulness. But that could just be all the sunshine - it's like a perfect Melbourne Autumn day.

Though it is much more tourist orientated than many other places we've been, it is still a charming place.

It is also the home of our awesome guide, Gajendra (G), who introduced us to his many family members. We spent a lot of time in their art studio admiring their beautiful miniature paintings and drinking chai marsala (and later, Indian rum and coke). I had beautiful henna painting on my hand by Sanju, one of the artists, which puts the previous attempt in the shade.

Add in cultural dance, music, shopping, palmists, more great food on rooftop restaurants, a sunset cruise, massage, walks in sunshine and beautiful views - it makes for two blissful day and I wish it could be longer. So far this would be my preferred place to live in India (except that I would have to be a man to enjoy it).