Calm and chaos in India

Aside from the sound of our boat gently gliding through the water, the peaceful lake is completely still. The glimmering water is a mirror to the rolling hills, stone-carved temples and grand palaces glowing beneath a beautiful sunset.

Nestled among plump, comfy cushions on the bow of our little boat, I nibble canapes and sip iced tea.

I am in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur on a serene sunset boat ride, watching the pelicans and cormorants fly back to their nests.

Roger Moore found his way to this captivating city 30 years ago when playing James Bond in Octopussy. But this evening there are no blazing guns or MI6 agents to disturb the peace.

It’s hard to believe I’m a world away from the bustling chaos, noise and pollution that characterizes India.

I arrived in Udaipur a few days ago expecting to find some of the old-world allure that seems to be fast disappearing from India’s urban cities. And I must say, I am not disappointed.

I’ve only seen glimpses of this picturesque city on cinema screens - most recently in soul-searching comedy flick The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - but am already charmed by the decadent palaces and narrow gallis (lanes) lined with havelis (houses), bazaars and temples.

Located in western Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and the ‘Venice of the East’, thanks to its seven large lakes sprawled across the city.

The City Palace complex, home to the present king of Udaipur, Arvind Singh Mewar, overlooks Lake Pichola.

Our tour guide Rohan tells us the architectural grandeur of the palace is the result of “a harmonious blend of local Rajasthani and Afghan-inspired Mughal styles”, symbolic of the co-existing cultures in Udaipur.