Get mystical and in the mood for love with a magical trip to Udaipur, India

Holidaying in India is no longer about backpacking, long train journeys and spiritual enlightenment – things have gone upmarket, with lavish hotels springing up all over the place. Nowhere is this more evident than in the state of Rajasthan in India’s north-west corner, a fact not overlooked by the likes of Russell Brand, Kate Perry and Elizabeth Hurley. They were so bowled over by its beauty they respectively got engaged and married here!

In Rajasthan you’ll find some of the country’s most majestic palaces, impressive hilltop fortresses and colourful cities. Highlights include the so-called Golden Triangle of Jaipur (the Pink City), Jodhpur (the Blue City) and Udaipur (the White City). OK! visited Udaipur, also known as the City Of Lakes. It’s a truly magical place packed with royal palaces, bustling bazaars and many beautiful lakes  – and it also happens to be the perfect place to pop the question!

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WHEN SHOULD I VISIT?
The ideal time to visit weatherwise is from November to March, when average temperatures are around 25°C. Avoid going in the summer months when it’s sizzling hot.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Everything about the Leela Palace Kempinski (www.theleela.com), which opened in October 2009, screams romance. Even getting to the honey-hued hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola is dreamy as it was aboard a canopied wooden boat. OK! felt like royalty as we stepped onto the petal-strewn jetty and were welcomed by traditional Rajasthani musicians. Far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of Udaipur, the Leela Palace, with only 80 rooms and suites, is the ultimate heavenly hideaway for couples in search of privacy, peace and tranquillity. Sitting just across from the historic City Palace, the Leela’s distinctive exterior is inspired by the architecture of Rajasthan’s royal palaces. Everywhere you turn there are authentic and modern versions of traditional artifacts, carved wood furniture with pearl inlay and sumptuous silk curtains and embroidered cushions.

OK! stayed in a lake-view room and was bowled over by the stunning panoramic views of both the Aravalli mountains and Lake Pichola. We loved being able to watch the sunrise from our bed before devouring a tasty plate of eggs benedict and a papaya smoothie delivered by our personal butler.

WHERE CAN I SPA?
India’s first ESPA spa is located at the Leela Palace, adjacent to the 20-metre black and white-tiled pool on the shores of Lake Pichola – the same lake which had a starring role in the James Bond movie Octopussy. The 10,000 sq ft spa features eight dome-topped tented pavilions – tents with chandeliers, wooden floors and silk cushions, no less – and offers many ancient Indian ayurvedic treatments based on working out the person’s dosha, or mood. Our therapist gave us a brahmi abhyanga body massage followed by shirobhyanga, an intense head massage. A blissful two hours later we left the spa feeling like we were walking on air!

WHERE CAN I EAT?
One day, OK! enjoyed a delightful English afternoon tea – a decadent spread of cakes, cucumber sandwiches and canapés – on the pool terrace as we watched the sun set. We love Indian cuisine so were in seventh heaven dining at the hotel’s Sheesh Mahal, the alfresco rooftop restaurant, where we tucked into fig-stuffed cottage cheese kebabs and young lamb cooked in a spinach curry. Don’t worry if Indian food isn’t your scene as the stylish Dining Room serves international fare. OK! adored the grilled scallops, rack of lamb in red port sauce and Leela Misu, the French chef’s version of tiramisu.

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WHAT CAN I DO IN UDAIPUR?
Wandering around the labyrinth of winding streets of the Old City is an intoxicating visual experience. You’ll find all the glorious chaos of Rajasthan – heavily laden motorcycles dodging cows on the streets, rickshaws and people everywhere, dressed in hot pink, emerald green, peacock blue. Keen fashionistas will love the wonderful colours of the fabrics and silks. OK! went wild in the bustling stores, where we picked up silk cushion covers, silver jewellery and cashmere pashminas.

You’ll find the impressive City Palace on the opposite bank to the Leela. The complex is actually home to 11 palaces interspersed with courtyards, terraces and gardens, as well as a museum. Afterwards OK! took a short rickshaw ride to the nearby Jagdish Temple. Built in 1651, it is one of the city’s largest and most famous temples. We were amazed by the intricate carvings that adorned the walls of the temple and we were lucky to witness a moving Hindu prayer ceremony.

WHAT STARS MIGHT I SEE?
After Dave Berry proposed to Heidi Range last year, he whisked her off to India for a romantic holiday. More recently Russell Brand proposed to Katy Perry astride an elephant during a holiday to Rajasthan. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited Rajasthan when she was filming A Mighty Heart in India, while Elizabeth Hurley celebrated her wedding to Arun Nayar with a series of extravagant events here.

HOW CAN I GET THERE?
Greaves Travel (020 7487 9111; www.greavesindia.com) offers tailor-made tours to India. A seven-night package, including return flights from Heathrow to Delhi, internal return flights to Udaipur, hotel transfers and sightseeing tours, staying at the five-star Leela Palace Kempinski costs from £1,699pp. Price is based on two people sharing and a departure between May and August 2010. Until September 30 the Leela Palace is offering a Royal Romance package. See www.theleela.com.