Stunning secret castle garden in Rajasthan

There can be few things more surprising than finding a secret flower garden in the middle of Rajasthan, India, but I'm staying there right now - at Castle Bijaipur, near Chittaurgarh - with my intrepid travelling friends from Jardins sans Frontiers. No chance to post recently because we've been way off the beaten track, but I have a brief internet connection and wanted to share this beautiful place with you.

The ruling family still resides in part of the castle, but has opened much of the property to guests. Life doesn't get much better than this - in a charmingly restored property overlooking verdant countryside at this time of year. But the most exciting part is the garden surrounding the castle - complete with lawns and glorious borders - that remind me of home.

Many of the plants here are reminiscent of English flower borders and all the family take pride in their unusual plot within the castle walls. There are flowers in all the garden areas within the garden walls, as well as many fine trees. Outside the castle walls there is little to see except verdant countryside.

Tonight we go to the tented camp run by the castle management and then back to Udaipur, where we'll have a permanent internet connection and be able to tell you all about our travels to date. Namaste!