Hi All,
After 6 hours of being hit in the face with hot dusty air and the constant beeping of a high pitched horn, we were happy to have finally arrived in Jodhpur. Safe to say our experience of non-AC Indian buses wasn’t as enjoyable as the train. But what can you expect for £2.70 a ticket?
The journey was more than worth it though for the impressive blue city we found ourselves in. The Mehrangarh fort, carved from red desert rock, towered over the winding streets of painted blue buildings. An audio tour of the fort took us on an impressive architectural journey and provided us with an interesting insight into royal history. It also explained the military defences including 20ft high iron doors covered with spikes to prevent elephant charges! A 3km climb past all the impressive entrance gates took us to the Desert Rock Park, a peaceful garden with a monument to the last maharaja on horseback.
After a whistle stop tour of just two nights we headed to Pushkar - a Hindu pilgrimage sight that many Hindus wish to visit once in their lifetime. This time we opted to take a private AC taxi with another English girl we met at our hostel. At £30 between us for a 5 hour journey, the luxury was defiantly worth it!
Our first stop in Pushkar was to take the cable car to a mountain temple. It was closed for 2 days of maintenance (of course that fell while we’re here) so we chose to walk up. Maybe a silly idea in midday sun but armed with 4 litres of water we began the climb - dodging langur monkeys along the way! When we reached the top and turned to see the city, we knew a night in Pushkar was a great unscheduled stop. Our evening was more relaxing as we visited the holy lake surrounded by 52 gats. While worshipers took to the water, we watched the last of the sun setting over the mountains.
Love to all at home, keep us updated on what you are all doing too! Enter your email address and click subscribe (if you haven't already) to follow us on our adventure.
Love R and D xxx
Your adventure is in it's early stages Mary and I are coming to an end of our travels for this year. Austria was reasonably kind to us, cold but dry, Switzerland was beautiful Christopher and Ruth made us very welcome and we all had a great time especially Mary and Chris remonising over old photographs of Jean's. Expect a message from them in the future as they have signed up to your blog.
We are now in Germany having crossed lake Constance from Switzerland by ferry. Home on Sunday Lunch time if everything goes to plan. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Love from Mary and I.
Hi seems like you're have wonderful time, As predicted Dave & mine balloon flight got cancelled again but we are booked again for this Sunday 7th Oct fingers crossed it goes ahead. Went to the Moat for Michelle's birthday food was ok but would not rush back there, the rats running outside when we left were not encouraging. Keep your wonderful blogs up, the photos posted are great. Waiting for your next instalment. Take care. Lots of love Pete xxx
glad you are having such a great time.The city is a beautiful blue colour.We are both fine.My brother & sister in law came to lunch on sunday as it was his 79th birthday.He shares the date with your mum!!We had an indian meal with our neighbours Kevin,Carol& Maureen on Saturday at our favorite, the spice.Thats about all our news for now.Look forward to your next instalment.Lots of love Jan & Adie xxx