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Published: February 6th 2016
MANDAWA
Street side fruit and veg3.2.2016 DELHI TO MANDAWA
After taking 2 hours to get out of Delhi – it was then another 7 hours along bumpy, dusty and narrow roads a lot of the way until we reached Mandawa, dodging cows, camels, donkeys, goats and horses and also cars – thought we could have had at least 10 headons today but they seem to just get off the edge of the road in time. Stopped enroute for lunch at a wayside place, then continued on through the countryside, it was quite lush and green and some irrigation just outside Delhi but the further we went the dryer and dustier it became – lots of fun and interesting sights along the way – acres and acres of mustard we could see from the bus windows and people working in the fields. Mandawa!!! That was worth waiting for – the absolutely beautiful havelis were amazing to say the least with all the fresco work and tiling. (the havelis were built by very rich people on the silk route, as they were not allowed to build palaces, as palaces were just for royals, but these mansions are just massive and fitted out with everything – nearly 200
DELHI TO MANDAWA
Barber shop Indian style years ago they all left to do business elsewhere and the staff took them over and just lived in them with their families and didn’t really keep any maintenance going). India is trying to get these heritage listed – UNESCO – as they are such a unique thing in this part of India. We were absolutely blown away with the beauty of them – got to see a lot from the outside and then were able to tour through the whole of one. Some have been taken over by locals and being bastardized – which is such a shame but hopefully they will get help to restore them – then I guess they will become a huge tourist attraction. Then onto our fantastic hotel Viveen Culture Hotel about 10kmls outside Mandawa in a small village – it is a huge old mansion/haveli that has been restored into a hotel and been operating for 4 years. If these walls could talk!!! We had the most gorgeous and unique room – the roof and walls of our room/s were painted so beautifully – we had a huge bathroom with all the mod cons and an office area with a large desk and
MANDAWA
Farmer carting hay spot for our suitcases – this was truly an amazing hotel/building – would have loved to stay a bit longer. We took an early morning walk with our guide who took us on a walk around the village – I must say the Indian people have all been so friendly it is unbelievable – Braham took us to two family compounds – this is not on the tourist map – but just families he has got to meet and he was able to take us there to experience their way of life – we thoroughly enjoyed this experience – this is what I like to see on these sort of trips. Everyone in the whole family came out to greet us and show us around – we all felt very humble and appreciated their friendliness and openness to show us all about their lives.
4.2.2016 MANDAWA TO PUSHKAR
More dusty, bumpy roads and another 8 hours driving – heading more towards Pushkar lots more camels on the road and a lot more trucks. Got stuck at two or three level crossings for at least ½ hour each time – everyone just overtakes each other to make three lanes from
MANDAWA
Lunch stop - these little munchkins! a one lane at the crossing – so when the train eventually passes no one can go anywhere!!! Eventually it sorts itself out and finally we get on our way. Braham made an unscheduled stop today at a school – the kids were so excited and we got to see them say their prayers and sing the National Anthem before school – was a great experience. Likewise when we pulled the bus up and he stopped a car all decorated to the hilt and asked the groom to be if he could get out of the car so we could get some snaps – poor guy hope he wasn’t late for his wedding and stopping with him were about 6 cars and a bus full of people all waving and yelling out having a great time.
Staying at Aaram Bough Hotel in Pushkar, a bit out of town, all I can say it would have been very grand in its day, its theme has been built from all the ancient countries, Persia, Egypt, Greece etc – very comfy sleep etc and huge villa but a bit dated – had its own kitchen, plunge pool and huge bathroom, bedroom and sitting
MANDAWA
Camels everywhere area. Left Pushkar by 10a.m. and visited the local temple which is very famous with all the people of Rajasthan – then a bit of shopping in the local market before heading down to the ghats on the picturesque lake area – some of our group had the blessing done down in the water of the lake –a very sacred place and lots of locals here doing ceremonies. Everywhere you go you have to watch the cow poo – cows everywhere!!! Lots of people following us around the markets trying to push their wares – all a bit chaotic! Then we pushed on to our lunch spot before heading to Jaipur in the afternoon. What a great couple of days we have had!
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Lee
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India ! Who knew ?
Golly, it looks fantastic...and we are so amazed how clean everything looks.....is it ? How is John coping with 7 hours of dusty, bumpy roads....? Not much happening here, all good. Miss you, travel safe X