Wanderings in India - 3 - The road from Agra to Jaipur

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On our journey today we crossed the border from Uttar Pradesh, the state with the highest population, into Rajasthan, the state with the largest land area. The trip was 240km in length and was approximately 7 hours in total with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri and also a short lunch stop.

This blog consists mainly of photographs taken from the coach window showing typical life on the streets of both Agra and Jaipur and of the many different forms of transport seen on the roads of India and what a motley collection of vehicles that is!!! Our guide summed it up with the phrase - "If it moves, be it with wheels or legs, it will be used for transport in India". A collection of cars, decorated lorries, buses - old and new, auto-rickshaws, bicycle rickshaws, bicycles with trailers, motorbikes of all designs and types together with horses, cows, bullocks, water buffalo, donkeys, camels and occasional elephants are present on the roads. All of these are vying for a small piece of road - often going in any direction, cutting each other up, going the wrong way up dual carriageways, in the wrong lane or any combination of the above!! - and of course all mixed with the locals crossing or walking up and down the street. Every car has numerous bumps and scratches - but so far we have avoided any incident!!

Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent deserted red sandstone city consisting of well preserved forts, palaces and mosques located 37km from Agra. The city, designed as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who had predicted the birth of Akbar's son, was begun in 1571 but was abandoned just 15 years later due to a shortage of water. What a life the Sultans must had led.

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Comments

[Helen and Bob]

Blog 3
Isobel found the roads completely terrifying. She said it is amazing that she is not still standing there waiting to cross. I can see why when I look at your pictures. However I like the elephant. All so different.

[saas]

Indians doing their bit for global warming
Good to see Indians waking, on bicycles and using animals rather than fuel guzzling SUVs and 4 X4 s.