We wound our way north through fields of cows, villagers, and camels carrying forests (see photo). Our first stop was Kumbal Garh fort, a huge citadel set on top of towering hill, whose defensive walls are the second largest on earth (after the Great Wall of China). From the top of the fort you could see the Thar desert stretched out to the horizon, as well as the mass of locals waiting below for a photo.
Lunch was a buffet consisting of several UMOs (unidentified meaty objects) which had been brewing for several hours before our arrival. Dericious.
Next we stopped at the Jain temple of Ranakpur - a vast marble structure held up by 1444 unique pillars, one of which was wonky ("as only god is capable of perfection" explained our guide/priest - clearly hasn't watched much professional snooker). Our priest led us (now dressed in goofy trousers - temptation suggested I lose the 80rp deposit and take them as gap trash) round the temple, showing us it's hidden secrets: barring the Ganesh-shaped root, the highlight undoubtably came when the priest stood under one of the marble domes in the ceiling and started to meditate - his humming caused the dome to vibrate like the top of a giant wine glass. Very trippy. Needless to say, we tried and failed.
Worn out, we eventually arrived in jodphur in the evening( having been argued over by several drunk tuktuk drivers, we arrived at our awesome hotel - Singhvi's Haveli - and headed to bed.
With love
No comments:
Post a Comment