Reconnected to Wi-Fi

We left Rawla Narlai this morning, by bicycle. Went on a 35km ride, ending at Ranakpur Temple. It is unbelievable. A Jain temple built in 1439. The Jains are a minority religion in India (less than 0.5%), but highly respected as it is believed they were the precursor to Buddhism (and then Hinduism). The temple has 1,444 marble columns, all different. It is magnificent and a good preamble to visiting the Taj Mahal in a few days. Below is a brief slideshow of photos we took at Ranakpur Temple.



We then crossed the Aravalli Hills (by van, not bicycle), believed to be the oldest (and at one time the highest) mountain range in the world. It runs southwest from Delhi to Ahmenabad.

We arrived at our amazing hotel for the next two nights, Devi Garh. This was an 18th century fortress that protected the city of Udaipur to the south from the Mughal armies in the north because of its strategic position in a mountain pass. Abandoned for years, a wealthy Indian industrialist bought it and turned it into a fantastic hotel with 39 suites. It is nearly impossible to get a booking here, but our bicycle tour company has reserved it for trips for five years in advance.

Devi Garh Palace

We have a suite that is not to be believed. I will upload some photos when I get a chance. They have restored this old fort into a modern, hip hotel with a staff that tends to everything. Well.....maybe not quite everything.

And it is located above the village of Delwara which we will bicycle and walk thru tomorrow.