Hello friends! What follows is a story which I wanted to share with all of you, thanks for your time.
As I took my final semester exams of Law in Ahmedabad everyone in college was planning for a Grad trip. Many plans were made and shattered within hours. After a few shattered ones , I decided if none gets materialized I would go on myself for a solo biking expedition to Udaipur and near by places in Rajasthan. The plan which I made in earnest was to be followed due to the soul reason none other got materialized.
I always wanted to see Udaipur (The Venice of East), I choose this city for the reason cause it would had been an apt destination for me as I had done a trip on my bike from Gandhinagar to Pavagarh which was also a biking trip and I covered around 390 Kms in a single day. Udaipur was a mere 240 Kms away from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. So I was confident that I would be able to make to Udaipur fresh.
Most of my planning was being done by advises of those who have been to Udaipur and my father who told me some places to see in Udaipur itself. As for my biking preparations go, she was just being serviced and in earnest only I changed oil as well. I took a lot of food and water along with me in case of any mishappening takes place.
Day 1 Gandhinagar to Udaipur 240
On the 11th of April I left early in the morning. I left at 5 AM cause I did not wanted to be roasted by sun in the process. I estimated to reach the lake city 10 AM. I also planned to some of the major tourist spots the same day as well.
The ride to Udaipur went without a glitch, as I reached Udaipur I had booked Zostle in Chandpole for my stay. As I got to Zostle, I was warmly greeted by the Manager there and he handed me a city map and the major tourist attractions of the city.
The City Palace of Udaipur
This was a major attraction of the city. It was very near to Zostle as well. I was overwhelmed by the size of the place and how well it was maintained. There were rooms after rooms of Rajputna Royalty embellishing the weapons, attires, furniture, vessels, utensils, music instruments paintings, et cetera. The place gives a touch how those Ranas would use to live a lavish and royal life style.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
This place was suggested to me by my father. This place was built by the Maharaja for his Maharanis to retreat from the harsh summers in the State of Rajasthan. The compound of the place it self is a large one, comprising of a lots of gardens and pounds. If one is interested then can as very well find many species of spectacularly colored flowers and butterflies as well.
This tourist spot exceeded my expectations completely, the gardens in the compound were awesome and provided much needed relive and energy to me for the riding fatigue that I had. I spent close to 3 hours in the place wondering and taking in the fresh breeze of air.
Moti Magri
Next and last spot on list for the first day was Moti Magri. This place is built on top of a hill to pay homage to the valorous horse of Maharana Pratap. At the top most point of the place their is a statue of Chetak with Maharana Pratap in saddle.
The best part about the place was the point that I got their at time of twilight time. I saw the day turn into a beautiful evening of Udaipur and with setting sun being reflected in the Fateh Sagar.
Day 2 Udaipur to Chittorgarh
The next day I decided not to go to Chittorgarh on a bike ride rather take a bus to Chittorgarh. I decided this mainly cause of two reasons the primary reason being the fact that the road was not that scenic for a bike trip and secondary being the I had a some tiredness due to the lot of miles munched just a day before. So I opted not to have a bike ride to Chittorgarh.
I got a bus from Udiapur to Chittorgarh of tried and tested RSRTC (State Transport), it departed at 9 AM and I was in Chittorgarh by 11 AM. I got to the Fort of Chittorgarh after a lot of negotiation and bargaining with the local autowalas as they were asking for 5 times the price which was to be paid. I struck a deal at 250 bucks (INR), in that he would take me to the every part of the fort and drop me at the Chittorgarh bus stand.
Gaumukh Kund
This solo attraction was the pull for me to come 120 kms away from Udaipur to see a whole city below and a water reservoir in a fort that too up on a hill. This spot was everything that I expected it to be and more.
Vijay Stambha
This tower the victory of Maharana Kumbha over Alauddin Khilji. It has astonishing work of stone engravings all over it. Now a days it is not allowed to go on top of the tower but as my Grand ma told me that in their times it was allowed to do so. My Loss.
Meera Mandir
Among the other attractions in the fort one of them is Meera Mandir. This temple is an homage to Meerabai who dedicated her life worshiping Lord Krishna, it is being sad in the legends that when their was an attempt to kill her Lord Krishna himself saved his worshiper. If one observes closely on the floor of the temple their are pug marks of Meerabai as was told to me by my guide.
Rest of the fort
Their is not much to be seen apart from these three major attractions. Rest are just some shattering rooms and corridors all over the fort, but they are scennic in perspective with the city of Chittorgarh.
Then I began my journey back to Udiapur from Chittorgarh by a bus. I left Chittorgarh around 3 PM and was keen to reach Udaipur before 5 PM so that I could see some more tourist spots in Udaipur itself. But the bus took its own time and I reached Udiapur by 5:30 PM no spots stay open usually after that time. So I made my way back to Zostel.
Then on of my roomies asked me come along for a ferry ride in the Lake Pichola. The rides from the City Palace itself cost around 700 INR which was way to high for my budget, so I refused. But then he called me up and said from Gangaur Ghat a ferry goes and charges 250 INR. As soon as I finished the call I straight away jumped on my bike to reach thier. The ferry ride takes us near the Taj Hotel in the Lake Pichola and near a temple as well which is in Lake Pichola only.
Ferry Ride
As the ferry ride was concluded I had been advised by one of my friend (Gaurav Yadav) who himself is an ardent traveler to have dinner in Ambrai restaurant. This is just beside the Lake Pichola and one gets awesome view of the Lake and City Palace as well which in night is bathing with yellow light and seems to be glittering gold.
Day 3 Udaipur-Kumbalgarh-Ranakpur-Udaipur (Winter Palace)
This was the most incredible day of my four day tour. I opted to go on this tour on my bike cause I was being told that the way is full of scenic beauty and not many transports does go from Udaipur to these places at convenient timings.
Udaipur to Kumbalgrah 85 kms
I embarked my journey after having breakfast at Chetak Circle in Udaipur a person on a hand pulled cart was selling poha and some samosas their. I ate some and carried some along with me to have them for the rest of the day.
I took the highway then was being turned to a State highway, which would eventually lead me to the Fort of Kumbalgarh. As it was a State highway it was anything but perfect to ride on. The way was single lane all through out. Their was oncoming traffic as well which was heavy traffic (buses, tempo and trucks). Adding to the problem was the fact that their was not much usage of the highway as well. With God's blessing I did not had any issue but if their is a mechanical problem with your vehicle not support was their to be found.
Initially when I began my journey I thought that I would be able to cover 85 kms in about 100 minutes or so. But it wasn't so partly cause of the narrow and twisty roads (not complaining, cause I like them) and the scenic views of lakes and valleys of the magnificent Aravillis which I could not help but take some shots.
Riding on the serpentine roads led me to the city of Kumbalgarh first then another 8 odd Kms uphill got me to the fort which comes up suddenly to with a left turn and you see a giant fort appearing in front of you suddenly.
Kumbalgarh Fort
As I entered into the fort after parking my bike I started to make my way up to the fort. It took quite some efforts to get up their cause of the steep paths and heat as well. I had to take halts twice before I eventually made my way to the top of the fort.
As one enters in the main premises of the fort, in the fore court of the fort was the arsenal of cannon (toop khana). Then the main fort begins with a temple and a set of rooms and stair case to the terrace.
In the fort their was a room which was the the corner most room of the fort. It was a blessing for me to be in that room as it was giving me relief from the outrageous heat and as being the corner most room of the fort incredible air circulation was their. I did not have a image of the room partly cause of the moment was so reliving that I forgot to capture it and partly cause their was low light in the room so the effort any way would have gone in vein.
The the best part was the terrace of the fort, being so high then to the relatively lower adjacent plain meant that the views were so awes-trucking and being so high gave another benefit which was that of breeze which was to be enjoyed in the atrocious heat which I had to bear.
As the fort was conquered, I made my way back down again and every other tourist on their was up had only the same question for me, which was "is it worth climbing to see something up their?". My reply was in the affirmative only cause of the high views which were available.
As I was about to get out of the premise of the fort. I saw a guy fully geared up by biking safety. I knew he was a rider so I asked him he said yes he was on a biking trip to explore the State of Rajasthan. His name was Mohit Gupta a software engineer from Delhi.
Both of us discussed about biking, terrains which we have rode through, other bikers who were inspiration for both of us and some incredible youtube channels like the PowerDrift and Toll free traveler. We were so much into the conversation that we did not even bother to stand in the shade to talk. Both of us kept on discussing in the Sun only, he told me about his experience of touring and some biking groups in Delhi and in Jodhpur.
After a long conversation of about an hour I bid farewell to him, both of us wished one another luck for the tour ahead, and went on our way.
Next up on the road was the Jain temple of Ranakpur
Kumbalgrah to Ranakpur 35 kms
Next on my agenda was the Jain temple of Ranakpur. As I embarked my journey to Ranakpur it was already high noon. The atmosphere was scorching and I was not wearing full selves as well, which made the situation more difficult. If would get to Ranakpur before 1 PM, I was told that I would be able to get an delicious lunch in the temple. But it was a not going to be in a way I planned it to be. I left Kumbalgrah at around 12:30 PM and to ride 35 kms in 30 minutes was not going to happen on the serpentine roads and lesser known areas as well. I had to ask many times about the ways which led to more delay. I rode non-stop 35 kms to the temple which took me 75 minutes for a journey of only 35 kms, it was a slow going and I did not mind that cause of the reason I did not wanted to jeopardize my safety at all.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
As I reach the it was a beautiful structure which with fine craftsmanship of marble work and a silent peaceful place to be. I decided not to have lunch cause I did not wanted to reach Udaipur any time later than 4:30 PM. I ate those samosas which I had got packed and saw the temple. For Indians the visit to temple is free but for taking images you need to deposit an amount of 100 INR. It is well worth it cause of the sole reason of the craftsmanship and 144 column structure which are in a 12 by 12 matrice. Some images of the temple are following:
As I rode away from the Temple I had no doubt in my mind and the efforts which were required was worth it to see such a magnificent piece of architecture. But I had to move on. The magnificence could have been pondered upon later (I told myself), as I had to ride back to Udaipur. I left the temple around 3:30 PM, I wanted to get back on time to see Monsoon Palace, Udaipur. I was told by some fellow tourist that the tickets for the place are not available after 5 PM. It was straight out choice for me to ride quickly and see the Palace the same day or ride leisurely and extend my stay by a day more, I opted for the former option. It was a work cut out cover around 90 Kms in around 2 and half hours.
Ranakpur to Udaipur (Monsoon Palace) 92 kms
I did not intended to have a halt anywhere and go straight as an arrow to the fort. But I did had a stop once to take an image of a water body and the bridge which allows the traffic to cross over it.
I did saw this bridge on my way coming to Ranakpur, it is around 5 kms away from the Temple. After this their was no halting no stops, just riding quickly. About 40 kms of the 92 kms was on a single lane road. Yikes! But cause of the afternoon and the heat which was their the road was empty and then the 4 lane highway began after Jaswantgarh. Rest miles were muched as quickly as I could to reach the Palace in time.
I made to the outskirts of Udaipur around 5 PM only, so I thought the attempt was in vain, either I had to elongate my stay or I have to skip see the palace. I decided to try my luck I went to Palace and was flabbergasted cause the Palace was still open for tourists. When I inquired about the timings it was told to me that in summers it open till 6 30 PM and in winters till 5 PM.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort)
Tickets to the Monsoon Palace are given on the entrance which is below the hills and Monsoon Palace itself is on the hills. The road to reach the Monsoon Palace is a dream for a biking enthusiast. Their are many spots which gives great view of the City and the roads are very challenging but exhilarating for the likes of me.
As I reached to the Monsoon Palace's parking, I could not stop myself from taking an image of my bike with hills of Aravalli in the back drop.
After wards I moved on to see the Palace itself. The Palace is sight to behold in your sight. Their was not much to see inside the Palace as compared to the outside.
At this very spot I saw my most memorable sunset of my life. It was not just because of the view but a notification on my cellphone that read results out of semester X, I had passed by college and I was a Lawyer with a degree in BBA LLB (H). I just sat their till the guard of the Palace came and made an earnest request to leave as it was time for closing of the Palace.
As I made my way back to the parking it just stuck me that I may not be having sufficient fuel to reach even a fuel station, reason being the frantic ride I had to reach back Udaipur from Ranakpur. I asked some of the drivers around they said nearest station is 3 kms away. I thought that I would make it cause now it is going to be down hill. But without drama I made it back to Zostel.
For the dinner the owner of Zostel advised me to have a meal at Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant as it was one of the most oldest restaurants in the city. As being a Rajasthani coming from Gujarat where the Dal-Batti is not so great I ordered it without any second thoughts.
After a sumptuous meal I went back to Zostel. I had seen all what I intended to see in this trip. I had a nice talk with Martin who was my roomie for last three days.
Day 4 Jagdish Temple and Journey from Udaipur to Gandhinagar
On the last day I woke up a bit late than usual partly cause I planned to leave Udaipur in afternoon only and partly cause of the the fatigue from last three days of riding and seeing fascinating places as they come along.
Jagdish Temple
The owner of Zostel, as always gave me a valuable advice to go and see the Jagdish Temple which was at stone throws distance from Zostle. I took his advice, the Temple was an iconic place to see. The Bhajans (any song with religious theme or spiritual ideas) being sung by the worshipers gave the place an aura to remember. I took blessing of the God to have a safe ride back home and I left the temple. For lunch I was again advised by the owner to have a meal at Annapoorna bhojnalay.
Journey back to Gandhinagar 240 kms
After that I waited till the time was right around 2:30 PM cause if I had left at 1 PM I would have been roasted in the heat on the highway. I filled up bike to brim and hit the road. I was able to leave the sub urbs of Udaipur by 3 PM and the initial one and half hour was tough due to heat but the plan to leave late came to my rescue as the shadows got longer, the ferocity of heat also dipped.
Then I took a halt at Himmatnagar which is around 60 kms away from Gandhinagar. I drank up a lot of sugarcane juice to get the fluids back in my body. Then I was back on the last strech, in the dying lights of the day I was able to make it to the BSF base in Gandhinagar which was 18 kms away from home.
As I reached home, I had clocked 807 Kms in a span of four days. Coming back to Gandhinagar marked an end to this adventure. This trip gave an immense amount of confidence in myself and my riding capabilities, needless to say on the bike as well. To be frank the feeling was more of being relived then any other felling. The terrains and roads which I countered on Day 3 of the journey in that atmosphere was tough but smooth seas never makes good sailors, good roads don't make your riding skills better.
It was a trip which was everything that I hoped for it to be and more. I have heard stories of travel being life changing but I never saw it coming true for any one else, until I experienced it on myself in this trip. It was always about something going out and doing a trip on bike, which was challenging and fascinating for me.
A big mention need to made for the people of these area which I traveled. At many places I was in a spot of bother and GPS as well could not rescue me, the humbleness and helpful nature of the people their would always be in my engraved and enshine in my memories forever. All the replies would always come along with a big smile. The Hindi proverb of Attithi Devo Bhava (A guest is equal to God). comes true in this region.
I would like to make a special mention to Mr. Rohith Ashok the "toll free traveller", his journeys was a big push for me to go on such a biking trip, his journey from Chennai to Ladakh and back is one of the most inspiring journey I have watched. One can follow him on various social media platforms like the Instagram, Facebook, twitter and tripoto as well. Many of the lines which I have used in this blog is from his tour videos only, he is generous and humble that he allowed me to do so and he replies as soon as he can on Instagram. If one is biker wants to be one, go and follow him he is my inspiration.
In this journey I made a few friends like Martin, Mohit, Dherendra, & Monika. Even after 3 months of this journey and being at places thousands of miles away but still we are in touch with one another, thanks to social media and the special bond which we all shared among us in regard to travel. A noteworthy mention to the staff of Zostel Udaipur, it is a humble request to all if going to any place in India having a Zostle it is your loss if you don't stay their. The Zostels are filled with amazing character, personalities and stories as well which shall not be missed, the vibe of the place would infuse energy in a tired or fatigued traveler not tourist, traveler.
When I told this idea to my parents they said a big no. Even after a lot of persuasion I couldn't sway them. I went on my way without their blessings but did notified them about the same. They still don't approve of bike trips to far locations, but I hope I would be able to change that.
I had developed a liking for bike riding from trip which I did about 7 months ago to Pavagarh (For which I will write another blog on the this platform only). That did helped me to have confidence to embark on this journey.
Any of this would not have been possible without support, encouragement, involvement and kindness of friends, family and some un-remembered names who chipped along the way. I would be forever grateful to all of them.
Thank you guys, I hope this would be helping you to plan trip for yourself along with friends, family an loved ones. Encourage some of you who want to go and explore places on bikes, I would suggest them one thing only to respect the bike and mind your surroundings.