Agra to Jaipor
Ended up in Agra for three days waiting for my stomach to start to improve, which it eventually did with the aid of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic. That was more than enough time in Agra for me, so I was delighted to get back on the road again.
Next major stop was Jaipor, some 230km away, which should be two days although we made it three. After all, we didn't get on the road until midday when we set off! In the end made it 60km or so to Bharatpor, stopping at ruins at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Good ruins too, although very hasslesome with touts. Did a whistlestop tour in half an hour because of these touts and just general wanting to get on the road-ness. The picture below was taken there... not the best shot of the ruins but it gives you an idea of the countryside.
Up and away the next day, which was a pure cycling day. We followed National Highway 11, which was fine for cycling. There was a steady of stream of traffic, not too heavy, and a nice hard shoulder all made it pleasant enough. I'd been counting family style motels from about mile twenty onwards and we seemed to be passing them every six miles or so. After 60 miles (getting on for 100km) we decided we'd had a good day and to take the next hotel. Last one had been at 54 miles so we were looking for one soon after. Of course, it was at that point it all went awry... next hotel was to be found at the 72 mile mark, and their cheapest room was 1500 rupees. Our maximum budget was 400... although it was a very nice room AND they had a swimming pool! They dropped the price to 700 in the end but it was still too much. We headed off as the sun was dropping and found a dhaba a couple of miles down the road. 100 rupees a head for a bed, much more like it. No pool though. No bathroom come to that. They did heat a bucket of water up for us to was in though, which was nice. The countryside had changed over the day from flat (reminded me of Norfolk oddly, but maybe more on that another time) to actually having some hills. Nice!
This left 60km to Jaipor, which was a doddle. Cycling in Jaipor proved less easy though with Mark and I both coming to differing levels of grief in our search for a hotel. I had a motorbike bump off of me. It was only a walking pace impact and I remained standing but still worrisome. Mark was actually knocked over by a passing autrickshaw (tuk tuk). He naturally went ballistic and once he picked himself chased after the guy screaming blue murder. Caught up with him as well and had a heated discussion with him. Surprised it didn't end up in fisticufts to be honest.
Jaipor is nice enough though, spent the day sight seeing and soaking it all in. A big hectic place, worth at the least the day I spent here. The photo above is of the Hawa Mahal. Anyway, plan is to head towards Bundi tomorrow.
Next major stop was Jaipor, some 230km away, which should be two days although we made it three. After all, we didn't get on the road until midday when we set off! In the end made it 60km or so to Bharatpor, stopping at ruins at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Good ruins too, although very hasslesome with touts. Did a whistlestop tour in half an hour because of these touts and just general wanting to get on the road-ness. The picture below was taken there... not the best shot of the ruins but it gives you an idea of the countryside.
Up and away the next day, which was a pure cycling day. We followed National Highway 11, which was fine for cycling. There was a steady of stream of traffic, not too heavy, and a nice hard shoulder all made it pleasant enough. I'd been counting family style motels from about mile twenty onwards and we seemed to be passing them every six miles or so. After 60 miles (getting on for 100km) we decided we'd had a good day and to take the next hotel. Last one had been at 54 miles so we were looking for one soon after. Of course, it was at that point it all went awry... next hotel was to be found at the 72 mile mark, and their cheapest room was 1500 rupees. Our maximum budget was 400... although it was a very nice room AND they had a swimming pool! They dropped the price to 700 in the end but it was still too much. We headed off as the sun was dropping and found a dhaba a couple of miles down the road. 100 rupees a head for a bed, much more like it. No pool though. No bathroom come to that. They did heat a bucket of water up for us to was in though, which was nice. The countryside had changed over the day from flat (reminded me of Norfolk oddly, but maybe more on that another time) to actually having some hills. Nice!
This left 60km to Jaipor, which was a doddle. Cycling in Jaipor proved less easy though with Mark and I both coming to differing levels of grief in our search for a hotel. I had a motorbike bump off of me. It was only a walking pace impact and I remained standing but still worrisome. Mark was actually knocked over by a passing autrickshaw (tuk tuk). He naturally went ballistic and once he picked himself chased after the guy screaming blue murder. Caught up with him as well and had a heated discussion with him. Surprised it didn't end up in fisticufts to be honest.
Jaipor is nice enough though, spent the day sight seeing and soaking it all in. A big hectic place, worth at the least the day I spent here. The photo above is of the Hawa Mahal. Anyway, plan is to head towards Bundi tomorrow.
posted by Bill at 11:41 am
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