My Way On Highway: Day 3, As Royal As It Gets

It only gets better as we enter Day 3 of My Way On Highway...

Drive From Ranthambore To Bijaipur:

Okay! Initially, we thought we were misled when locals told us to take the Kota route to Bijaipur. The first two hours were far from it. But then came the wow-tastic National Highway 76 and we were blown away. The drive was smooth as butter.

Splash Away The Rajasthani Heat:

Enough has been said about the garma-garam temperatures of Rajasthan. But Tariq (my husband) used the opportunity to click this bunch of enthusiastic kids beating the heat on the highway.

Walking In To A Royal Past:

Castle Bijaipur, our home for the night, looked really promising when we booked it online. But walking in to it was an entirely different story altogether. The fortress like walls of this 350 years old property impress from the very first sight. We were given a royal welcome amidst drumbeats and the trademark garlands. The fresh nimbu soda with a hint of mint gave us an instant fix from the sweltering heat.

Next, we were escorted to our room which was STUNNING to say the least. Can’t remember the last time we were so excited about being in a hotel considering we both (my husband and I) look at them as places to crash for the night.

The Beautiful Pangarh Lake:

A casual conversation with our host in the restaurant directed us 14 kilometres ahead of Bijaipur to the Pangarh Lake. First, let me mention the scenic drive leading up to it. Believe it or not, but our red Santro aka Gulabo drove downhill on the Vindhyanchal plateau to make it there (and back!). The ride was bumpy and exhilarating. Those interested can camp beside the Pangarh Lake in a luxurious property which is currently closed due to off season. The view of the Pangarh Fort from there was spectacular.

Amazing Rajasthani Food:

This entry will be incomplete if I do not mention the out-of-the-world food served at the in-house restaurant at Castle Bijaipur. I was also blown away by the super-effective desert cooler that was solely responsible for keeping the dining hall cool and did a brilliant job of it. The chef treated our taste buds to Rajasthani renditions of paneer, dal, kadhi and gawar ki phalli, the ingredients for which were all organic and homegrown. We are told, the talented cook even holds cookery classes on special request of the guests.

There is so much more to share but I really must sign off now as tomorrow morning, we head to the Chittorgarh Fort about 40 kilometres away. Energy levels must be kept up.

Catch you then…