Leaving Udaipur

I got up, packed, and left Black Pepper by 8.15am. I had booked a private transfer to Jodphur, calling at Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple on the way. I was meeting my driver at Chand Pol Parking, only a 10-minute walk away, but I wanted to stop for breakfast on the way. I had poha and a black coffee for just 50 rupees.

Mahendra, my driver was waiting for me, so we were on the road early. He wasn't very talkative, but seemed pleasant enough. It was nice to get out of the city and drive through rural villages, where the Hindu ladies cover their entire heads without gaps for their eyes or mouths. It's a strange thing to see, but I guess the fabric is sheer enough to see and breathe through. I later learned that the practice is a sign of respect to the village elders, rather than any religious requirement. I sat in the front passenger seat, so I had a good view, but taking photos wasn't easy as Mahendra kept overtaking on blind bends at twice the legal speed limit!Read more