Cycle Rajasthan with Intrepid; Trip report. Day One and Two, Delhi, India
29th Dec 2018 to 12th Jan 2019.
This trip started in Delhi on the 29th Dec 2018.
This trip started in Delhi on the 29th Dec 2018.
We had been instructed to meet at The Hotel Taj Princess located in Karol Bagh. This area was a busy market area, the market seemed to specialise in wedding attire. There were plenty of ATMs and money changers in the area.
Although the area was very busy, once inside the hotel was quiet. It was quite basic but clean and comfortable. the shower was hot - you just had to let it run for a bit to get the hot water- there was a roof top bar area, but it was very cold and windy up on the roof.
We met our group leader; Bhupesh and fellow 7 cyclists at the 18.00 Orientation Meeting. We were by far the eldest of the group - average age about 27- and the only UK residents, with the rest being from Australia and NZ. We paid into the kitty; this would be used for our snacks/ chai/ water and small tips. That evening we all ate at ' the Kitchen with a cause', I ordered the Paneer in cashew nut sauce, it was lovely but very hot as it was full of green chilies!
The next morning it was still dark when we left the hotel in taxis to the location where our bikes were stored. The mechanic sorted us all out with correct fitting bikes then we set off on the 25KM 'warm up' ride to India Gate.
It was SO cold. I did not expect it to be so cold in India - our guide did say it was exceptional- The cycling clothes I had with me were totally wrong, being summer wear. It was with a heavy heart that I was thinking of all my winter cycling gear in my wardrobe in the UK. I think I had Hypothermia by the time we reached India Gate.
Although the area was very busy, once inside the hotel was quiet. It was quite basic but clean and comfortable. the shower was hot - you just had to let it run for a bit to get the hot water- there was a roof top bar area, but it was very cold and windy up on the roof.
We met our group leader; Bhupesh and fellow 7 cyclists at the 18.00 Orientation Meeting. We were by far the eldest of the group - average age about 27- and the only UK residents, with the rest being from Australia and NZ. We paid into the kitty; this would be used for our snacks/ chai/ water and small tips. That evening we all ate at ' the Kitchen with a cause', I ordered the Paneer in cashew nut sauce, it was lovely but very hot as it was full of green chilies!
The next morning it was still dark when we left the hotel in taxis to the location where our bikes were stored. The mechanic sorted us all out with correct fitting bikes then we set off on the 25KM 'warm up' ride to India Gate.
It was SO cold. I did not expect it to be so cold in India - our guide did say it was exceptional- The cycling clothes I had with me were totally wrong, being summer wear. It was with a heavy heart that I was thinking of all my winter cycling gear in my wardrobe in the UK. I think I had Hypothermia by the time we reached India Gate.
The ride back to the hotel was a thrilling ride through the traffic chaos that is Delhi. I was glad I had my 'Snood' with me, not only to keep my head and ears warm, but to protect from the smog and traffic fumes.
Following the ride, I made use of the hot shower and it took me a long time to warm up. Then I went to the local shops, looking for warmer clothes. I got a tracksuit and gloves.
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| India Gate |
As this was to be a long day with no supper, our guide took us for late breakfast at a South Indian restaurant, where we had Masala Dosa; this was delicious and a great breakfast.
We then took the Metro to the Jama Masjid Mosque, walking through the backstreets of Old Delhi to get to it.
We also visited a Sikh Temple.
By late afternoon we collected our day packs.....our suitcases had gone by road. And went to the train station to get a Double Decker train to Jaipur.
The train was busy and very full, but we all had seats, even if they were a little cramped.
It was late when we arrived at the Wall Street Hotel in Jaipur, but our guide had us checked into our rooms very quickly.
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| Old Delhi |
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| Old Delhi |
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| Old Delhi |
It was late when we arrived at the Wall Street Hotel in Jaipur, but our guide had us checked into our rooms very quickly.
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