Day 125 Saturday 20 January 2007 Udaipur to Rohet Garh, Rajasthan, India

A drive westwards, through the hills surrounding Udaipur to Ranakpur, the site of the Jain temple dedicated to Abinath the first ‘guide’ in a pantheon of 24. The temple is constructed entirely of white marble, intricately carved on columns, ceilings and all other possible surfaces. It is so pristine and well- preserved, we are amazed to read that is dates back to the 15th C. (In contrast to most Hindu temples we have seen, which tend to be scruffy and grimy – later we are told that Jains have the wealth to spend on maintenance).

Despite extensive roadworks, we make it to the highway to Jodhpur in one piece and the landscape flattens out allowing us to arrive swiftly at our destination. This is Rohat Garh fort hotel, another example of an old family preserving their inheritance by turning a huge ‘fort’ (walled residence) into a business. Lacking several wives and all their offspring, the current owner lives in about one fifth of the space, while the rest is turned into accommodation, restaurant, bar, etc. And very pleasant it is, with large courtyard garden where we are served afternoon tea on arrival before being shown to our room overlooking a small lake. This is the life!

Distance Today: 228km Trip to date: 19,152km