2011 Biking Rajasthan

We had a super, though unexpected, Xmas. We cycled 66 rural kms between Jodhpur and the Sardar Samand Palace, the maharaja’s hunting lodge (completed 1933), much of it on a road constructed in the early-1900s for the private use of the royal family, linking extravagant Umaid Bhawan to the less over-the-top lodge. We anticipated a party of convivial fellow guests, Xmas dinner and party hats, but found we were the only guests! So we slept in the afternoon and later had drinks at the maharaja's private pool, feet in the water, fabulous views over the bird filled lake, peacocks and parrots being fed by the 25 resident staff members. The chef prepared around nine different dishes for us, so we dined extremely well. The maharaja and his family were due the following day, having delayed their Xmas break for a polo match

In tiny Ranakpur ((101km) via Pali (32km)) are three extraordinary Jain temples, of which we visited two. The main temple was built in 1439 of marble elaborately carved. Twenty-nine interior halls are covered by domed roofs supported by 1444 pillars, each unique. Jainism was founded in 500BC, a reformist version of Hinduism. Jains believe in reincarnation and that all life is sacred. There are two sects: white clad (who dress in white) and sky clad (who go about nude). We did not encounter any of the latter sect, unfortunately…