Road trip to Rajasthan from Kolkata and back by Indian Roadie Abhijit Sarkar with family in Ford Ecosport in October 2020 (Part A)

Road trip to Rajasthan by Indian Roadie Adv Abhijit Sarkar with wife, daughter and son in Ford Ecosport. 

DAY 1 & 2 (23.10.2020 – 24.10.2020): 

Kolkata – Asansol – Dhanbad – Bagodar - Barhi - Dobhi - Gaya – Aurangabad – Sasaram - Varanasi – Prayagraj – Raebareli – Lucknow – Agra. 

Road condition: Kolkata – Dhobi (Good Road) – Dhobi – Varanasi – lots of diversion/ single lane driving/ bad roads – Varanasi – Prayagraj Bypass – Raebareli – Lucknow – (very good road) – Lucknow – Agra via Lucknow Agra Expressway (excellent road) 

Total Distance Travelled – 1260 km (Kolkata – Agra) – 25 hrs driving time – 6 hrs break (Total 31 hrs)  

Started from Kolkata around 0600 hrs, stopped for half an hour at CCD Gobindapur HPCL petrol pump – had sandwich and coffee – small break around 11 am for 15 min at ANIL AUTOMOBILE IOCL PUMP – at Khariabad, Dhanbad – very clean toilet – stopped for 45 min at Hotel Basant Vihar for lunch at Bagodar on NH 19 around 13:30 hrs – new dhaba – good food and clean toilet – reached Bagahi BPCL GHAR DHABA just 30 km before Varanasi around 20:10 hrs – had our dinner and refill the tank – started around 21:45 hrs and it took almost 2 hrs to reach Dafi Toll Plaza – dropped my plan to stay at Varanasi and drove till Bhadohi – stopped at IOCL Petrol Pump near Chak Kalyan (Sant Ravidas Nagar) between (01:30 hrs – 03:30 hrs) for power nap, started around 03:30 hrs for Lucknow – stopped at Yatharth Dhaba – around 0500 Hrs near Pratapgarh on Varanasi Lucknow highway for morning tea and refreshed myself, clean toilet and lovely Ginger Tea. Stopped at a temple near Lalitpur around 06:45 hrs for an hour of power nap. Stopped for 15 min around 0820 hrs at IOCL Khairhani, Rae Bareli on NH 24B, Allahabad – Lucknow highway (clean toilet) – No further stop, reached Agra around 13:00 hrs – Via Lucknow – Agra Expressway. After lunch we visited Taj Mahal around 16:45 hrs, we had booked online tickets, no hassle and rush at Taj Mahal. Back to hotel around 1900 hrs. End of Day 1 and 2.

Note: On reaching Taj Mahal, I was asked to park my vehicle in a designated area. The attendant asked for ₹200 as parking fee. After I parked, a boy riding a scooty told me that he will assist me to take my car nearer to the western gate of Taj Mahal and will guide us for the local market tour. He asked me to pay ₹50 to the parking attendant and follow him. I paid ₹50 and followed him to a narrow lane. The barricade was removed and was allowed to enter the lane which was initially blocked. Thereafter, parked my car at the designated place shown by him. After a short walk of 5 min, I reached the western gate of Taj. The boy asked me to meet him at the same place when I return, gave me his contact no and vanished. After I returned, I called him and he appeared within 5 min and asked us to follow him for the market trip. We were in no mood to visit any crowded place, hence I paid him balance ₹150 and returned to hotel. 

Stayed at ITC MOUGHAL Agra

Visited: Taj Mahal 

Not visited: Agra Fort and Akbar Tomb

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Day 3 (25.10.2020): 

Agra – Fathepur Sikri – Jaipur. 

Total Distance Travelled (240 Km – driving time 4 hrs 30 minuntes) 

After the brunch we started for Jaipur around 1100hrs, enroute we planned to visit Fathepur Sikri, dropped Bharatpur as the same was closed. Agra to Fathepur Sikri is around 40 Km and a drive for an hour, we reached Fathepur Sikri around 1200 Hrs. we parked our car in the parking lot and had to take the battery operated bus to reach the entrance, bus fare Rs. 10 per adult and kids till 6 years is free. It took 10 min to reach, purchased online tickets. Official guide charge is Rs. 400, they will allot two guides one will show you the Fathepur and other will show you the Sikri. We spend around 3 hrs there. We had our lunch nearby restaurant and started for Jaipur around 1630 hrs, reached Jaipur around 2000 hrs and checked in the hotel.

Note: when you visit the Salim – Chisti ka darga, you will be asked to put chaddar and they will start showing you the chaddar from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000, don’t fall in any such trap and apply your own wit.

Stayed at: Radission 

Enroute Visited: Fathepur Sikri

Not Visited: Bharatpur, Bhanagar Fort and Chand Baori. 

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Day 4 (26.10.2020): Jaipur (local sightseeing). 

After breakfast we went for local sightseeing. Stopped at Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal and proceeded to Jaigarh Fort.

Jaigarh Fort is situated on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range. It overlooks the Amer Fort and the Maota Lake, near Amer in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amer Fort and its palace complex and was named after him. 

The fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amer Fort, is also known as Victory Fort. It has a length of 3 kilometres  along the north–south direction and a width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi). The fort features a cannon named "Jaivana"(Jaivana Cannon), which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world's largest cannon on wheels. Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are connected by subterranean passages and considered as one complex.

We had our lunch in the restaurant at Jaigarh Fort.

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was originally named sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name. Sunset from here is just awesome.

Nahargarh fort is open from 10:00 a.m. and the gates of the fort closes in the evening at 10.00 p.m. The visitors are not advised to stay any later than that because the fort is surrounded by dense deciduous forest. 

Amer Fort or Amber Fort is a fort located in Amer, Rajasthan, India. Amer is a town with an area of 4 square kilometres. The town of Amer and the Amber Fort were originally built by the Meenas, and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh I. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur.[3][4] Amer Fort is known for its artistic style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the main source of water for the Amer Palace.

Mughal architecture greatly influenced the architectural style of several buildings of the fort. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas, or "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace.

The palace was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. At the entrance to the palace near the fort's Ganesh Gate.

On the right side of the Jalebi Chowk, there is a small but an elegant temple called the Sila Devi temple (Sila Devi was an incarnation of Kali or Durga). The entrance to the temple is through a double door covered in silver with a raised relief. The main deity inside the sanctum is flanked by two lions made of silver. The legend attributed to the installation of this deity is that Maharaja Man Singh sought blessings from Kali for victory in the battle against the Raja of Jessore in Bengal. 

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Day 5 and 6 (27.10.2020 – 28.10.2020):  

Jaipur – Sriganganagar.  

Total Distance Covered (480 km – Driving time 9 hrs) 

Morning the car key remote notified me low battery, hence visited Ford workshop to change the battery, we started from Jaipur around 12 pm and reached Sri Ganganagar around 2100 hrs to our relative place. Enroute we planned to visit Khatu Shyam Ji, Jeen Mata and Salasar Balaji Temples, but all were closed due to COVID.

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Day 7 (29.10.2020): 

Sri Ganganagar – Bikaner – Jaisalmer. 

Total Distance Travelled 570 Km 

driving time 9 hrs.

Started early from Sri Ganganagar around 0500 hrs and reached Bikaner by 9 am, we planned our visit to Deshnokh Karni Mata temple also known as the temple of rats, and Junagadh fort, both were closed due to COVID hence proceed for Jaisalmer, enroute one can visit Ramdevji shrine at Ramdeora, as usual the same was also closed. We reached Jaisalmer around 1400 hrs, checked in at Club Mahindra, Jaisalmer and rest for the day.

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Day 8 (30.10.2020): 

Jaisalmer – Local sightseeing and Sand Dunes. 

After breakfast we went for local sightseeing of Sonar Kella, Jain Temples, Havelis and Gadhisar lake. After lunch drive to Sam sand dunes to have Jeep Safari, Camel ride, sun set point, Jeep para gliding, cultural and folk dance and songs, dinner and return to hotel around 11 pm.

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Day 9 (31.10.2020): 

Jaisalmer – Kuldhara Village - Jaisalmer. 

30 kms/ driving time 1 hr each way. 

We were supposed to visit the Longewala and Tanot Mata, but due to COVID the temple and museum were closed, hence we went to Kuldhara Village in the evening and returned to hotel around 7 pm.

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Day 10 (01.11.2020): 

Jaisalmer – Pokhran – Phalodi – Osian – Jodhpur – Pali – Narlai – Kumbhalgarh. 

Total Distance travelled 460 km/ driving time 9 hrs.

We started around 8 am from Jaisalmer and took photo in front of the Jaisalmer War Museum, reached Osian around 11 am, could not visit the famous bhairab temple Osian is surrounded by golden sand dunes and hamlets, Osian, located 65 km north of Jodhpur, is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples and is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan due to the erotic sculptures on the temples. A famous pilgrimage site of the Oswal Jain community, most of the shrines and temples in Osian lie in ruins today. Among the most famous tourist attractions of the village are the 16 temples that include Sachiya Mata temple, Sun temple, Mahaveera Jain temple, etc dating back to the 8th to the 11th century. With their intricate carvings, the Sun Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir stand out in their grace and architecture. We reached Jodhpur around 1 pm and went directly to Mehrangarh Fort, it is one of the largest forts in India. Built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of the impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending Mehrangarh.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory gate'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. There is also a Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory gate'), which commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singhji victory over Mughals.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. Had our lunch in the Fort restaurant. 

We started from Jodhpur around 4 pm and reached Kumbhalgarh around 7 pm and checked in at Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh.

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Day 11 and 12 (02.11.2020 – 03.11.2020): Local Sightseeing at Kumbhalgarh. No hectic schedule, as the online class started, hence we planned all our local sightseeing after lunch. We visited Kumbhalgarh (literally "Kumbhal fort"), a Mewar fortress on the westernly range of Aravalli Hills, in Rajsamand district near Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each evening. It was the most important fort in Mewar after Chittorgarh Fort. Birthplace of Maharana Pratap.

The fort is among the largest fort complexes in the world, and the second largest fort in India after Chittor Fort.

One can go for wildlife safari at Kumbhalgarh (morning and night safari), local said that the chances of viewing wildlife is more at Night Safari. 

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Day 13 (04.11.2020):  

Kumbhalgarh – Haldighati – Udaipur.  

Total Distance Travelled – 95 Km (Driving time – 2 hrs) 

Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak played a pivotal role in the Battle of Haldighati. Chetak was fatally wounded in this battle and died on 21 June 1576. Maharana Pratap erected a small monument for his horse at the place where Chetak fell. The cenotaph still exists at Haldighati.

The Government of India commissioned the construction of Maharana Pratap National Memorial in the year 1997, and in June 2009 the monument was finally dedicated. The memorial features a bronze statue of the Maharana astride Chetak.

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Day 14 (05.11.2020): Local Sightseeing in Udaipur. 

Udaipur , also known as the "City of Lakes". It is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. It was founded in 1558 by Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajput, when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur after Chittorgarh was besieged by Akbar. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when it became a British princely state, and thereafter the Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan when India gained independence in 1947. Visited the Vintage Car Museum and City Palace temples were closed.  

Day 15: 06.11.2020 (Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Kota)

Chittorgarh is home to the Chittor Fort, the largest fort in India and Asia. It was the site of three major sieges (1303, 1535, and 1567–1568) by Muslim invaders, and its Hindu rulers fought fiercely to maintain their independence. On more than one occasion, when faced with a certain defeat, the men fought to death while the women committed suicide by jauhar (mass self-immolation). Chittor also has been a land of worship for Meera, It is also known for Panna Dai – Left Udaipur around 9 am after breakfast and reached Udaipur around 11 am, the best part visiting Chittorgarh fort is you can drive through the fort road. It lovely experience driving through the Chittorgarh fort. Stayed for 4 hrs in the fort and started for Kota around 4 pm reached Kota around 7 pm. Stayed at Radission.

Day 16 (07.11.2020): 

Kota – Allahabad. 

Started at around 6 am, drove via NH27 which was awesome. No road side dhabas were open. So we had to skip our lunch and survive on snacks available with us. Had our dinner around 7 pm and reached Allahabad around 9 pm. Road from Kota to Kanpur is awesome. Kanpur to Allahabad is being widened resulting in lots of diversions and single lane.

Stayed at Hotel Grand Continental

Day 17 (08.11.2020): 

Allahabad – Kolkata. 

800 km/ 16 hrs. 

Started from Allahabad around 9 am after visiting Sangam, carried Aloo Paratha from hotel had the same as brunch, reached Topcachi – Shaan E Punjab around 1830 hrs – had our dinner – started from Topchachi around 8 pm refilled at Asansol IOCL pump and reached Kolkata safely around 0200 am. 

Lots of thanks to Deep Da to be with us throughout the trip.

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* Kolkata to Kota 

(Kolkata_Kota), 

* Kolkata to Jaisalmer 

(Kolkata_Jaisalmer), 

* Kolkata to Bikaner

(Kolkata_Bikaner), 

* Rajasthan Trails 

* Road Trip To Rajasthan 

* road trip india 

* Drivelog 

P.S: Search thousands of accurate and best road trip and route options throughout India in: 

www.indian-roadie.blogspot.com, 

www.bestrouteforroadtrip.blogspot.com, 

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