b'One of the five observatories in Rajasthan.Intricate detailed decorations on the The only way to get to the top of the Taj Mahal. Amber Fort is by elephantIndia(continued from page 55) A different site in Rajasthan.and he gave me a demonstration, explaining turbans areAnother of the many highlights of my adventure in India traditionally nine metres or 30 feet long. This was the depthwas a visit to the northern border, where Tibet, Nepal and of the deepest wells in India, ensuring they would always beIndia meet. This region is known for its tigers.able to retrieve water. Unfortunately, the day before I left Rajasthan, the airline I The market in Jodhpur is amazing. Thousands of vendorswas travelling on, went out of business. I asked Munna, our sell everything from clothing to vegetables, and theres evenguide, if he were able to drive the 16 hours it would take us to a dentist who sees patients without appointments.get there. He agreed and we set off very early.OntheoutskirtsofJodhpurstandsoneofthefinest DrivinginIndiaisdifficultatthebestoftimes,butdrivingcastles in the world, the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It was com- at night is one of the most harrowing experiences I have ever missioned in 1929 by the Maharaja, in an effort to createencountered. work for the starving population. Initially, it was a 347-roomWefinallyarrivedandIwasgladtobeonsolidground.palace, but after Indias independence in 1947, part of it wasOf course, the best way to see tigers is from the back of an turned into a hotel. Rooms start at a mere $3,000 a night,elephant.Thisisgreatforthefirst20minutesbutafterseveralhowever, that does give guests access to the undergroundhours it becomes quite uncomfortable. The wildlife is amaz-swimming pool.ing, and well worth the journey to get there. In 1900 the tiger The entire complex took 3,000 men, 15 years to complete,population in India numbered 40,000. By 1972, it had fallen to which includes the laying of 12 km of railroad tracks, to bringjust under 2,000. The government immediately put a stop to transportation to the palace.the hunting of tigers, and today the population has increased I continued my trek through Rajasthan to the city of Udaipurto about 2,300. stopping at the famous Lake Palace Hotel, only reachable byAlas, I did not see any tigers, however, India is one of the boat.Withamere11suites,itisdifficulttoobtainareserva- most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Amazing sights, tion,however,lunchinafineprivatediningroomissomething fantastic food and wonderful people, make this a destination you should try to do.not to be missed.The beautiful Lake Palace Hotel.Jonathan van Bilsens photosNtravel TV show can be watched on RogersTV and YouTube. To follow Jonathans travel adventures visit photosNtravel.com56 FOCUS - MAY 2022'