This morning just before we left the hotel, I quickly checked out another gift shop in the hotel. I bought a silver, turquoise, and coral starburst pendant. Then we got the on the bus to begin our five-hour drive to Ranthambore National Park.
We made a couple of stops along the way. Ranvir pointed out a vehicle that had been built by the man who was driving it. It is fairly common for people to build vehicles like these. He stopped the bus to ask the man if we could ride in the back for a short distance through the small town. That man actually did give us a ride in a sort of pick-up truck in which the back was made of plywood. It was fun riding in this noisy put-put sounding vehicle.
When we reached the hotel closest Ranthambore National Park, I was surprised that it was a replica of a Maharajah’s palace. It was built about fourteen years ago, but it has the opulence of a much older palace.
We had a delicious lunch which was like dinner. Then everyone climbed into the large 4-wheel drive open-air vehicle that drove us to Ranthambore Fort, a spectacular 1,000 year-old fortress. We climbed a lot of steps as we went up to the top. The buildings were impressive. There were beautiful peacocks, deer, and countless monkeys up there. Several buildings are being renovated.
We then rode back to the hotel to relax. The food this evening was spicier than it was at lunch. Hot water is scheduled to be turned off during certain hours of the day and night. It was the same at camp a couple years of days ago.