Bundi

We enjoyed a sleep in as we only had to leave at 8:30am to drive to Bundi in our private bus. The road to Bundi was incredibly interesting as we made our way through numerous villages not normally frequented by tourists. Lots of children ran out waving excitedly, and our bus had to avoid cows and herds of goats as they wandered down the road. We stopped for a bathroom break at the side of the road where an old man made some chai for us. The "bathroom" was being fixed so we were told to use the "open" bathroom - ie the bushes across the road. Being desert, there are a lot of thorny and prickly plants which I managed to get all caught up in on the way to finding a good bush!

Bathroom and chai stop

Girls bathroom 

Making masala chai on the side of the road

Fields of mustard 

We arrived in Bundi, a bit off the tourist trail but with some sights that bring a small number in each year. Kipling spent time living and writing there, appreciating the atmosphere. Bundi was the capital of a major princely state during the Rajputs' heyday. Once again we were floored by our magnificent accommodation, Ishwari Niwas, a graceful old colonial building with royal associations. Upon arrival our chairs awaited us in a circle in a beautiful courtyard and we were quickly provided with welcome pepsi.

Welcome drinks

We had lunch in the courtyard and then hopped into tuk tuks and made our way up to the Bundi Palace, a beautiful old decaying palace. It was previously shut up, but the royal family have leased it to a private company to clean it up. It definitely needs a lot of work, and is currently only home to some smelly bats, monkeys and wild dogs! There are fabulous murals throughout depicting scenes from the village and of the Hindu gods. 

We left the palace and wandered down to the old city through the bazaars and down to see a pair of boaris (step wells). There are more than 100 step wells in Bundi. 

Dave and a new friend

Barber 

Wedding announcement vehicle

Step well

Dentist on the side of the street - he also sells sunglasses

We returned to our hotel for some more relaxation time and drinks around yet another campfire (we really are living the rough life). I even tried an Indian Sauvingnon Blanc that wasn't half bad! We then went up to the dining hall for a lovely buffet dinner.