dinesh lalvani » Travel

The Last Leg

Dinesh — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:57:19 +0000

After a fairly eventful two weeks of backpacking, the trip is now coming to an end. Decided to pamper myself a bit by checking into The Park Hotel off Connaught place. I could really do with fresh bedsheets and a fluffy mattress! Hope it lives up to the billing.

Delhi bound

Dinesh — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:34:55 +0000

After 4 blissful days and a tortureous night in the desert we are heading out on the 4060 overnight train to Delhi.

Now to deal with 4 Irish people jabbering on incessantly. Realized it’s not that they talk a lot, they just keep repeating themselves!

Thank god I have my book from ex prez Abdul Kalam called ignited minds. Reading it makes me feel more patriotic and focussed. So much to do, so little time, but that will not be a deterrant!

Jaisalmer

Dinesh — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:24:02 +0000

Jaisalmer we are here! On the overnight train from jodhpur to jaisalmer. Got into a magnificient hotel room with 20 foot high ceilings and passed out.

Will probably spend the day by the pool side since we have 5 days here.

Mehrangarh Fort Day Trip and late night On The Rocks

Dinesh — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:30:55 +0000

We headed out to Mehrangarh fort in one rickshaw all five of us a bit sore after the bumpy ride. Note to self: Next time get two ricks! The fort is stunning! It has that magical feel about it that has to be seen to be believed. And we were in a bit of luck too to make the trip more memorable. There was a full on Bollywood movie shoot with Salman and Sohail Khan happeing out there.

They were shooting a period piece called “Veer” and they had all the extras dressed up as warriors on horseback etc… Quite the sight. Unfortunately didnt get any pics of the actors as they wouldn’t allow it

We finally ended up at night at one of the pubs listed on the Lonely Planet called “On The Rocks” which literally was a rock and cave stlyed pub and nightclub. Walking in, I immediately felt like the token Indian since everyone around me were foreign tourists! Guess birds of a feather … Have to say an interesting place with very questionable taste in music… The Final Countdown, need I say more!

Thats it for now, will report back later from the road.

On to Jodhpur

Dinesh — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:50:25 +0000

The overnight to jodhpur in 3rd class was an interesting experience. With the a/c at fullblast it was a symphony of sniffles, coughs and the occasional throat clearing which adds that unique Indian flavour:)

The hostel Is quite beautiful and mrs. Bhatti who strangely has a western accent was vey hospitable and gave us a quick check in.

On to breakfast now, will report back later.

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History has taught us nothing

Dinesh — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:16:01 +0000

Trip to amber fort has really impressd me. It’s amazing how man can be so ingenuous when required. Jaipur being a semi arid state with not much rainfall created a problem for the rulers back in the day. So when they constructed the amber fort a lot of thought went into environmentally sound building principles.

Rainwater harvesting was carried extensively in the architecture. Each and every drop was collected and place in a tank that held about 65,000 gallons of water. The tank base comprised of layers of limestones and other minerals to filter and purify the water for consumption.

They did this hundreds if years ago and we still can’t do itnow.

Trekkin twitter

Dinesh — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:15:32 +0000

Ready for my short but hopefully enjoyable trek to rajisthan and Agra. And thanks to tweets on iPhone ...Continue Reading

Getting ready for the India trek

Dinesh — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:35:07 +0000

Just a couple of weeks to go for the Indian trek and I am really psyched. Got all my vaccinations (ouch) and sorting out my gear.

Here is the run down of our quick trip:

13th March – Arrive in Delhi and head out to Agra to see the Taj Mahal
14th March – Move on to Fatehpur Sikri
14th March – Catch the train to Jaipur and spend 2 days exploring the city
17th March – Train to Jodhpur. Spend 3days and 2 nights and celebrate Paddy’s day in Jodhpur. Remember to bring something green
19th March – Head to Jaisalmer. Spend 2 nights exploring Jaisalmer
23rd March – Thar Desert. 2 nights camel safari
25th March – Delhi. 2 nights living it up in style after 12 days of backpacking. Bring on the bhangra!

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Ireland and back

Dinesh — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:01:44 +0000

Faithlegg Hotel and Golf Club

Wedding planning is just not easy, especially when you have to travel 6,000 kms to Ireland in the winter, but it had to be done.

So we travelled to Claire’s hometown of Waterford to start the preparations which basically meant hopping from one venue to another to get a better perspective of the ideal place. For the first time I have to say the recession was really helpful since there was plenty of room to negotiate!

Looks like the Faithlegg Hotel will be the venue of choice if everything goes well. Will keep you all updated!

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Elephanta caves visit

Dinesh — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:30:08 +0000

A visit to the elephants caves off the coast of Mumbai. Was great to get out and do this. The structures were amazing considering all they had as tools were their hands and chisels.