Kumbalgarh Fortress

A full day of driving may seem tedious, but not when driving through the mountains in Rajasthan, in and out of small villages, farms, and even colorful festivals. In these rural areas we really got a sense for traditional life in the region. Most of the farms had been affected by the awful drought and were dried up, most of their mud homes matching the desert hills. Women were so colorfully adorned with jewelry covering their arms, feet, and faces. Most of the men were dressed in a white vest, puffy pants, and colorful turbans (different colors designating social caste, holidays, and seasons amongst other things).

Kumbalgarh forst was another great surprise that snuck up on us in the mountains. A colossal structure on top of a mountain, surrounded by 36km of wall (picture the great wall of china) and inclusive of over 300 temples. We got there just as the afternoon heat was subsiding so the hike to the top wasn't too bad and well worth it. The views were spectacular and not for those with a fear of heights. The fort was taken only once in its history, and for only two days, from the top you can see its impenetrability.

Back in the car we headed to another small village, Ghanerao, where we would sleep in a gueshouse on a small farm. We were skeptical at first, but it ended up being an unique and wonderful experience.