Sat. 1/27/18 Chambal Safari Lodge - Bah
We were transferred to the airport late AM, and flew from Varanasi to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. We then were met by our greeter. The airport was under very high security so we had to take a bus from the airport to meet our driver Ram, who was our driver from Delhi and will be driving us now until we fly to Kerala. It took us about an hour and a half to drive the 40 miles from Agra to Bah to the Chambal Safari Lodge. It is part of a massive family estate, Jarar, and the lodge is centered around the horse stables which have been converted. The owner is a descendant of the family. This property has been in the family since 1472. We were checked into massive suites, with porches on the front, and sitting courtyards in the back. We then met our guide, Gaj, and went on a nature walk. We saw monkeys and about 15 different birds including huge wild peacocks and fruit bats. We were treated a beautiful sunset over the fields. They have a big fire pit with chairs all around it where we chatted with other guests, all Indians, then had a fabulous dinner which was a spread of both Indian and western cuisine.
We were transferred to the airport late AM, and flew from Varanasi to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. We then were met by our greeter. The airport was under very high security so we had to take a bus from the airport to meet our driver Ram, who was our driver from Delhi and will be driving us now until we fly to Kerala. It took us about an hour and a half to drive the 40 miles from Agra to Bah to the Chambal Safari Lodge. It is part of a massive family estate, Jarar, and the lodge is centered around the horse stables which have been converted. The owner is a descendant of the family. This property has been in the family since 1472. We were checked into massive suites, with porches on the front, and sitting courtyards in the back. We then met our guide, Gaj, and went on a nature walk. We saw monkeys and about 15 different birds including huge wild peacocks and fruit bats. We were treated a beautiful sunset over the fields. They have a big fire pit with chairs all around it where we chatted with other guests, all Indians, then had a fabulous dinner which was a spread of both Indian and western cuisine.
Sun. 1/28/18 Chambal Safari Lodge - Bah
Every day of this trip is my favorite, and again, today was my favorite day. It was cold last night and there is no heat in the rooms, but they did have a portable heater that took off the chill, then a thick heavy down comforter on our bed, and when we slid into bed, we were delighted to find two very hot water bottles had been placed in our bed. We walked into the village of Jarar with Gaj. There are no words to really explain. It was foggy when we arrived. We stopped and tried our hand at cricket with some village kids. We then entered the main village. Everyone came out to see us, and kids were following behind us. Everyone was smiling, waving and curious about us. It was a Hindi village, but a lot of the younger people knew some English and were eager to talk to us, and have their pictures taken. It was a dirt road busy with dogs, pigs and cows wandering about. All the vegetable stands were set up. It was interesting that we saw very few females, but lots of males. One gentleman invited us in to his house for tea. By Jarar standards, it was evident that this was a wealthy family. When we entered the living room, which was also the grandfathered bedroom, the grandfather was quite surprised to see us sitting next to his bed, with at least 15 villagers all squeezed in the doorway watching us. The wife made little sandwiches that were like grilled cheese, and served us tray of sweets. We were also served a delicious tea with milk, sugar and ginger. I had several requests for Facebook friends interestingly enough. I now know what is feels like to be a celebrity, everyone just wanted to talk to us, or shake our hand and have our picture taken with them. We returned to the lodge around noontime, then headed out on a river safari. The drive to the Chambal River was only 20 km but took an hour driving through towns, some paved some unsaved roads. People everywhere yelling and waving as we drove by. Maneuvering the roads around goats, pigs, dogs, cows, camels, bikes, motorbikes, rickshaws, people - crazy !! We arrived at the river and boarded our boat for a three and a half hour river safari. We saw at least 15 different species of birds, two types of crocodiles, River Dolphins, huge turtles. On land we saw a jungle cat which Gaj told us was rare. We also saw working camels, jackals, antelopes, cows, dogs. We saw a momma eagle in her nest feeding a baby, and a bird whacking a huge frog around trying to kill it so the bird could eat it. We were treated to another beautiful sunset on the river, then headed home. Felt like a car chase scene in a James Bond movie with all of the chaos. We got back and had starters and drinks around the campfire. I enjoyed talking to Anu, who is the owner. It was interesting to get her perspective on the area as she was educated, well travelled, and had lived in London. Had another sound sleep all bundled up, tomorrow drive back to Agra.
Every day of this trip is my favorite, and again, today was my favorite day. It was cold last night and there is no heat in the rooms, but they did have a portable heater that took off the chill, then a thick heavy down comforter on our bed, and when we slid into bed, we were delighted to find two very hot water bottles had been placed in our bed. We walked into the village of Jarar with Gaj. There are no words to really explain. It was foggy when we arrived. We stopped and tried our hand at cricket with some village kids. We then entered the main village. Everyone came out to see us, and kids were following behind us. Everyone was smiling, waving and curious about us. It was a Hindi village, but a lot of the younger people knew some English and were eager to talk to us, and have their pictures taken. It was a dirt road busy with dogs, pigs and cows wandering about. All the vegetable stands were set up. It was interesting that we saw very few females, but lots of males. One gentleman invited us in to his house for tea. By Jarar standards, it was evident that this was a wealthy family. When we entered the living room, which was also the grandfathered bedroom, the grandfather was quite surprised to see us sitting next to his bed, with at least 15 villagers all squeezed in the doorway watching us. The wife made little sandwiches that were like grilled cheese, and served us tray of sweets. We were also served a delicious tea with milk, sugar and ginger. I had several requests for Facebook friends interestingly enough. I now know what is feels like to be a celebrity, everyone just wanted to talk to us, or shake our hand and have our picture taken with them. We returned to the lodge around noontime, then headed out on a river safari. The drive to the Chambal River was only 20 km but took an hour driving through towns, some paved some unsaved roads. People everywhere yelling and waving as we drove by. Maneuvering the roads around goats, pigs, dogs, cows, camels, bikes, motorbikes, rickshaws, people - crazy !! We arrived at the river and boarded our boat for a three and a half hour river safari. We saw at least 15 different species of birds, two types of crocodiles, River Dolphins, huge turtles. On land we saw a jungle cat which Gaj told us was rare. We also saw working camels, jackals, antelopes, cows, dogs. We saw a momma eagle in her nest feeding a baby, and a bird whacking a huge frog around trying to kill it so the bird could eat it. We were treated to another beautiful sunset on the river, then headed home. Felt like a car chase scene in a James Bond movie with all of the chaos. We got back and had starters and drinks around the campfire. I enjoyed talking to Anu, who is the owner. It was interesting to get her perspective on the area as she was educated, well travelled, and had lived in London. Had another sound sleep all bundled up, tomorrow drive back to Agra.
Mon 1/29/18. Hotel Crystal Sarovar Agra
We left Chambal at 9:00 AM and drove to Agra. We arrived late morning and were met by our guide Ali. Since it has been very dense fog in the morning, we decided to head straight to the Taj Mahal. We arrived and the place was relatively empty which felt odd. We toured about, then headed to the Fort Agra which is a huge red sandstone structure. Next stop was the mini Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itamadudaulah, then we ended our tour in a park across the river from the Taj Mahal. We returned to the hotel, showered, met for cocktails, ate dinner then time for bed. It was kind of weird finally seeing and touching the Taj Mahal in person. It actually felt familiar after after all the photos we have seen, and all that we have read. The inlay mosaics were spectacular, they included stones of lapis, cornelian onyx and topaz. Quite a jump back to the real world after our amazing experience at Chambal.
We left Chambal at 9:00 AM and drove to Agra. We arrived late morning and were met by our guide Ali. Since it has been very dense fog in the morning, we decided to head straight to the Taj Mahal. We arrived and the place was relatively empty which felt odd. We toured about, then headed to the Fort Agra which is a huge red sandstone structure. Next stop was the mini Taj Mahal, the tomb of Itamadudaulah, then we ended our tour in a park across the river from the Taj Mahal. We returned to the hotel, showered, met for cocktails, ate dinner then time for bed. It was kind of weird finally seeing and touching the Taj Mahal in person. It actually felt familiar after after all the photos we have seen, and all that we have read. The inlay mosaics were spectacular, they included stones of lapis, cornelian onyx and topaz. Quite a jump back to the real world after our amazing experience at Chambal.
