Mumbai - Raj Pipla
If you drive for the pure pleasure of driving and like to drive everywhere, then you should motor from Mumbai the commercial capital, to Delhi, the nation's capital. This is a capital way to begin your discovery of India.
The best part of a driving holiday is spontaneity. The journey may be long, but on the open road you have the freedom to halt or motor on. So enjoy the freedom, set your own pace and exercise the option of choosing your own sleeping place, and remember it's all about having fun.
Drive past the airport and join the Western Express Highway, NH 8. This is a very crowded road but as it has been widened recently, the congestion and traffic jams that were a common feature earlier, are now things of the past. The road travels inland from the coast over low hills and across the short streams that run from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea. You cross over into Gujarat a little before Vapi, an industrialized and highly polluted town. Vapi has most facilities, but it's best to give this horrible example of modernization a miss and motor on to Naysari, which has a historic Parsi Fire Temple and also some nice restaurant, where you could stop for refreshments.
At Ankleshwar, which is another polluted gas chamber, leave NH 8 and turn right. This road is narrower and also much quieter. It goes past some green cultivated fields and with thc changing landscape comes the welcome and refreshing oxygen rich country air. The peaceful town of Raj Pipla, is also an inviting change from the chaos of the noisy towns on the highway.
Raj Pipla -Dungarpur
Take the scenic and smooth country road via Tilakwada to Dabhoi, a fortified town that was built in the 13th century. This town is regarded by many as the birthplace of Hindu Gujarati architecture and its fort with 4 massive gates is also a good example of defensive fortifications. Shortly after, you come out on the Baroda bye pass road. You can choose to go into this bustling city or proceed on the splendid new expressway to Ahmedabad. This is a broad and fast road that crosses the fertile alluvial plains of the Sabarmati and Mahi Rivers and it Has drastically reduced the travel time between the big cities of Baroda (Vadoda ra ) and Ahmedabad.
You could also bye pass Ahmedabad and motor on NH 8 towards Himatnagar. About 12 kms before it, you will cross an important geographical landmark, the Tropic of Cancer that passes here. Himatnagar onwards the road begins to gradually climb up to Shamlaji, which is a pilgrimage town with a temple located high on a hill. Shortly after, leave NH 8 and turn right for Dungarpur, the 'City of Hills'.
Dungarpur Udaipur
Head north on a narrow road and join the broad NH 8 a little before Khairwara. Now begins an amazing drive with the road climbing and twisting through the Aravalli Mountains. There are spectacular views along the way to Udaipur, which is set in the Girwa Valley and protected on all sides by the Aravallis.
Udaipur - Devi Garh
The road gently climbs out of the valley and then enters the ravine where the ancient temple of Eklingji is situated. Pay your respects and proceed to Devi Garh, which is situated at the entry point of one of the 3 main passes that allow access to the valley of Udaipur. The evening entertainment at the Devi Garh FOTI Palace includes a live performance by a talented flute player. The amazing setting is best described in the words of Rabindranath Tagore "Like a flute playing in the sky, a message from the not known. Animals do not hear it; people try to catch the tune."
Devigarh Deogarh
Proceed on NH 8 to Nathdwara, which literally means 'Portal of the Gods'. The 18th century temple here is dedicated to Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is supposed to be one of the richest in the country and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage place. Nathdwara is also known for its Pichhwai paintings on hand - spun cloth which depict Lord Krishna and his life as Shri Nathji.
The drive to Deogarh is simply superb. The road is smooth and wide and curves lazily around the Aravallis. This region is the marble capital of India and marble factories line both sides of the highway. And so much marble is cut and shaped here that there are mountains of marble dust piled beside the road!
At Khamlighat Junction, Ica, N II 8 and turn right for Deogarh, a pleasant village with one of the most outstanding heritage hotels.
For more information on Rajasthan holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in India.