Today was the big one – an 80 km ride. If this doesn’t break me, nothing will. Our path took us to the actual Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which is still in business. Although the gates were shut, a bit of sweet talking from our guide got us inside the grounds.

It’s wonderful to experience these unexpected discoveries as we cycle through small villages and busy roads. Children and adults continue to wave as we fly by. “Fly” is probably overstating it – we’re not breaking any land speed records here!

Fortunately, we’re not doing the entire 80 km straight! After 55 km, we took a break on the bus until we were dropped off at the top of a massive hill. The less said about hills, the better. Somehow, I managed to finish the remaining 25 km. The others inexplicably wanted more pain and rode the whole way to the camp. My knees and me said NO and took the bus.

Finally, we arrived at our destination. We were camping! okay, glamping 🙂 The camp itself is amazing, and the food is the best we’ve tasted on our trip. I thoroughly recommend this stop, even though it’s off the beaten path of your typical itinerary. We scored an upgrade to the cottages situated on the lake. There’s no sound around us other than bird song and chipmunks clattering up the side of the cottage, which can be rather disturbing late at night the first time you hear it!

The best part? We don’t have to cycle the next day, so we can relax and recover, resting our aching bodies.

https://www.heritagehotelsofindia.com/rajasthan/ravla-khempur.html