Mira and Milan's Excellent Adventure: Trip.... the continuation and finale!

I left off with Day 5.....

Day 5 morning took us on another road journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer which is in the 'Thar Dessert'.

We arrived to the hotel and quickly realized that the hotel was a huge let down coming from the luxury at the Taj Hotel..... We were disappointed... Thankfully only one night!!

The evening in Jaisalmer started with a camel ride into the dessert where we saw the sunset. It was really amazing...

Day 6 was touring of Jaisalmer which is also known as the 'golden city' because the stone that is local the area is golden in color. The big highlight was the fort and Haveli's. Day 6 wrapped up with the overnight Train Ride!!! I don't want to scare anyone... but it is far from 5 star... But, all in all, we survived and even managed to sleep a bit.

Day 7 started with the train arriving in Jaipur at 5am!! We were quickly met by our travel agent and car and quickly taken to our hotel. After a bit of rest... we were off sight seeing. We saw the Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar which is built around astronomy and Havwa Mahal. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City'. Now, I thought that it was because the stone was pink... no, not that simple. The buildings are painted a 'pink' color.

Day 8 was yet another road trip from Jaipur to Agra. This was taking us to the well known Taj Mahal. Enroute we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri. This is the fort and palace for Akbar. He was the mughul king and grand-father to Shah Jahan (more about him below). We arrived at the hotel and we were fortunate to stay at a hotel where every room boasts a view of the Taj!! It was amazing.

Day 9 started with an early start with sunrise at the Taj Mahal. We had a tour guide that took the time to share all the details of the Taj. A brief summary for those of you that don't know the full story. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan the king of the Mughul Empire for his wife, Mamtaz. He had designed and built this palace to show is love for his favorite wife. Yes, he had many wives... the other ones did not get a momument in their honor! Mamtaz died while giving birth to their 14 child at the age of 38. At the time of her death, she had no idea that there would be such a grand palace built in her honor! It took over 20 years to build. Shortly after it was built, Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb (one of 3) decided that he wanted his father's power. Instead of going about it diplomatically, he killed his brothers and their sons, and imprisoned his father in the Red Fort. Ironic, isn't it. Shah Jahan builds a palace for his wife to show his love, and his son kills his brothers and nephews and put him in jail for the desire of power.

The day wrapped up with a tour of the Red Fort and another road trip from Agra to Dehli.

Day 9 was also significant for few other reaons... it was Diwali (Hindu Celebration) and it was Vim's Birthday. Needless to say, this will always be a memorable birthday for Vim.

Day 10 At this point, the Patel family ran out of steam..... we were exhausted. The day started with a quick trip to Akshardam, the Swaminarayan temple, and then we quickly retreated back to the hotel for some relaxing. The day wrapped up with another journey.... the last and final one. It took us from Dehli back to Bangalore!!! PHWEW!!!