At 5:00 am in Bundi, the streets are literally littered with cows, cows, and more cows. Everywhere! Standing, lying down, middle of streets, along every road – dozens and dozens as we headed out and many more on the open highways, always including cows standing – or lying – directly in the travel lanes.
Here some examples of the cow dilemma:
After an hour+, we reached the industrial town of Kato, through which flows the very clean and wide Chambal River. We boarded two small boats shortly after sunrise for our two hour tour (and no, it wasn’t a Gillian-style “three-hour tour” with no return. We actually made it back on time.).
The river is generally flanked by 100 foot high cliffs on both sides, with some areas being shear stone walls. Apparently the canyon between the walls is quite significant since the portion of the river we traversed is 300 feet deep.
Sadly, we did not spot any leopards or Bengal tigers. But we did see three separate crocodiles, lots of monkeys, many types off buzzards and other colorful birds, and several waterfalls. The crocs all looked pretty fearsome, since their jaws were open and their teeth were showin’. But crocodiles in the Chambal River and elsewhere sun with their mouths open to regulate their body temperature through a behavior called mouth gaping. So while they look like tough guys, they’re actually just chillin’! Still not friendly swimmers… Here are some pics of the adventure:
And here are some of the other sites along the way:
We returned – famished – and in time for an 11:30 am late breakfast at our hotel. Delicious! And now we don’t have to think about lunch! After breakfast, Kari and I went on a walk around in the nearby market in the blazing heat and humidity. After a few minutes, we were fully convinced that we need not continue shopping when our hotel rooms had air conditioning we were missing out on!
But…on the walk back we did discover what we thought was a series of outdoor restaurants in a type of open air market area. Not the case as our cameras and Google Translate soon figured out. Instead, the area had stall after stall of advocates – lawyers – all sitting at tables waiting to serve clients. (Or lie to clients as one local told us!)
Signs above each section gave firm and lawyer names, phone numbers, office addresses, and occasionally info about the type of law services. Interesting set up to serve the public.
ChatGPT explains it like this:
It was a “lawyers’ market” or advocates’ chamber area associated with the local courts, rather than a conventional market. In India, the term advocate generally means a licensed lawyer who represents clients in court.
Near Indian district and subordinate courts, it is common to find small open-front chambers or tables where individual advocates and their clerks work. A lawyer may have only a desk, chairs, files, and a signboard rather than a conventional office.
A person needing legal help can walk up to one of these advocates to:
- Discuss a civil or criminal case
- Have legal documents prepared
- Obtain advice about property or land disputes
- Prepare affidavits, applications, notices, etc.
- Find representation for a court case
- Have a lawyer or clerk handle court paperwork and filings
The physical arrangement can look much more like a bazaar than an American law office. Dozens of independent advocates may work alongside one another, each essentially operating a small practice. Their desks can be set up in a shared court complex or immediately outside it.
There can also be typists, stamp-paper vendors, document writers, notaries, photocopy shops and clerks nearby. Together they form an informal legal-services marketplace serving people who have business at the courts.
And now you know a bit about the Indian legal system!
In the late afternoon, a few of us accompanied our guide, Ruby, to visit a small local village, with a couple other stops along the way.
The residents of the village were very warm and friendly. We were welcomed into homes with lots of smiles and picture requests. I gave out my usual USA flag pins to all the children we met, and the word travelled fast. The kids were eyeing my bag as soon as we reached the next house!
We also watched pottery making demonstration, and several in our group tried their hands at the wheel. They all did very well, albeit with some expert help from our host.
We also stopped at a farming area around the village to check out the rice paddy crops (basmati rice). Lush green field after field was a beautiful sight.
On a small man-made lake, we saw the “Rudyard Kipling House,” a former royal residence where he reportedly stayed for a few days.
And finally, we stopped by a very large stepwell for a quick photo (in the dark) before returning to the hotel and our dinner.
Overall, another fantastic day in India. More tomorrow as we arrive at Rathmanbore National Park for more safaris! This time we’re hoping for Bengal tigers!
A short & witty ending…
Travel Hack: If you look lost enough, someone usually offers you a local snack. Results may vary.
Why do they call it “The Kipling House?”
Crazy, but similar to “George Washington Slept Here.” Maybe, maybe not, but he possibly passed by really close! 😀. Supposedly, RK spent a couple nights there. However, our guide on that portion also said they built the house with the first floor under water to keep it cool. Balderdash! It was built, then they dammed up the area to create the lake, and the first floor ended up under water. Things are a bit askew in India.