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Take part in a stunning 2600km road adventure in India’s most iconic car
By Shahzad Sheikh

Do you fancy driving 2600km across India? Do you fancy doing it in an Hindustan Ambassador – India’s most iconic car? Read on.

The 2012 Rally of Rajasthan will run from 23 February to 13 March. It begins at the Oberoi Hotel in Delhi, and this self-style luxury adventure is no simple cruise. It scrambles its way around 2600km of countryside, but takes in historic sites and time trials with plenty of adventure before finishing back in Delhi.

‘With history oozing out of every pore across the ancient landscape of the Mughals and the Raj, this is an unmissable adventure of epic proportions,’ says the press release.

And if you act fast you can do the whole thing in one of a number of classic Hindustan Ambassador which have now been made available on a first-come/first serve basis.

To keep things interesting there will be challenges including runs through the desert with competitive stages as well as a chance to visit historic forts, fantastic palaces, exotic temples as well as only remaining wonder of the World, the Taj Mahal.

The route involves heading out of Delhi to the ancient town of Mandawa, once a trade centre on the camel routes through Asia. From Mandawa, the rally visits the Deshnok Rat Temple where there will be a time trial round this house of worship to the genus Rattus. That night, it halts at Gajner Palace, an oasis in the magnificent Thar Desert.

Heading west from Gajner, the rally dashes across the arid plains to the desert city of Jaisalmer. Here there’s a rally time trial in the desert for the competition cars and a rest day for the touring group.

Leaving the Thar Desert behind, the rally heads for the Blue City of Jodhpur and the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Hotel. A morning time trial, starting at Jodhpur Fort, provides the competition, while the touring group have a chance to visit the city markets and historic sights. Nearby at Rohet, you will have the opportunity to meet the local Mewari horses.

Udaipur, the Venice of the east, is the next destination, with a time trial across the Aravalli Hills, followed by a hill climb up to Kumbhalgarh Fort (home of the Great Wall of India). From Udaipur, the rally makes for Bundi and more stages. Only one night here, then the cars make for the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the Pink City and a well-earned rest for everyone.

Back on the road, the Rally of Rajasthan heads for the Tiger reserve of Ranthambore, where participants will have the chance to ‘hunt’ the elusive Indian Tiger – but only with their cameras.

The route then winds its way to Agra, home of the fabled Taj Mahal, before heading back to Delhi and the chequered flag.

It does sound like an incredible Indian driving adventure – to find out more or sign up contact John Brigden, H&H Classic Rallies on:
Tel: +44 (0)1252 717175
Mob: +44 (0)7785 281272
Email: john@hhclassicrallies.com