Starting from Ramnagar it was a beautiful ride through Corbett National Park. I thought that I may be prevented from cycling through it since it is famous for elephants and tigers. But no. Unfortunately did not see either. There were 2 climbs today and the 2nd was a killer. Where is a cold drink or chai when you really need it? The hills of Kumaon and Garwal are much lacking in any basic infrastructure, unlike Haldwani which seemed like a mini Mumbai (modern and wealthy)- just a first impression obviously. Finally at 10 kms. from Dhunakot I found a maggi and chai and was revived. Nice chat there too. It was suggested better to stop in Jadaukhot 5 kms. away. I saw the Suraiya Hotel, and here my Maharashtrian drivers license did not come to my rescue and in my pathetic I was refused a place at the inn. I was not happy. I asked at another hotel and he said yes, but no water or latrine. How can that be? The neighbouring hotel said yes. I would have accepted anything and this was a grubby place for only 200 rupees a night. When I say hotel, these places are just small restaurants that have one or two rooms. I had a nice time there chatting with these people. It may have been a grubby room but I slept well and was fresh in the morning.
