Heat and Dust, Palaces and Desert
A rally for the Maharajas of Motorsport
H&H Classic Rallies launches its new brand of classic events with the first Rally of Rajasthan in Incredible India, from 23 February to 13 March 2012. A combination of a competitive time trial and a touring event, the rally will offer true luxury combined with true adventure.
Starting on the southern side of Delhi at the fabulous Oberoi Hotel, this event - for pre-1972 vehicles - scrambles its way round 2,600kms of amazing countryside, time trials, hotels, historic sites, heat, dust and 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.
Sporting stages abound for those wanting competition. There are daily challenges, including runs through the desert, in the hills and over the plains. This event combines competitive stages with a chance to visit historic forts, fantastic palaces and exotic temples, as well as only remaining wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal.
THE ROUTE
The Rally roars away from Delhi on 26 February 2012, leaving the madness of Delhi traffic behind, and heads for 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 the chance to visit the city markets and historic sights. Nearby at Rohet, there will be an 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 hillclimb up to Kumbhalgarh Fort (home to 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 cameras.
The route then winds its way to Agra, home of the fabled Taj Mahal, before heading back to Delhi and the chequered flag.
Employing our unique Wildcard system, participants don't have to worry about missing a time trial or two for sightseeing or repairs, as teams can drop their worst result each week to keep them in the competition.
