Pink City (AKA Jaipur)

I went on a road trip with my parents from Agra to Jaipur in December, with a hope that Rajastan will cool down a bit. To my disappointment, it was a hot day from  sunrise to sunset.

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Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar : Built by Raja Jai Singh in early 1700, Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical instruments, exhibiting the advancement made 300 years ago. This Raja built a few other such observatories in other cities, however Jaipur one is the biggest of all and well preserved. It is a delight to walk inside this building on a hot day, and enjoy the air coming through multiple windows.

City Palace
City Palace

In the heart of the city, City Palace is a beautiful collection of two palaces, also build by Raja Jai Singh. One building is a museum and the other is still occupied by the royal family. The palaces are really mind-blowing with ornate entrances and art in every corner.

Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal

Situated in the middle of a lake, Jal Mahal is a post-card-perfect palace. It is a shame that the lake was polluted with sewage waste. However restoration has been in effect for a while, and last I heard it is going well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside the palace.

Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal

This five story exterior resembling honeycomb of the beehive, with around 1000 windows, was built for the royal women to observe street life from their windows. Lucky women there were !!! Hawa Mahal is probably the most photographed architecture in Jaipur.

Museum
Museum

Museum located in the center of Jaipur has a wide array of artifacts to overwhelm the visitor with culture and history. Where else have you seen a such cool building for a museum ?!

Amber Fort
Amber Fort

Amber fort was the capital for almost 8 centuries for the kings until the capital moved to Jaipur in early 1700. This fort boosts magnificent architecture with many courtyards, glass-work rooms, gardens and overwhelming photo shooting opportunities.

By the end of the day trip, if you don’t get palace fatigue, I will have to question you…..

What else could be a better way to spend the evening than relishing some local food and people watching.

This city has a lot to offer for tourists. Pace yourself, do try to spend more than one day, as opposed to rushing it like I ended up doing.

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