Jaipur - Capital of Rajasthan

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Jaipur is a pink city and is known as that after the Prince of Wales decided to visit the city in the Victorian era. They painted the city pink in celebration of his visir and that is how it remains although I would descibe it as more terra cotta. The pink scene only remains in the old part of the city and this is where the magnificent old buildings are situated. We visited the City Palace, being the home to the rulers of Jaipur since the first half of the eighteenth century, and an observatory built between 1728 and 1734. The observatory in itself is a wonder and contains 16 instruments resembling a giant sculptural composition.

A few miles outside Jaipur is the Amber Fort which was the home of the rulers before they decided to move down the road to the city. This is a magnificent fort which is still used in part by the Indian military and if you are really brave you can access it by means of an elephant ride. We were persuaded not to go on the elephants as they are not very well looked after and it seems that the authorities are trying to persuade the tourists to either walk up or go by car.

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Photos

The Pink City
Fine example of pink building in main street

Silverware at the Palace
Apparently this is the largest silver urn in the world having been used by an Indian prince to carry water from the Ganges for a visit to London

The Observatory
You do not need a watch here as there are various sun dials of different shapes and sizes.

Entrance to Amber Fort
A means of transport up to the fort but not recommended

Underneath the Arches
Wonderful marble arches in Amber Fort together with a smiling face

Another arch view
Taken yet again in the Amber Fort

Part of the Amber Fort
Three storey gateway built in 1640

Comments

[Joe Johnson]

Namaste!!
Hello John/Lynne Hi just found your lovely blog. Very interested in your travel plans, as you know Marinella and I returned from India in Feb and still miss the amazing subcontinent. I returned from Totnes today after an epic cycle ride from Bristol-Totnes George showed me your beautiful new additional building overlooking the moors, it sure is a very commanding spot. I really enjoyed India, have you met any Rajputs?? (Rajasthani fighters allied with the Raj) with thier wonderful moustaches and earrings. I shall keep an eye on your movements as of now, will you be moving north? Kashmir? Ladahk? Himachal pradesh? Take care and watch the cows and monkeys!!!! yours enviously Joe

[Sally and John]

it's like being there!
Hello Lynne and John....have enjoyed following your travels, almost like being there with you. I'd have no problems walking either ...yesterday was a year since my hip op!! Hip Hip Hooray, said John. Amazing temps here...like 26 to 28 degs. Summer @ last. Love to you both....from the "hot Kiwis".