Heart and Soul, I fell in love with you Jaipur

I really didn’t know what to expect from the final leg of the Golden Triangle, “The Pink City” of Jaipur. But after spending several days, I have come to realize this city holds a special place in my heart and if I were to move to India, Jaipur would be the front-runner of where I would take up residence.

While staying in Jaipur, I felt like I was living on a movie set; cows and elephants wandering the streets, wagons filled with crops, sand filled the air, 110 degree sun pounding on us, children carrying fabrics, all buildings under four stories and looking like they were plucked from the countryside and not to mention the entire city surrounded by great walls and fortresses. It really was something else!

A big part of having such a wonderful time in Jaipur was because we had one of the best tour guides who knew all the ins and out of the city; the best culturally influential places, restaurants, brought us to the disco-techo, and helped us bargain at the markets. Bhati became more than our tour guide, he became a lifelong friend of ours that I hope to see again in the future.

Some of the places we saw in Jaipur: Amber Fort (we also got to see a night-light show at the fort!), Jaigarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Gaitor Cenotaphs, Jai Mahal (was insanely amazing), City Palace, Albert Hall, Nahargarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Chokhi Dhani Village and the amazing markets, boutiques and hotels!



Jai Mahal


Jai Mahal


Albert Hall


Inside one of the shops - making saris, scarves, duvet covers, pillow covers, etc.


The women sorting


Missy trying on a Sari


On our way to the Chokhi Dhani Village. It was so dusty out we had to cover our mouths, even with the windows down the sand and dust just seep into the car.


Puppet show at Chokhi Dhani Village


More tricks




wow!


Our dinner at the village


Riding an elephant at the village!


Hotel the first few nights - pool


Lobby


Gated for our safety


Hallways


In my Sari hanging in the hotel


All hand-painted, gorgeous artwork and chandelier


Missy in the main entrance


So detailed and beautiful - did not miss a mark!


Our marble bathroom haha!


The ceilings


Amber Fort from afar


Amber Fort




Entrance to the palace inside Amber Fort


View of the moats and gardens below


Missy checking out the view




Gardens inside








Amber Fort Village


Amber Village


Hand-made tapestries. All the paint is made from local ingredients like paprika, curry, etc.


Cutting and polishing the stones and gems


Elephant ride!


Minutes later he started to go to the bathroom right next to us! eww!


Jaigarh Fort with Jai Mahal in the background


View


The world's largest cannon on wheels


Sheesh Mahal - The Palace of Mirrors


Ceilings




Friends at the Sheesh Mahal


Gaitor Cenotaphs




Thinking about the royalty from many centuries before that lie beneath me. What they must have witnessed in their day...


Different structure are dedicated to different kings


Missy!


My turn






Phenomenal - look at the detail!


Every little detail is manipulated to perfection


Peacock!


View of Jaipur City from Nahargarh Fort


Sunset at Nahargarh Fort. This was a great part of our day. We enjoyed a couple Kingfisher brews while checking out this amazing view and chatted with great company - we found our first group of American tourists since we had been in Jaipur!


Then we went to the light show at Amber Fort. What an amazing experience to watch across the moat, drinking more brews, chilling with locals and watching this historic fort light up the sky.


Our view of Amber Fort from the second hotel