The region of Rajasthan is definitely something different from what we’ve seen so far; here the people that we met along the way are happier, funnier and talk more than anybody else. Likewise, the city is very elegant in its own way with a mix of Tamil Nadu’s chaos in a Kerala’s ordered fashion.
We arrive at Jaipur’s train station at night and in a matter of seconds, upon stepping out the station boundaries, we get “assaulted” by tuk-tuk drivers offering us the best deal to go to our hotel (P.S. we still have to tell them which is our hotel). Tired of the long train journey, we just pick one of the lowest fare offered at random and tell the drivers the name of the hotel, hopefully we’ll get there tonight ! You might wonder what our hotel was… mhm well, we’ll need a bit of explanation for that !
Initially, we were supposed to have a budget room booked for three nights at the already-amazing Pearl Palace Hotel but things didn’t go as planned. When we arrive at the reception of the hotel, they tell us that the air conditioning of our room is broken and that they have to move us to the other hotel (Pearl Palace Heritage Hotel) while that is being fixed. Well, I guess we had a lucky star that night. After the free transfer to the other hotel (just nearby), they show us our “substitute” room… wow, our jaws literally drop… the room is of such luxury and so beautifully decorated that we cannot wish for anything better. And all this for the same price of the budget hotel !
After a well-deserved sleep, we start our full-day city exploration with the same tuk-tuk driver (Suresh) that brought us to the hotel in the beginning: for just 500INR he will show us the highlights of his beloved Pink City. The first stop is the Jaipur City Palace, a beautiful complex of buildings built in the 18th century with the purpose of being the royal place for the Maharaja.
Then, found just outside the doorstep of the palace, we visit the Jantar Mantar which back in the days was the city astronomical observatory.
The next stop is at Isarlate Tower, a very tall tower in the city centre from which, after a 10 minutes walk up some infinite stairs, you can see a 360° panoramic view of Jaipur.
In the early afternoon, we decide to head toward another part of the city where the Albert Hall Museum can be found. The museum was opened to the public at the end of the 19th century and nowadays it holds a great variety of art pieces ranging from Chinese hand painting to European porcelains and much more. This, together with the beautiful architecture, makes the Albert Hall a must-go while exploring Jaipur. Don’t miss it !
After lunch, Suresh (tuk-tuk driver) invite us to visit the textile shop/production that his family has; obviously, captivated by getting to know some local insights, we gladly accept the nice side-trip and take the chance to relax a bit while he drives us there. As soon as we arrive, he present us his brother who on the spot shows us how simple is the colouring process for the cotton and silk used in making clothes. Water, natural colours, textile and a big tank, thats all you need !
Further on in another small garage, we also get to know two women (quite likely his aunties) that were sewing and folding huuuuuge coloured blankets. What a nice experience !
Lastly, the quick tour is topped by Suresh bringing us to the family shop where his father Aladdin is awaiting for us. Who would have ever thought that such a degraded three-floored building could become a textile sanctuary full of clothes, towels, blankets, bed sheet and all kind of stuff. Handmade masterpieces created only thanks to a family collaboration. What a sight ! Marta let herself convince from Aladdin to try on a very gorgeous light blue Saari (the colourful typical Indian dress that women usually wear in all situations) which was 7 METERS LONG ! We would have loved to buy it but in the end we opt for getting ourselves a handmade pair of pants each featuring unique and colourful patterns of India. Was that a just plan to sell us something all along ? Definitely… but it was worth the fun !
Time for us to leave ! Our next stop is supposed to be the Amber Fort (located just in the outskirts of Jaipur) but on the way there the driver makes us stop next to another great view: the Jal Mahal. The Jal Mahal (aka Water Palace) is a beautiful palace found literally in the middle of the lake just before the Amber Fort; since a couple of years ago you were allowed to visit it by taking a ferry-boat to it but whilst we are there, we get told that the boating service has been closed due to some disagreements between the State and the Royal Family. It’s a pity yeah but is still a nice little stop !
Time for a quick picture and we’re back on the road to the Amber Fort. At the Fort the temperature is incredibly hot but this doesn’t discourage the several people begging for a coin and groups of local tourist who clamped together try to make their way up to the entrance. Though, the walk up (around 25 minutes of steps and slopes) it is definitely worth the hassle; once on the top, the place is simply outstanding, the views are breathtaking and the architecture is simply the cherry on the cake.
The inner court with the gardens is also a very nice sight to relax to while observing the tourists swarming left to right.
Lastly, just before sunset we decide to follow the suggestions of the tuk-tuk driver and head toward the Monkey Temple for our last stop. Once arrived, we immediately understand where does the name come from… there are hundreds and hundreds of monkeys all over the places; some following you on the rooftops, some others chilling on cars/taxis/tuk-tuk and even some just entering houses of people.
Madness is real, be aware that these monkeys are used that tourists give them food (can be bought before starting the walk up to the temple) and hence they are ALWAYS by your side, grabbing your pants, jumping on you, touching and etc… At the bottom of the walk you can pay a guide to bring you up and “defend” you from them but they usually quite expensive (remember to bargain A LOT).
Is going up with a local guide be more enjoyable ? For sure cause you don’t have to worry much about keeping the monkeys away. Is it really worth ? Possibly, at the end of the day just don’t purchase food or have some stones/sticks to keep the monkeys away and you’ll be fine; not everyone likes monkeys chilling on his/her shoulder.
From the top though, the view is amazing and if you get the chance like we did, you can also see some local monks meditating and praying around the temple. It is definitely a nice finishing stop for a full day in Jaipur, even worth the long walk and the annoying monkeys.
——> CONTINUES ON DAY 2
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