Welcome to Rajasthan
When we originally set out from Agra, the scenery quickly changed into something totally unexpected – a vast desert. We had entered the westernmost State of Rajasthan. Our guide quickly explained that Rajasthan was in fact a part of the great Thar Desert and that we would be driving west toward the Pakistani border. She mentioned that foreigners always seemed to particularly love the Rajasthani scenery and climate; it was a beautiful and colorful landscape adorned with vivid floral accents in every direction.
Chand Baori
The road out of Ranthambore passed through the small desert town of Abhaneri in the Dausa district. Here lies one of the great treasures of Rajasthan – the ancient Chand Baori stepwell.
The Chand Baori stepwell
Built 800-900 AD, this stepwell was meant as a reliable source of water, a community gathering place, and a royal resting area. More recently, this stepwell’s dramatic scenery has been used in many films including “The Dark Knight Rises”.
Harshat Mata Temple
On the grounds outside of the stepwell is the Harshat Mata Temple. Here you can wander around and explore the ancient erotic art that somehow survived the Mughal invasions.
Harshat Mata Temple
On to Jaipur…The Pink City
Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” and is the capital city of Rajasthan. The major attractions include the Hawa Mahal, the Pink City Bazaar, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jantar Mantar and the most magnificent of all – the Amer Fort.
The Hawa Mahal, Pink City
The Amer Fort
Also known as the Amber Fort, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is another standout among Indian landmarks. It is vast, and will require several hours to walk through the Fort.
You can reach the gates of the Amer Fort either by walking or on the [more popular] back of an Elephant.
The Elephant parade
Elephant Riders
The entrance to the Amber Fort is through the impossibly ornate Ganesh Pol entrance. Take some time to wander the courtyard and marvel at the surrounding “Great Wall of India” on the hills surrounding the Fort.
Ganesh Pol Entrance
“The Great Wall of India” on the surrounding hills
Man Singh I Palace Square
The 27-pillared Diwan-i-Aam
Royal Courtyard
Mirrored ceiling of the Sheesh Mahal
The Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal
The City Palace
The Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar
The World’s Largest Sundial, Jantar Mantar
Around Jaipur
Jaipur is one of the more walkable towns of the “Indian Golden Triangle”. There are sites to see everywhere, and great cheap food can be found in restaurants all over Raja Park.
Sikh Temple
Albert Hall Museum
Dinner Show
Final Thoughts:
One of my few regrets of India was not spending more time in Jaipur. But, that gives me a reason to go back. The Amer Fort is an amazing site to see and walk; it is quite popular and best to do in the morning as it will take several hours to walk. The other landmarks are worthwhile as well, and the food of Jaipur was memorable – especially the amazing dosas and the terracotta cupped lassies.
Cheers!
