The Capital of Rajasthan

After scrambling around in Jodhpur to ensure we'd make it to Agra on time, we boarded a Volvo AC bus destined for Jaipur.  The actual bus was nice, but the bus ride was completely agonizing.  Most of the roads were one lane in each direction, and everyone was passing each other at very high speeds.  There were multiple times when I thought we were going to hit another car head on.  But cars weren't the only thing we came close to hitting.  In India the roads contain another obstacle: the wandering cow.  So not only was the bus weaving through traffic constantly, but it was also slamming on the breaks for oblivious cows.  And oh yeah, there was also road construction. You could say the bus ride was not the highlight of our trip.

As soon as we turned into the bus station in Jaipur, swarms of Indian men sprinted alongside our bus until it came to a stop.  They all waited for us to get off the bus so they could try and convince us to take their auto rickshaw or persuade us to go to the hotel of their choosing.  Apparently they get a cut of the money if they direct us to a certain auto rickshaw driver or to a certain hotel.  You really have to be on your toes in India - I'm so thankful I wasn't traveling alone!

The next morning we woke up freezing (because none of the hotels we stayed in had heat and the rooms were actually colder than the outside temperature).  I made my way to the shower praying there was hot water, but no, nothing but freezing water came out  - this was a common occurrence on our trip.  So we neglected the shower and started our day of sightseeing. 

A man brewing delicious Indian chai on the street corner.  

Below is the entrance to the Old City, also known as the Pink City (all of the architecture is a salmon-y pink color).  This is where the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar (observatory), and the Hawa Mahal are located.  

The City Palace contains multiple courtyards, gardens, and buildings, all from different eras.  The Palace construction began in the 1730's, and the latest additions are from the 20th century.

These guys beckoned me over and offered to take a photo with me - I thought, 'how nice!'  Well immediately after the photo they asked for a tip.  Ugh, nevermind!

One of the courtyards in the City Palace contains 4 gates representing each season.  Below is a photo of the Peacock Gate (autumn).  The gates were incredibly intricate - this design was my favorite.

After the City Palace we visited Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1728.  There are multiple instruments measuring the position of the stars, altitude, eclipses, and many other things that were way over my head.  Below is a photo of the 27 meter high sundial.  It is still used today, and there is a gathering during the full moon in June or July that allegedly helps predict monsoon rains.

After visiting the City Palace and observatory, we drove to Amber Fort.  The fort construction began in 1592, and was modified over a period of 150 years by successive rulers.  The fort contains multiple buildings including a temple where a goat was sacrificed every single day, starting in the 16th century. The government eventually, and thankfully outlawed the practice in 1980.

After having a not so great audio tour experience at the City Palace and observatory (not very interesting), we decided to skip it this time.  Unfortunately that was a terrible decision as the fort had very few signs and tons of blind alleys.  We spent most of our time wandering around with no idea as to where we were.

An elephant with its howdah ready to take tourists up to Amber Fort

Amber Fort

A worker at the Amber Fort chewing paan amidst the garden

One of the palace halls, Hall of Victory was decorated completely in mirrors - an uncommon material to have at the time.  It was very impressive.

After leaving Amber Fort, we stopped to see Jal Mahal (Water Palace).  The palace was built in 1799 as a summer resort for the royal family and is currently deserted.  It has a total of 5 stories, although the first 4 stories remain underwater.  

Below is a photo of Hawa Mahal, constructed in 1799 for the ladies of the royal household.

Our day was jam packed with sightseeing as we had to board our next train to Agra that same day at 5pm.  Only 2 more cities to go!