Capital city of Indian state Rajasthan, Jaipur also known as The Pink City and with good reason. A central area of Jaipur is named Pink City and holds some of the most prominent landmarks like City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Unfortunately for me, Pink City was put under curfew by police forces during my stay. All due to clashes between local muslim societies and the police.
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| Ganesh Pol or Ganesh Gate at Amber Fort in Jaipur, India |
Luckily Jaipur has a lot of other sights to offer for travelers like me. As we spent a day touring the city we passed by Pink City several times. It's not unlikely to spot elephants or camels in the streets of Jaipur, so keep an eye out for these friendly fellas.
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| Sanganeri Gate to Pink City in Jaipur, India |
First up we drove all the way to Amber Fort in the most northern parts of Jaipur. The fort is enormous and holds several palaces named the four courtyards. Entering through the breathtaking Ganesh Dol or Ganesh Gate you'll reach one of the most important courtyards, also known as the Mirror Palace. The Jai Mandir building here is exquisitely embellished with glass inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceiling. A man-sized glittering jewel box.
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| Gardens at the Third Courtyard of Amber Fort in Jaipur, India |
As you walk around the fort you'll eventually end up in the dungeon tunnels. These tunnels leads to a walk-able wall, which runs all the way to Jaigarh Fort. Sitting on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles), the fort overlooks Amber Fort. Built with the very intention to protect Amber Fort during war times.
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| Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur, India |
After you've spent at least at couple of hours in the forts, head south towards the city again. Make a stop near Jal Mahal also referred to as "The Water Palace", hence it's location in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Not open to visitors, but still worth a stare and a picture.
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| Jal Mahal or Water Palace in Jaipur, India |
Even further south and to the east of Jaipur city centre is a temple path. The path itself starts beyond a huge pink gate and is full of monkeys, pigs, goats and dogs. The first temple you'll reach is named Surya Mandir or The Sun Temple. The view over Jaipur city is not to be missed.
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| Surya Mandir or The Sun Temple in Jaipur, India |
Even further down the path you'll reach Hanuman Temple or simply Monkey Temple. Monkeys obviously roam here, but luckily for them, they are protected by their sacred status and connection to Hanuman among Hindus.
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| View towards Hanuman Temple in Jaipur, India |
Heading back down you're not too far from Birla Mandir, a white marble temple or the Statue of Maharaja Sawai Mansingh, which stands in the middle of a roundabout.
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| Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Statue in Jaipur, India |
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