Galta Ji - Monkey Temple

I'm known for my lavish love for animals, so where else could I go on my last day in Jaipur but to Galta Ji temple, also known as Monkey Temple. Wonder why? Simply because monkeys took over the place and they act like the kings of the human world.

Galta Ji is actually a part of an enormous temple complex, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the town of Khania-Balaji, about 10 km away from Jaipur. The temples are built in a narrow cravice in the hills that surround the Pink City. The tanks are filled with sacred water, so don't expect it to be a nice touristy site because hundreds of people come here to bathe in holy waters.

 Beware of nice grandmothers who let you take photos of their snakes and bless you with bindis, they will chase you until you give them at least 10 rupees :)

  

Jaipur, the Pink City

On our first day we were exploring the streets of Jaipur or the Pink City. The name comes from the color of the buildings of the old town, where the walls show every shade of pink that exist on the Spectrum. Interestingly there are many yellow painted buildings in the old town, mostly around the main palace but yes, Jaipur is still very pink. :)

Jaipur was just as dirty as Delhi if not dirtier, many beggars live on the streets but still it's a beautiful place to visit. Just watch your step, while your eyes are glued to the beautiful buildings you might step into a pile of cow poop or slip on trash. :)

The yellow walls of the old town

We visited the main palace but it was too pricey for us, so we simply crossed the street to take a visit at Jantar Mantar instead. I really like this name: Jantar Mantar alias the observatory that was built in the 18th century and is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.

Offerings to the gods

After some shopping in the neighborhood (I got wonderful Rajasthani wall hanger with mandala and elephants!) we arrived at Hawa Mahal, The palace of the winds which happens to be my favorite part of the city! 

 The stunning details and the pastel colors are like true eye candy. I never wanted to live in a palace but I would say YES!! if they'd ask me to live here. :)  

Amber

I met my friend, Jeffery on Couch Surfing and we decided to go to Jaipur together. Before we hopped on a train in Delhi, we had to rush through the whole city to get to the old Delhi railway station, where our train was 2 hours late but hey, it's India! And being late with 2 hourse is like nothing (remember my friend who was late with 6 hours? nah that's what I'm talking about)

So after a 6 or 7 hours long ride we arrived at Jaipur Junktion, and hardly found a rikshaw that would take us to our hosts house, that turned out was 24 km-s far from Jaipur. Actually, in a total different town. We stayed at Eleday, Mansoori Farm. Well, the place was insane. No electricity, huge bugs and lizards everywhere, couldn't close the bathroom door, no light in the toilet, disgusting kitchen and I'm sure they never cleaned before. The guy said he has 30 elephants but there wasn't any until morning, when only 2 elephants appeared.

There was nothing to see in that village, so we visited the fort in the neighbour town called Amber. We took the local bus and that was insane! (I know, it's my favorite word to describe India but it is insane.)

Amber fort is amazing. You can sit on the back of an elephant that would take you up to the fort but it's nothing I'd like to do. I mean it must be amazing butsame time I find it cruel to the animals, so I skipped that. I have my own two feet to walk.  

Amazing spice garden of the Fort

With my friend, Jeffery

Some tour guides are very pushy, they follow you until you say 'yes'. We didn't want a guide but the guy conviced us so we said yes. Haha!  But you know what? It was worthy (and only for 200Rp). 

After the palace we visited fabric painters.

 

 Our hunger took  us to the next stop, a restaurant. Yeah, you guessed well. ;) It seemed pretty clear but when we got the food the fork was dirty, and the plate had some dried leftovers on it. Ewww... Few hours later I had terrible belly ache and diarrhea. Yeah, Delhi belly in Amber. Only I can get it.