JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING: A WHIFF OF ROYALTY IN ‘THE PINK CITY

Amer fort : The tales of Rajputana royalty

I started my day in Jaipur early to avoid the sightseeing crowds at Amer Fort (pronounced as Amer Fort). Located ten kilometres away from Jaipur, the imposing 16th-century sandstone fort stands on a hill. You have an option to ride to the fort atop an elephant (though, an animal rights activist will discourage you!). I chose to walk up, enjoying the views of the Aravalli Hills and Maota Lake that the fort overlooks.

A local guide helped me navigate through the courtyards, temples, and palaces; their walls embellished with glass panels, stone inlays, and spectacular mirror mosaics. The guide provided by the cab service in rajasthan also regaled me with captivating tales and legends of Rajputana royalty, “The queens wore such an exquisite and heavy finery on special occasions, that they had to be ferried around in chairs.” 

Govind Rajasthali Cottage Industries: A one-stop shop for Rajasthani souvenirs

I stopped at the Govind Rajasthali Cottage Industries store, located along the Man Sagar Lake, on my way back to the city after sightseeing at Amber Fort. If you do not have the patience for crowded bazaars, you may want to give this a skip! But I personally love this store as it offers so many things and it will definitely meet your shopping needs. Jaipuri quilts and bed sheets, handicrafts, paintings — there are a plethora of options to choose from. While the prices are a bit high, one can rationalise it as a markup for the convenience and variety that the store offers.

Man Sagar Lake: The beauty of a submerged palace

After the customary souvenir shopping, I continued sightseeing in Jaipur and stopped by Man Sagar Lake to admire the deep blue expanse of water. Flanked by the Aravalli hills, this manmade lake was created in the 16th century. The Jal Mahal ‘floats’ in the middle of the lake. This red sandstone palace was built by Jaipur’s founder and ruler, Sawai Jai Singh II, as a pleasure pavilion.

Hawa Mahal : The quintessential landmark

Any guidebook on Jaipur  is bound to feature the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) as a top choice. It’s the proud king on the Jaipur sightseeing trail. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1979, the five-storey structure was inspired by the crown of Lord Krishna (a Hindu God). The first impression is indeed charming – a pink honeycombed facade replete with 953 latticed windows.

In the past, ladies of the royal family, not allowed to appear in public, had to observe processions and everyday life from these windows. Entering the compound from the rear gate, the interior was rather unremarkable. I could not help wondering how isolated and dull the life of a royal lady would have been, cloistered inside.

Jaipur’s bazaars and bylanes

Next day, I took a cab fron cab service in rajasthan ride back to the walled city, hoping for some insta-worthy shots. Getting off in front of the Hawa Mahal, I wandered around the bazaars. Cows parked on road dividers, bells of cyclists in a hurryn, frenzy on the Tripolia Bazar road was both exciting and overwhelming!

On an impulse, I decided to take a detour and got into a bylane. ‘Bhindo ka rasta,’ Google Maps duly announced. Marble and clay busts were lined up on either side of the road, with shops selling statues of Hindu Gods and Indian freedom fighters. I had stumbled upon a perfect spot to practice my street photography!