Jaipur, the most incredible, in the heart of Rajasthan 10/2023 (Stop 12)

16-19th October 2023, Day 1 Jaipur, India

From Jaisalmer, I now went eastward for 13 hours to Jaipur on an overnight train. It was not pleasant as I slept in a 6 bunk-bed compartment on a bed I had to sit up like a hunchback. I arrived at about 1 p.m. Why did I keep looking for troubles.

Jaipur was the most interesting from a historical perspective. So much to see of the glamours of her past, in contrast to some of the less glamorous present. That makes it inscrutable.

Hawa Mahal, in red and pink sandstone, in the city center, lighted up the area around it. The facade of small windows and domes looked out at the goings-on below, for the vibes to be felt by those looking out. She stood out, dressed for the occasion, but her neighborhood was unprepared.

Hawa Mahal, a palace in Jaipur city center, of both Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal style constructed for the royal women

The City Palace was a historic palace in the city center, another classic showcasing the Indian Mughul style. It walled off a few big inner courtyards from the chaotic scenes outside. Suddenly, I found myself in a different world, one that was not confronted by any charging vehicles and the incessant honking.

Inner courtyard of City Palace, Jaipur — Mubarak Mahal City Palace, Jaipur

Nearby was the Jantar Mantar, a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built in 1734. They looked like simple instruments that I could understand, but on a subject too deep for my shallow mind. India has recently landed on the moon. So, it is a dream come true. Go India!

16-19th, October 2023 Jaipur, India – Day 2

It finally got me. On my second day in Jaipur, after more than 2 weeks, I finally stepped on my first cow dung. It was a matter of time. There was a slight glide. I looked back. “Shit!”, I let out a French word. It was a pile of manure, still moist on a shop front although the warmth had gone. I could walk, I could run but I could not hide.

My lucky day officially initiated, I next visited the Albert Museum in the city center. Like many palaces, this was a fusion of India and its history. Numerous small domes with legs stood on the top and the corners, exaggerating its already lavish style. His name does not sound Indian though.

Albert Hall Museum, built in 1876 as a concert hall

I headed further out of the city to Amber Fort (or Amer Fort). On the way, I stopped by the lakeside to see Jal Mahal. This was a peculiar structure in the middle of the lake, half submerged in water. A dam was built after a severe drought that covered its lower half.

Jal Mahal, half submerged in Man Sagar Lake,

The Amber Fort was palatial, well-guarded, and provided for. Its intricate designs catered to the whims of the kings so elevated. The many inner courtyards provided the space rulers required to have a clear mind to manage their realms. It overlooked Maota Lake that provided the sustaining water. Walls that rode up the hills on many sides kept any intrusive visitors at bay. The rulers of the day must be impressed with their handiworks, just as I am.

Maota Lake, at the base of Amber Fort — Amber Fort

I rode a rickshaw back to the city at the end of the day, feeling lucky to see so much of India’s glamour and history in Jaipur. Though am Chinese, I came in peace. I am a fan.