Rajasthan Trip

13.08.14 – Jaipur

Gang of 7 (my sister Winnie, her husband Ulf, her son Lael, from Germany, my son Kern & his wife Raksha, my husband Frankie & self) arrived in Jaipur from Mumbai by flight.  There our Tempo Traveller, our vahan for the trip was there, awaiting.  My school friend Aruna was there to welcome us Indian style with Marigold garland, aarti and kumkum  and we felt like royalty.  She took us home for nice lunch.  Thereafter we all drove off to Nahagarh Fort.  Nahargarh Fort, which means 'abode of tigers', was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur, on the Aravalli hills. Within it there is 'Madhavendra Palace' built by Sawai Madho Singh. This is a two-storey building which has suites for the king and his twelve queens. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. He spent each night at different apartment with different queen.  Had a debauchery life.

Additional Photos

On the way back from Nahargarh-Jaigarh., we saw a temple, which we visited Charan Mandir, Ancient temple where footprints of Shri Krishna and his cattles are engraved naturally on rock here on his way from Dwarka to Nathdwara. Behind it we climbed up a tower, which was a watch tower and from there we got a beautiful view all round of the green valley and the city of Jaipur.

Then we went and checked in our hotel “Vimal Heritage” booked via internet. It turned out to be beautiful small hotel with lovely swimming pool, beautifully  painted walls and well kept.  Evening we drove off through Jaipur old walled city, (now no more Pink City) since all the buildings & shops are painted mud colour, to Amer Fort, (also spelled and pronounced as Amber palace), located high on a hill.   Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I.  It was closed in the evening but we went there to enjoy the “Light & Sound” show which illustrated the history of Amer Fort and also the history of Rajputs/Moghals.  It was a lovely experience and we enjoyed the show.  We were invited to Aroona’s place for lovely dinner of “Dal Bhatti and Churma”, where her sister in law Usha and cousin Mukul, joined us.  We had lovely evening chatting away.  Went back to the hotel to rest but Lael, Ulf and Raksha could not sleep without plunging into the swimming pool.  We came out of our room to watch the ruckus these people were making at 11 0’clock at night.  They really enjoyed themselves.