Jaipur

Jaipur is known as the Pink City. The pink colour symbolises hospitality, and the city was painted for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1876.

Jaipur is famous for its textiles and block printing.

We took a walk through one of the many gates into the old city and through some markets.

We then took a trip by jeep around the city.

Jeepers creepers.
The garlands of Marigolds are a gesture of welcome

The first stop was the Royal Gaitore. This is where Cenotaphs for the Royal family are located.

and walking back down the steep staircase

Nahargarh stepped well

The Wind Palace is very imposing. It’s actually just a facade with very small viewing chambers so the women could watch the world go by whilst remaining in purdah. The reason for the name is that there were many cooling fans attached to the outside, but these have been removed as many pigeons were being killed by flying into them.

The Jeep tour continued after dark.

We stopped at the Albert Hall. This was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit in 1876. Quite a gesture! The colour of the lighting is continually changing.

Birlamanbir was constructed by a very wealthy family of the same name. The church building combines different sections in the appropriate styles for Moslems, Hindus, and Christians.

The highlight of a visit to Jaipur is the Amer Fort. This was our first stop the next day.

Inside the main walls, the Fort or Palace has four sections. The first two for men, the last two for women, The women were guarded by eunuchs. Seems a bit of an extreme step to get a job – some people just get a haircut.

We arrived by Jeep as the traditional method of arriving by elephants is very controversial due to their bad treatment.

*Courtyard where army displays were held*

The Queen had a special wheelchair which was propelled by the eunuchs. She couldn’t walk due to the weight of her dresses. There are many ramps rather than steps so the wheelchair could go up.