Raju Bhaiya was my chauffeur for the day and a very enthusiastic driver! He was leaning off his seat on the curves and a little further and we might have been sliding. But good fun for the day. And he sort of became my guide as well :-)

Located at the end of the Jaigarh fort overlooking the cliff down to Amber Palace is the Mughal Garden.
Framed by the two towers and the arches in the center, it a beautiful place and one can spend hours here.
Sadly, it is also one of the only areas in the fort where entry is restricted. You can manage to jump from the lower walls into the garden but I was not sure how I would get out so I didn't risk it!

Jaigarh Fort is located on the crest of a hill and houses among other things, the armory and canon foundry.
It overlooks the Amber Palace which used to serve as the official palace before the royal family founded Jaipur and moved there. It has several palaces, expansive courtyards and beautiful gardens. The garden attached to the Aram Nivas is the most splendid. Pictures to follow soon.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the city of Jaipur, you get wonderful views of the old city from here. On a clear day that is!
The fort is illuminated at night and along with the city lights makes for an amazing experience. Sadly, I did not have much time to spare for that. I went shopping :-)

The stunning Madhavendra Bhavan and it's enclosed courtyard and beautiful doorways.
It is located within the Nahargarh Fort, situated at the top of the cliff overlooking Jaipur. Although the Fort itself is might impressive and offers stunning views of the city down below, the palace located within seems to be a forgotten treasure. It houses 12 identical suites for the Maharaja's several queens and one entire portion devoted to the Raja himself. I found it devoid of much activity and you are allowed to explore every nook and cranny across the three floors. Wandering through the intricate corridors and colorful stained glass doors and some really small passageways, I could imagine the life of the residents at those time. Truly Royal Rajasthan.

The Hawa Mahal was used by the queens and ladies within the palace to glimpse on the life outside in the bazaars. It stands at the intersection of Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar.
I must admit I was a little disappointed by the Hawa Mahal. I had formed a picture of a much grander structure and I actually confirmed with nearby shopkeepers if this was indeed it!

Diwan-i-Khas, City Palace, Jaipur


This was the place where the Maharaja met convoys from other kingdoms/countries.
I made a visit to Jaipur for a couple of days and returned with great experiences and some pictures. First holiday destination of the New Year!

Interesting branding! What makes it sell, chewability?

Flames that sanctify the Hindu marriage.

glistening after the rainy day

Will the door open when we get there?

From a vase maker's worktable

Leave behind, Look Forward

On the backwaters of Kerala

Beside the calm waters of Wadi Tiwi, Oman