10.12.2004

Jaipur

Posted by justin

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. 2.32 million people combine to stir up the dust, add colour with crazy turbans and add action with fleets of camel-powered trailers.

The common reviews offered by other travellers were that Jaipur was too polluted, crowded, and hectic. This was all true but as we were flung into our first experience of Rajasthan we didn't really seem to mind. In fact we loved it. The desert, dust, walled old city with it's winding alleyways, and odd, distinctly Rajasthani inhabitants makes it a fascinating place. Especially with those camel-powered trailers. With their big fat wheels. Powered by camels. Wicked!

We checked out a lot of what Jaipur has to offer, and one of the most interesting sights to see without a doubt would have been the Jantar Mantar. An observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728, who along with the observatory, founded Jaipur. The observatory contains numerous devices for calculating many astronomical events (including a massive sun-dial), although Jai seemed to dig astrology too - with 12 devices used to gather information on the various star signs.

Although the observatory was a wonder, Amber fort just outside Jaipur took the cake. It used to be the capital of Jaipur and is absolutely massive. The intricate work throughout the palace compounds and sheer size meant for me it left the Taj Mahal in the dust. It was also a great reminder to always keep that battery charged in the camera, damnit.