Our Tuk-tuk driver was waiting outside our hostel at exactly 10am. Our first stop for the day was Hanuman Temple (Monkey temple). The drive there was fascinating and heart-breaking, we wound through the city and out into what we think was the slums of Jaipur. Most people around here were living under four sticks and a piece of material. Tarpolin if they were lucky. It was 34 degrees so we saw many children bathing in small, dirty puddles.
Sitting in the hills above these small villages was Hanuman Temple. We were dropped at the bottom and made our way up the hills dirt roads. There were hundreds of monkeys playing and picking at eachother on the way up. Along with lazing cows and goats. We met an Australian couple on the way up and carried on to the top with them. Multiple Indian men tried their luck at trying to get money from us for being our 'bodyguards'. It took a lot of polite declining of their offers before they finally backed off.
At the top, a man applied a yellow dot made from red tumeric powder to our foreheads. The indian people do this when they visit a temple. This usually symbolises good luck but is also worn by women just above their forehead as a commitment to long-life and well-being of their husbands.
Next up was Amer Fort. Made of red sandstone and marble. This was the most spectacular fort we have ever seen. It was massive and overlooks Maota Lake.
Sitting in the hills above these small villages was Hanuman Temple. We were dropped at the bottom and made our way up the hills dirt roads. There were hundreds of monkeys playing and picking at eachother on the way up. Along with lazing cows and goats. We met an Australian couple on the way up and carried on to the top with them. Multiple Indian men tried their luck at trying to get money from us for being our 'bodyguards'. It took a lot of polite declining of their offers before they finally backed off.
At the top, a man applied a yellow dot made from red tumeric powder to our foreheads. The indian people do this when they visit a temple. This usually symbolises good luck but is also worn by women just above their forehead as a commitment to long-life and well-being of their husbands.
This gentle man wanted to take photos so he could see them on my phone.
After this, we were taken to a restaurant for lunch. It was very nice, and surprisingly cheap for being number one on tripadvisor for Jaipur.
Next up was our maybe our favourite part. We were taken to a textile factory where we saw how patterns are created on the indian sheets, scarves and furniture. Vikram, the owner, demonstrated the process and we had a go ourselves. He then led us into the factory where we were shown all of the amazing 100% silk and pashmina scarves along with bed linen, clothing etc. This is where many of the men and women get their Saari's and clothing tailor made.
Having a go at print making
Vikram covering me in silk
Complimentary Chai tea
Our final destination was a lookout onto the Jal Mahal (water palace) located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Renovated in the 18th century, the Jal Mahal has five stories but when the lake is full, only the top floor is exposed.
It was a wonderful day full of so much information! We thought hiring the tuk-tuk driver for the day was well worth it.
Next up, Udapuir - the city of lakes.
xxxx Grace and Theo
Loving the posts guys!! India looks amazing! so cultural! keep safe! xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThat water palace is crazy! That photo you took of the man in the colourful headwear is amazing! J xx
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