Jaipur the "Pink City"

Into Rajasthan - A long but fascinating 7 hour journey from Agra to Jaipur. This drive was one of the best I have ever experienced. The beautiful colour of the Saris people wear whilst just building roads, the little villages and farming life that you get to see in close detail left me very pleased that I did not get the train here. Water buffalo's wallow in muddy pools, cheeky goats block the road whilst families of shepherds try to round them up and curious monkeys even came to sit on the car for a ride. The pace of life is slower and all about day to day living very simple yet all consuming. The people are very happy everywhere you go and so friendly. The feel of jaipur as a city is alive and buzzing the constant stream of people haggling is more laid back and a couple of stern "No's!" seems to do the job unlike Agra ! The jewellery and precious stone market was fabulous...i could have shopped and blown my whole budget in this one place !

The fabulous Amber fort was a joy up in the breezy hills over looking the pink city (which is actually painted pink as a colour of welcome !) the fort has not been robbed of its treasures unlike the forts and palaces around Delhi so is quite intact and interesting in comparison. I made my way up on an elephant called Dupa, she was 22 years old and full of character. Jaigrarah Fort was also worth a visit although you need a car or bike to get up its high in the hills and the roads are not great but its worth it for the views and the cool air ti also houses what claims to be the worlds biggest cannon ! it takes 4 elephants to move it so in a fast paced war i am notnsure it would be much use !

I stayed in a fab local guest house called Umaid Bhawan an old raj palace lovingly restored and full of character it was very homely, clean and big only 5 quid a night !

Jaipur is defiantly the place for SHOPPING !!! A package will be arriving back home soon !