Sadly, tomorrow marks our time to move along on our journey to Ahmedabad. Our time in Jaipur has been way too short. Our hotel was phenomenal. This is the most relaxed and rested I’ve been since we arrived in India. Perhaps the comfortable beds and crystal-clear pool had something to do with it but I’m convinced that it is the things that we got to see in Jaipur that made me fall in love with this place. And, as we all know, everything is better when you’re in love.
Today, we had a full schedule with a cultural city tour of the Amber Fort and the City Palace. A sensational elephant ride up to the Amber Fort fulfilled my dream of riding of an elephant. I wish we could have spent more time with the elephants. They are stoic beasts. As we wound our way up to the fort, I got the sense that Jaipur could rival any small town in Italy. The beautiful amber color of the city and the lush green environment was refreshing and welcome. If the scenery of Jaipur didn’t give you a European vibe, a visit to the City Palace would make anyone feel like they are standing in the palazzo of a palatial Italian estate.
After the Amber Fort and City Palace, we visited a textile company that produces hand-blocked fabrics and hand-woven rugs. The men that work these shops are master salesmen and no one could help but walk away with something to take home with them. However, a late night call to Jed back home trying to convince him we needed a rug for our living room proved fruitless.
After an eye-popping visit to the Jaipur jewelry factory and an educational visit to the Jaipur Observatory, my opinion of Jaipur as a Renaissance city was solidified. Of the cities that we’ve visited so far, Jaipur has been my favorite. I cannot wait to bring Jed with me next time we visit India – hopefully with rug in tow.
