This morning we toured Jaipur’s grand Amber Fort, a magnificently preserved complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. The grand scale and the royal ambition in room after decorated room is stunning.  Dating back to the 16th century, the Amber Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements, with its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths. Everyone enjoyed the elephant ride up to the fort.  This is an age old tradition, royalty were transported on elephants for centuries. Note: These elephants only do 5 trips a day and are given 20 minutes rest between rides.  They live at a large elephant farm where they roam free and even have a lake to swim in  The handlers love their elephants and treat them with great respect and care.

The massive palace is decorated with mirrors, coloured glass and intricately carved columns and walls. There’s even a hammam and a royal garden.

Continuing our exploration of the Pink City of Jaipur we stopped to view the summer palace surrounded by a man made lake.  The water buffalo seem to like this lake.

Next stop, a fabric company for a demonstration of traditional block printing and carpet weaving. Some of our travelers tried their hand at the ancient craft. After adding a few colours to the fabric it was dipped in salt water which made the vibrant colours popped. Some of us enjoyed carpet shopping. There were so many patterns, colours and sizes to choose from.

Later we enjoyed the sensory overload of the Jaipur markets in the heart of the city.  After shopping for teas and spices we enjoyed a tuk tuk ride back to the hotel. What an experience!  Traffic coming at you from every direction, cows crossing the street and vendors selling their wares at the roadside.

This evening we went out in style, dressed in an elegant sari or a kurta! This was a special event, our guide Shiv and his lovely wife invited us in to their home for a family dinner. Bus driver Anand and his assistant Eddy did an amazing job maneuvering the bus through the narrow streets to Shiv’s family home. It was a truly magical experience dining on the rooftop under the star lit sky.

Overnight:  ITC Rajputana, Jaipur