Jaipur.
Rajasthan India.
Jaipur Friend Dinesh.
It was with great relief that our feet were at last on solid ground on arrival at Jaipur after the flight down from Delhi.
Firstly, when instructed to ?have your seat in an up-right position during take off?, one of our two was broken, and remained in the lay-back position, during take off, and in fact the whole duration of our flight.
Overhead lockers popped open, catering lockers likewise, as we rumbled down the runway, even well aimed kicks to the offending doors by cabin crew strapped in and unseen, proved ineffective in an attempt to kick the doors into submission to stay closed.
Boy! We were glad to arrive. The Pope wasn?t the only one to kiss the tarmac after his flight.
Dawn broke on our first morning in Jaipur. I can?t sleep. So rather than wake my sleeping wife, decide to venture outside to explore our near surroundings.
Just down Tonk Road from The Jaipur Palace Hotel I investigate a Camel holding area. Maybe a freight depot. Who Knows?
Whistles blow from near by and a steam loco comes into view with passengers hanging from all over.
This is the first of many that steam by here during our stay.
The steam buffs back home would be in their element were they here with me
After a while I find my way back to the hotel and just sit on the wall to watch the traffic of all kinds pass by. And ponder just how are we going to find our way around.
Out of the passing traffic emerges a colourful little auto rick stopping opposite my perch on the wall giving me time to check it out. A little different to the drab ones we?d become accustomed to seeing in the streets of Delhi. This one had a brighter appearance than them, a hard roof, and in addition to the normal seating, an observation car type seat at the rear. So was capable of carrying four people in comfort. No lap sitting.
The owner of the vehicle spotted me on my wall, crossed over checking me out, and offering his services for the day.
We had no problems conversing, and passing away a little time together. I agreed to spend the day with him as our guide and driver. The fee for the day was quite acceptable to both him, (now known to us as Dinesh,) and us.
We all spent a great day together, exploring the back streets and bazaars, historic sites of Amer, Gaitor, the mausoleum area of the state?s rulers, and also being introduced to the local eateries.
The day passed all too quickly, and all too soon it was time to leave our newfound friend and continue on with our trip across India.
We have returned to Jaipur twice since, and each time have been looked after by Dinesh.
So as a way of thanking our friend I have prepared this web page in the hope that you, the reader may one day visit Jaipur, and seek out the services of our reliable, honest friend.
Since writing this, Dinesh has added a new Hindustan Ambassador to his tourist business.
So now he can cater for your needs or preference of transport, air conditioned comfort, or auto ric (surroundair.)
Both modes of transport do have, as most Hindhustani drivers will tell, are the most basic of motoring requirements,
?Good horn, good brakes, and good luck?
When you meet Dinesh, tell him Barry sent you.
Dinesh can be contacted by writing to,
Dinesh Sharma,
Khushaal Travels,
address;124/310,Agarwal farm, Mansarovar,
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India,302020,
mobile no;091-09309269889
pager no; 9610-311153,
e-mail;
khushaaltravels@hotmail.com
dineshsharma249@yahoo.com
web site;http//indiamart.com/khushaal-travels
taxi car no;RJ-14-T-2943,
auto rikshaw;RNP-1291,
The Pink Citycapital of Rajasthan . This colourful city is washed in
pink color. Presumably the color associated with Rajput hospitality.
The city was founded 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh .
Within the city, ringed by hilltop fortresses and walls are many
architectural wonders. Gardens, wide well laid out roads and streets,
interesting bazaar areas, and accommodation to suit all budgets.
Jaipur's traffic in some areas is a crowded conglomeration of cars,
trucks, auto rickshaws. A fair sprinkling of other not so normal forms of
conveyance normally encountered by the western traveller join the
throng. Camel and Oxen drawn carts, strings of Elephants amble
through the bustle of the city rubbing shoulders with the other road
users.
Main points of interest within Jaipur are,
The Hawa Mahal. Palace of the winds.
Built in 1799 AD is a major landmark. This five storey building situated
along the main street of the old city is an interesting building, only
metres wide, the semioctagonal delicately honeycombed windows is
worth close inspection.
The City Palace.
Enter through gates guarded by two large marble elephants, and be
guided through the palace by retainers whose families through the
years have served the generations of rulers.
The palace houses fine collections of costumes worn through the ages,
a huge armoury museum, and so many other interesting Rajput
artefacts.
The Jantar Mantar.
A stone observatory set in a large garden area built once again by Jai
Singh houses such a collection of complex stone instruments for
making astronomical observations seems more like an adventure play
ground to the children who come to visit .
There are so many other sites to visit in Jaipur. Amer, Amer Palace,
Ram Niwas Bagh, Gaitor. The names flow off the tongues of the locals
like water from a stream.
Once again this was my good fortune when I met Dinesh. Who, being
born in this city knew every attraction, and where to pick up a good
bargain.
The Amer Fortress and Palace is a great place to visit, an elephant will
spare you the trouble of climbing the steep approach to the Fortress,
once at the top, a spectacular view awaits the traveller.
Within the walls of the fort, a sprawling complex of halls, courtyards
and halls demonstrates an expert reproduction of Moghul architecture.
One of the most fascinating halls is the Sheesh Mahal ( hall of mirrors)
where the light from one single candle is replicated in thousands of
sparkling reflections.
Getting there,
Jaipur is located 262 kms from Delhi and is connected by road, rail, and
air.
A special luxury train, The Palace on Wheels leaves from Delhi and
does a round trip.
For more up to date information The Lonely Planet Survival Kit To India
is an invaluable travel companion no matter where one travels in India.
Dinesh Sharma,
Khushaal Travels,
address;124/310,Agarwal farm, Mansarovar,
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India,302020,
mobile no;091-09309269889
pager no; 9610-311153,
email;khushaaltravels@hotmail.com
dineshsharma249@yahoo.com
web site;http//indiamart.com/khushaal-travels
our taxi car no;RJ-14-T-2943,
auto rikshaw;RNP-1291,
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