Jaipur

-this was going to be the busiest day and it did not disappoint!
-Jaipur is painted pink because it represents good luck and welcoming
-started at the Hawa Mahal (place of winds), a 4 foot wide facade where women would watch the king pass through 100 windows
-then went to the Amber Fort via jeep uphill to the entry of the fort --> the former residence of the royal family walked through the main entry where other people were arriving by elephant
-then walked through all the offices, rooms which housed the family as well as the king's 12 wives --> spectacular views onto the valleys
-we then went out to the countryside where I went on an elephant ride and had an awesome organic lunch on the farm! Very peaceful and relaxing, the elephant I rode was 44 years old and they normally live to about 85
-from here we drove back into the city, passing the lake palace and a carpet/textile making place
-we then went to the Jantar Mantar observatory which used to the be used to tell time, seasons etc! Very cool!
-from here I went by bicycle rickshaw to the City Palace which is the current residence of the royal family. Very fascinating architecture, colours and styles throughout the buildings! Also got to see the weapons room, textile gallery and the artists who paint with single hair brushes to get the finest detail!
-went to dinner and met two English ladies from LondonRead more