Jaipur and the Pink City

Trip Start Sep 26, 2008
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Trip End Oct 22, 2008

Flag of India  , Rajasthan,
Sunday, October 12, 2008

Our second train trip from Agra to Jaipur was quite an experience. We'd booked a first class berth but the service was more 5th class. We got on at Agra Cant - one of the Agra stations but there was no one to show us where to go and what to do and so we grabbed the first bert we could find. There was only a very small first clas area - half a carriage so we hoped it would be ok it wasn't! t the next stop in Agra we were asked to move cabins and then told we were booked in seperate cabins but by this stage I was too tire and too frustarted to coopeerate so I sat on my bed and said NO - I'm not moving!! And everything was fine from then:>

We managed to get some sleep but it was ghard to sleep knwoing we'd arrive at our station and no one would tell us - useless service - but we got here eventually - albeit late.

We were expecting a hotel pick up at the railway station and he did arrive - but not at the place we were waiting. Meanwhile we were hassled by about 10 guys offering us rides, hotels, trips to the moon, etc at an every increasing volume and intensity. Once again my patience was tested and it was a releif to finally meet our driver and leave the station and these unwelcome pests.

Our Hotel is magnificent. Absolutely beautiful layout and decor all over the building. We have a wonderful room and the hotels have a great rooftop restaurant with excellent food. Highly recommned this place - Hotel Pearl Palace.

Our day sightseeing involved hiring a na AC Car and driver and heading of to a variety of places. The City Palace - where the current Maharasta lives with his family (he also plays polo ith Prince Charles) and the Amber Fort were the highlights. The Fort is out of town about 15km and set on some imposing hills next to another smaller fort. The Amber Fort is amber in colour and a rather magnificent site with huge walls and a variety of room and areas to see. I really like this - was just what I thought a Rajistani Fort would look like.

Throighout the day we saw lots of elephants and camels - hired for rides, and lots of other interesting sites. Finished the tour with a quick shop in the old city (Pimk city) which was fun.

Dinner was on the rooftop restaurant - delicious.

Must go and shower and get ready for our most challenging train ride yet - we leave at 11:55pm and arrive in Jaisalmer at 1.00pm - should be a challenge!!
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