Jaipur continued...

We saw two major sites in Jaipur. The Amber Fort ( construction began in 1592)is a gigantic fortified palace built from pale yellow and pink sandstone and of course gorgeous white marble from the area. There are courtyards with beautiful gardens, too many rooms to count and the spectacular Jai Mandir, which is a very large reception area that is covered with carved decorations, which are then covered with inlaid panels of mirrors. It is spectacular and breath taking. 

 We then went to see Jantar Mantar, which is an observatory constructed In 1728. Totally mind blowing. It is comprised of different structures, all carefully laid out and all looking extremely contemporary in design, and each serving a specific purpose. There are instruments to tell time from the sun, to measure positions of the planets, calculating eclipses, and more. Astronomy plays a very important role in Indian life - determining the date to get married, buy a car and other important decisions

While in Jaipur we also attended the Elephant Festival, participated in the Holi festival celebration, celebrated Woman's Day, saw a Bollywood film, saw how block printing is done on fabric, saw how gem stones are cut and, of course, we shopped.