Again and again, the waking hours are proving to be my favorite time to be out in the city of Jaipur. The streets are quiet with the exception of the cows, dogs, and handful of people heading to the markets. Being gluttons for punishment, we all decided to get up at 5:30 and watch the sunrise while we visited the Galtaji Temple.
the sunrise gang: (left to right) Chetna, Nekibur, Shubhi, Amit, and Sanjay
Galtaji, which is known colloquially as the "monkey temple", is found in the Aravalli Hills (near Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort). The temple complex, built in the 18th century, is home to a large population of rhesus macaques. You'll find them snacking along side cows, goats, and even hitching rides on the backs of pigs! The complex has several temples and seven sacred kunds (water tanks) fed by natural springs. It isn't unusual to find people bathing in the kunds as you walk amongst the temples, although a large pilgrimage happens once a year on Makar Sankranti (the coming of spring).
The monkeys are everywhere to be seen. They line the walkways down to the temple (it's a bit of a hike) watching all that pass by. You will find them noisily barking orders at one another and jumping building to building, where others can be found seated on a rooftop as if pondering the meaning of life. Some are playful, some will eat out of your hand if you're lucky, and some will try to grab at your satchel if you aren't careful!
Of course, Amit and I had to do some monkeying around of our own...
Two hours of hiking through Galtaji and hanging out with monkeys will work up an appetite. We all headed into the old city for kachori (potato, onions, peas, black pepper, ground flour, and other spices baked into a fritter) from a street vendor and chai on Chetna's rooftop.
I have a feeling we'll all be taking nice long naps today!
Galtaji, which is known colloquially as the "monkey temple", is found in the Aravalli Hills (near Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort). The temple complex, built in the 18th century, is home to a large population of rhesus macaques. You'll find them snacking along side cows, goats, and even hitching rides on the backs of pigs! The complex has several temples and seven sacred kunds (water tanks) fed by natural springs. It isn't unusual to find people bathing in the kunds as you walk amongst the temples, although a large pilgrimage happens once a year on Makar Sankranti (the coming of spring).
The monkeys are everywhere to be seen. They line the walkways down to the temple (it's a bit of a hike) watching all that pass by. You will find them noisily barking orders at one another and jumping building to building, where others can be found seated on a rooftop as if pondering the meaning of life. Some are playful, some will eat out of your hand if you're lucky, and some will try to grab at your satchel if you aren't careful!Of course, Amit and I had to do some monkeying around of our own...
Two hours of hiking through Galtaji and hanging out with monkeys will work up an appetite. We all headed into the old city for kachori (potato, onions, peas, black pepper, ground flour, and other spices baked into a fritter) from a street vendor and chai on Chetna's rooftop.
I have a feeling we'll all be taking nice long naps today!
Wish u more and more happiness... since u r in India.. :) have fun..!!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures look like something out of a travel magazine, full of fun, life and beautiful people. Keep it up kid. You're living a dream!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the history lesson and photo`s Lee!
ReplyDelete