Sunday 12 March 2000

Our first stop was at Moti Magri – the Pratap Singh memorial gardens.  The Rough Guide has gor it wrong – the gardens are beautiful and command stunning views.  There is also much amusement to be had in telling tourists to clap their hands just before the fountains are scheduleds to be switched on! 

The next stop on the tour was at some more gardens with fountains – although noone fell for the clapping trick this time.  These were Sahelion-ki-Bari, ‘the gardens of the maids of honour’.  The gardens were built for the pleasure of the ladies of the Royal Household.  There were many water features and beautiful statues.  It would be a wonderful place for a picnic.  It was not free of the usual Indian tourist trappings and the ladies of our group (myself excluded) felt it necessary to be photographed in the finery of a Rajasthani noblewoman.  It must be one of those ‘Indian’ things – I really didn’t see the point!  We were able to take the time to enjoy the best lassi (yoghurt drink) that I have tasted from the stall opposite the gardens entrance. 

Bharatiya Lok, the folk museum, was our next port of call (I’m not including the ‘Art Gallery’ – you know enough by now).  It was an interesting mish-mash of exhibits concerning play, dance and entertainment as well as specifics from various tribal groups.  The final exhibit was a puppet show.  Rather amusing, in an Indian sort of a way.  Still chuckling, we returned to the bus which wound its way into the old town and became stuck in traffic.  We disembarked and in the confusion, lost our guide.  We had to ask the way to Jagdish temple and met up with him there!  A very ornate and highly carved temple. 

We then made our way up the hill to the City Palace which is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan.  Part of the complex is open to the public as a museum.  It provides an insight into Royal lives through the ages, as well as spectacular views.  Unfortunately, virtually none of the rooms have been left furnished so some imagination (or a trip for High Tea next door) is required! 

We left the tour group at the City Palace and on the recommendation of the tour guide we walked to the Ambrai Restaurant to partake of a delicious but somewhat pricey lunch on their lakeside terrace.  Fine views to the City Palace, the Lake Palace and of locals washing clothes and themselves on the ghats below.  The remainder of the afternoon was taken up by a leisurely stroll back through the town, investigating the shops that remain open on a Sunday.