Jaipur ‘The Pink City’ Travel Photos

by Samuel on November 2, 2012

When I first stepped off the train in Jaipur I felt a jolt a adrenaline rush through my veins.  I had taken the train from Delhi with much anticipation.  As I gathered my backpack and jumped on rickshaw, little did I know at the time what kind of adventures would be in store for me as I first broke ground exploring the province of Rajasthan.

I had for years been anticipating a chance to tour around Rajasthan and I was finally manifesting my dream into reality.  Jaipur also known as the ‘The Pink City’ certainly didn’t disappoint and it even exceeded my initial high expectations.  Being the largest city & capital of Rajasthan it has a lot to offer those who are lucky enough to visit.  Because of its impressive Forts, monuments and floating Palace it’s often been referred to as the Paris of India.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jaipur is that it was India’s first planned city when it was formed by Sawai Jai Singh.   Jaipur, known by many as the Pink City, has distinctly coloured buildings that were designed to resemble the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities.  When the Prince of Wales visited back in 1876 a fresh coating was plastered over the buildings to mark the occasion.

For those backpacking in India, Jaipur is a destination I recommend highly.  It’s a fascinating city, but even more importantly, it serves as ideal launching pad to explore the rest of Rajasthan.  The following photo essay offer a small sample from my journey back in 2010:

A monkey leaps along the outside of this fort wall.  I was sure glad I brought my telephoto lens along with me.

A monkey leaps along the outside of this fort wall.  I was sure glad I brought my telephoto lens along with me.

Some Indian men perform an animated song to the delight of those watching.

Some Indian men perform an animated song to the delight of those watching.

A snake charmer performs a mesmerizing song just outside of the Fort.

A snake charmer performs a mesmerizing song just outside of the Fort.

A couple pose at this Fort with a wonderfully scenic backdrop in the distance.

A couple pose at this Fort with a wonderfully scenic backdrop in the distance.

This imposing tree stood tall in this Fort that I visited.

This imposing tree stood tall in this Fort that I visited during my stay in the Pink City.

This is a shot of the Floating Palace (aka Jal Mahal or Water Palace) - Jaipur, India

This is a shot of the Floating Palace (aka Jal Mahal or Water Palace) – Jaipur, India

A man sits outside on the ledge with has basket of crispy flat-bread - Jaipur, India

A man sits outside on the ledge with has basket of crispy flat-bread – Jaipur, India

An Indian man with a distinct face and headdress posers at the Fort - Jaipur, India.

An Indian man with a distinct face and headdress posers at the Fort – Jaipur, India.

An India lady strolls down the street in her colourful and distinct red sari.

An India lady strolls down the street in her colourful and distinct red sari.

An overhead perspective shot at night of The Pink City - Jaipur, India.

An overhead perspective shot at night of Jaipur as it shines brightly.

An Indian man demonstrates how he makes elephant dye imprints - Jaipur, India.

An Indian man demonstrates how he makes elephant dye imprints – Jaipur, India.

A group of Indian boys are delighted to see me and pose for a group shot.

A group of Indian boys are delighted to see me and pose for a group shot.

A candid discussion between these two Indian men on the streets of Jaipur, India.

A candid discussion between these two Indian men on the streets of Jaipur, India.

Some various forms of pottery and trinkets on display at the market.

Some various forms of pottery and trinkets on display at the market.

Two Indian boys pose with their goat on the bustling streets of Jaipur, India.

Two Indian boys pose with their goat on the bustling streets of Jaipur, India.

Three wise men sit down to share a conversation.

Three wise men sit down to share a conversation.

A man hauls and enormous load of tires on the back of his rickshaw.

A man hauls and enormous load of tires on the back of his rickshaw.

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{ 90 comments… read them below or add one }

Wends of Journeys and Travels November 2, 2012 at 4:11 am

I just love gawking at these photos Samuel :) India literally inspires me and I wanna go there, in the nearest future :)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:59 am

Thank you! I sure hope you can go soon. Rajasthan is one of the jewels of India in my mind.
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Venkat Ganesh @ India Backpack Motorbike November 2, 2012 at 4:13 am

Ah yes! Jaipur is indeed a charming city. And the palaces and forts are absolutely gorgeous. I had been there a couple of years back and may ride back again early next year.

Great photos there Samuel!
Cheers
Venky
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:58 am

Thanks Venkat! I hope you get a chance to go back again soon. It’s probably my favorite area I’ve had a chance to visit in India.
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Audrey | That Backpacker November 2, 2012 at 4:16 am

The man with the red turban looks so regal! I love the mustache and ruby earrings. Think you could work that look in India? ;)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:57 am

For sure! We’ll get me looking all regal & classy for my next time in India :P
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Natalie November 2, 2012 at 4:51 am

Can not help wonder about the fate of the goat. Maybe it is just my warped mind. Did you also see the snake being charmed?
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:57 am

That’s a good question Natalie. I honestly don’t know. I did get to see the snake being charmed. It was my first time to ever witness that.
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Jill November 2, 2012 at 6:43 am

We are definitely going there!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:56 am

That’s awesome! Let me know when you do :)
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Laurence November 2, 2012 at 9:15 am

Spectacular shots – love the colours, and the yellow in particular!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:56 am

Thanks mate! I’d love to see how you’d capture the city :)
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Maria November 2, 2012 at 10:56 am

The text is great, that alone paints such a great picture of your experience and what it’s like there but the photos you chose for this one, icing on the cake. Kudos!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:55 am

Thanks Maria :) It’s a place I recommend to others and somewhere I’m dying to revisit.
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Arti November 2, 2012 at 2:09 pm

I go to Jaipur at least once a year as Rajasthan is my hometown :)
Its beautiful as you rightly said :)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:55 am

Wow! You’re lucky to be from such a fascinating part of the world. I can’t wait to go back myself!
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Kerri November 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm

Incredible photos, really gives the place a personality. I love all of them but the photo of two boys with their goat raised an extra wide grin! :-)

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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:54 am

Thanks Kerri,

That’s one of my favorites photos from my Jaipur collection. The goat sure knows how to pose :P
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memographer November 2, 2012 at 4:26 pm

A monkey shot is so classic for Jaipur. Great set of pics!
Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states of India. I am in love with Jodhpur (Blue City).
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:54 am

Thank you!

I also love Jodhpur as well. Jaipur and Jodhpur share a lot similarities in my opinion. Some of the most fun cities I’ve ever tried to negotiate on foot.
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Miruna November 2, 2012 at 4:30 pm

They say an image worth thousands words, but …WOW! Your photos left me speechless. I’m feeling like packing and going there right now. Great job!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:53 am

Wow! Thank you :) That’s the ultimate compliment to any photographer. I hope you do go soon and have a great adventure.
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Michael Figueiredo November 2, 2012 at 5:02 pm

I’ve been fascinated with Jaipur since I first heard about it (only a year ago!). Beautiful photos. The one with the two kids and goat is so cute ;)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:52 am

Thanks Michael, it’s not a city I knew about either until I did more research before coming to Rajasthan.
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Juliann November 2, 2012 at 5:05 pm

Wow. You really transported me there with these photos. They’re gorgeous! They almost don’t seem real. I especially like the one of the monkey racing across the building and the snake charmer working his magic. Truly beautiful pictures.
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:51 am

Thank you Juliann,

I was really lucky with the time with regards to the shot of the monkey. I couldn’t believe the way they were scaling those walls with such a steep vertical drop below.
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Lillie - @WorldLillie November 2, 2012 at 9:44 pm

Ahhhh!!! I’m headed there in December and am now doubly excited!!!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:50 am

That’s cool Lillie! Looking forward to your posts :) I’m planning to be back in India next fall.
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Dr. J. November 2, 2012 at 10:23 pm

Love the pictures that you’ve posted. You’ve really captured the essence of Jaipur. What kind of camera do you use? Is it a digital SLR? I have a small (and cheap!) point and shoot that served me well in Jaipur (http://www.sidewalksafari.com/search/label/Jaipur) but judging from your snaps, you really can do so much more with a nicer camera.

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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:50 am

At the time I used a Sony Alpha A500 and an 18-250 & 50 mm lens. I’ve since updated a bit :) A dSLR is certainly nice to have but it is bulky.
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Andi of My Beautiful Adventures November 2, 2012 at 11:29 pm

Such beautiful shots of one of my favorite cities!!!!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:48 am

Thanks Andi! It’s definitely one of my favorites as well :)
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Salika Jay November 3, 2012 at 5:44 am

You seem to have covered the Pink City well in photos. Love the Floating Palace photo. Beautiful place.
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:47 am

Thank you! The floating palace is incredible. I love the one in Udaipur as well.
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Victor Tribunsky November 3, 2012 at 12:15 pm

The Water Palace is like small Venice:-)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:47 am

It’s almost surreal!
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Angela November 3, 2012 at 5:08 pm

I adored Jaipur too, even though it’s where I got my very first food poisoning :)
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:47 am

Oooh no Angela! I got sick shortly after leaving Jaipur :(
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Jade - OurOyster.com November 5, 2012 at 12:21 am

Beautiful photos as usual!
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:46 am

Thanks Jade :)
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Nomadic Translator November 5, 2012 at 12:30 am

Some of those portraits are worth blowing up into posters! And sell them ;) Gorgeous, my faves are the man with the red turban and the couple — almost looks like you sneaked into a Bollywood set ;)

- Maria Alexandra
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Samuel November 5, 2012 at 4:46 am

Thanks Maria! I was lucky to get some of those shots. I wish people dressed more colourful like that in most parts of the world.
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Shalu Sharma November 5, 2012 at 7:54 am

Great photos of Jaipur. Loose monkeys are common there. The man selling crispy flat bread is good one. Makes me laugh because he’s selling papadums.
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:48 am

Thanks Shalu! The papadums really blends in well with the colors of the scene :)
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Shaun November 5, 2012 at 1:22 pm

Great photos Sam! Really interested in the floating palace now and my fav has to be the goat photobomb!

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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:53 am

hahaha…thanks, animal photo bombs are the best :)
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Addison S November 5, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Love the photo of the three wise men – Jaipur is such an amazing city. Have you been to see a Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir cinema – bizarrely, it was one of the best movie experieneces I had when travelling in India.

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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:16 am

I didn’t get a chance to do that unfortunately. I will definitely be doing that on my next journey there.
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Stephanie - The Travel Chica November 6, 2012 at 12:15 am

That monkey photo is awesome!
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:16 am

Thanks Stephanie, I got luck on that one :)
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Katie @Tripbase November 6, 2012 at 3:49 pm

Wow Samuel your photos are getting better!!

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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:51 am

Thank you Katie,

I totally appreciate the compliment :)
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Joshywashington November 7, 2012 at 2:08 am

Damn Sam – these are some gorgeous shots!

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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:51 am

Thanks Josh! Such a gorgeous place to visit. Would love to see you film there.
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Mary @Green Global Travel November 8, 2012 at 8:36 pm

Great photos! They really tell a story!
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:50 am

Thanks Mary!
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Michael Hodson November 9, 2012 at 11:29 am

Really lovely photography here, Samuel. Well done telling a story with your camera.
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:49 am

Thanks Michael! One of my favorite spots in India. I’m hoping to return there next year.
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Amer November 9, 2012 at 10:19 pm

Incredible photos again Sam! Though I’m gutted to have missed Jaipur on my last visit.
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:22 am

Thanks Amer! Hope you’ll get a chance to go on the next trip :)
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Jarmo November 10, 2012 at 1:18 pm

Great photos! Love the photo with the goat :)
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:23 am

Thanks Jarmo, it’s pretty hilarious :)
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Priyank November 10, 2012 at 10:51 pm

Hey Samuel! Nice photo essay! I’ve never been to Rajasthan (okay once when I was 3) but its mystical image has always attracted me. I love the gypsy music and desert stories in particular. :)
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:27 am

Thanks Priyank, I was fortunate enough to experience both the gypsy music and desert stories. I hope you’ll get a chance to visit soon.
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Maddy @ I'm Not Home November 12, 2012 at 6:31 am

That monkey shot is golden! So you’ll go back to India again one day? Me too… :)
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:28 am

Absolutely, hopefully as soon as next year!
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David @ That Gay Backpacker November 12, 2012 at 10:24 pm

Wowzers. Some brillz pics. I especially love the pic of the boys and the goat, and of the man with the flatbreads.

I’ve only been to Kerala, but there were goats everywhere there too!
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:28 am

Thanks David, I’ve never been to Kerala. Hoping to head there next year :)
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Eloise @ Am I Nearly There Yet? November 15, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Really enjoyed these photos! Stu and I are in Jaipur now and are looking forward to exploring tomorrow. Anywhere we shouldn’t miss? Thanks!
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Turtle November 15, 2012 at 11:53 pm

Beautiful shots! I love the one with the goat photobombing the two boys!! :)
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 5:01 am

Thanks, definitely one of my favs as well :)
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Jennifer November 17, 2012 at 6:06 am

Nice photos, I enjoyed Jaipur, but my favourite city in Rajasthan is Jodhpur, have you been? The fort there is amazing.
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:55 am

I sure have been there! I loved climbing up to the Fort and looking down upon the blue buildings.
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The Orange Backpack November 19, 2012 at 7:37 am

Oh my god what is that song on the promo video??? I know it from somewhere!

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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:54 am

LOL, that song is definitely familiar but I can’t remember the name either! Some 80′s song.
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The Orange Backpack December 22, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Just saw your reply and I went back and shazammed the song on my phone. It’s Walk of Life – Sultan of Strings. lol
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BlogDaz November 21, 2012 at 3:17 am

I feel like I’m repeating myself every time I comment on your blog Sam, but every time I visit the effect is the same, you always manage to grace your posts with amazing photos and well written informative text, to be honest I want to visit every place you write about.
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Samuel November 21, 2012 at 4:55 am

Thanks so much for saying that :) Probably the ultimate compliment a blogger could receive.
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Andrew November 24, 2012 at 4:05 pm

India always seems to be totally overwhelming. Even your pictures do not change that impression, but they are neat. I definitely like the Water Palace and the picture of the pots. The beauty of ordinary things is cool.
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Amresh Kumar November 27, 2012 at 7:42 am

Wow really cool place and Jaipur is indeed a charming city, palaces and forts are absolutely gorgeous. and you have taken wonderful photography :)

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Samuel December 10, 2012 at 5:27 am

Thanks Amresh, it most certainly is a charming city. I can’t wait to go back soon! :)

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Reena @ Wanderplex December 6, 2012 at 6:38 pm

Great pics! I went there years and years ago and agree, it really is beautiful. Would be curious to go back and see if/how the city’s changed.
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Samuel December 10, 2012 at 5:30 am

That would be fascinating for you to find out!

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Chanel @ LaViajeraMorena December 9, 2012 at 8:48 pm

I cannot wait for my trip to Jaipur in March!
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Samuel December 10, 2012 at 5:29 am

That’s fantastic! I should be a wonderful adventure :)

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Adventure Strong December 30, 2012 at 1:18 am

I really love that photo of the monkey. Did you get a chance to visit the floating palace or is it closed to tourists?
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Tess January 6, 2013 at 7:54 pm

I found your post through another blog. Great photos! I am taking a tour of Rajastan in March but unfortunately, it does not visit Jaipur. :( Would you suggest going there on our own? How long did the train from Delhi take?

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Bino / Frameless World January 15, 2013 at 4:03 pm

While I was in Jaipur, I was surprised that there are a lot of Langur roaming around the city. Pink City of Japiur along with Blue City of Jodhpur are definitely must visit when in Rajhastan. Nice set of photos you have here Sam. :)
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Samuel January 19, 2013 at 2:15 am

Thanks Bino, I agree with you about Jodhpur as well. Those were my two favourite cities in Rajhasthan for roaming around.

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Lori May 11, 2013 at 11:47 am

I must say this is an impressive photo essay. I only discovered it today, but I am glad I did. It is a part of the world I didn’t see (yet) live, only through others eyes and photos.

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