Horseback Riding Vacation in India (Day 14)
Day 14 – We took the early morning train for Jaipur and arrived at the comfortable Raj Palace Hotel (still owned by the royal family) for lunch before visiting the city in the afternoon. This walled city is known as the “Pink City” because of the beautiful red stone used for many of its largest buildings. Houses with red lattice stonework line many of the streets and the effect is very striking, especially at sunset. Rugged hills surround the town and many of them are crowned by fortresses used to help protect the city against attack. The town contains many noteworthy sites including the Maharaja’s palace with its gardens and museum. Jaipur’s craftsmen are renowned for their gem stones, brass inlay work, lacquer work and printing on muslin among many other accomplishments.
I must confess that at this point I am starting to miss my horse and the activity of riding which I love so much. Sitting in a bus and wandering around like any tourist only goes so far with me. The exercise and excitement which come from travel on horseback with some sight seeing mixed in is the ideal combination. Travel on horseback off the beaten tourist path is how I like to spend most of my time and it is the best way to see the true heart of the country.