Checked out and got our way to the train station which was already packed with auto rickshaws honking away and people all rushing to the platforms. We got to platform 2 and waited for our train 2015. About 5 mins later it arrived and we got in to coach C8 and sat at seats 24 & 25 and waited for the departure. About 0615hrs the train departed the station.. We didn’t know that this train did serve diy tea with a small thermos flask of hot water and cookies and later on serve bread and some potato croquettes as we called it. They even provide a bottle of drinking water. Whoa this is a first, but we guess that is why the train tickets is quite expensive.. Rp415/pax which is about SGD12.60 for 303km… But I guess still considered cheap if compared to Singapore.
The train arrived at Jaipur Junction station at about 1130hrs which was supposed to arrive at 1030hrs. As normal Indian timing.. We got out of the station and headed straight to the Auto Rickshaw prepaid counter to get a rickshaw to MI road which is the area where most of the guesthouse are as stated on LP.. And it only costs Rp30, this is the cheapest auto rickshaw ride so far in India.
As normal a guy approached us and even followed us on the rickshaw ride to persuade us to go to the hotel that he is suggesting. We insisted that we go to the Hotel Pearl Palace as recommended on LP and he did ask the rickshaw driver to bring us there. We got down to check on the room and price but they only have non-ac room which costs Rp650 = SGD20 which we thought was quite expensive.. So we didn’t even see the room and went off.. They guy kept persuading us to go to the one that he is suggesting just to view if we don’t like it we can go.. So we were obligated and also worried that if we go to another hotel and if we don’t want it he might ask us to pay more for the rickshaw ride.
So we went and check out Hotel Vaishnavi Guest House, Ramli went and checked while I keep a look out on our bags which is still on the auto rickshaw. He came back and told me the room is clean and costs Rp900/night = SGD28 for a AC room. I was shocked at first as it is quite expensive but he said is just for one night so we took it.. But later did I find out that the room was actually Rp750… He said the price wrongly to me in mandarin as Rp900.. Heheh I guess he still needs to improve on his mandarin.
View of old city
at the Observatory
After checking in we headed out to explore the Old City = Pink City to see the sights.. Got a auto rickshaw and in the end agreed to let him bring us for some city sight seeing for Rp200. First we went to a viewing tower Isarlaat at 145m tall and able to view the entire old city and the nearby forts on the hills nearby. Next was to the City palace which is still occupied by the Maharajah and family.. Nothing much amazing about this place .. Next is the observatory… Hmmm we just went in and got out within 20mins.. The structures were all built to see the stars, future blab la which we don’t understand … hehe
Then next was lunch..
The palace
After went to another mini palace that was said to resemble Taj Mahal, Gatore Kii Chatriyan. Ermm but is nothing like the Taj but the hand carvings on the marbles are very intricate.. Left and headed to a textile factory which we were very obligated to go… Bought nothing and left. After to the water Palace which wasn’t as fascinating .. They had camel and elephant rides here… the camels and elephants are all decorated with colorful accessories..
At the mini Taj
The family that wanted to take a pic with us...
Than the driver wanted to bring us to the Gem factory which we insisted we didn’t want to go. He didn’t have any choice so sent us back to the hotel. We rested and had dinner at the roof top restaurant. We went up just in time to see a local puppet show going on …Was nice and windy at the roof.. Finished our dinner and headed back to the room to enjoy the aircon and rested for the night..
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