We arrive in Jaipur City limits in the late afternoon, through the impressive east gate entrance, us and a giant traffic jam is squeezing through the narrow roads.

The sun casts long shadows over the carved stone gate. Jaipur sits at the foot hills of a curved mountain range with a wide open expanse to the south. On the mountain range to the left we can see the Palace of the Winds, carved centuries ago. As we look up we are able to see the outline of the carved Palace of the Winds, perched on top of the rocks surrounding the narrow entry to the East Gate.

Close up of Palace of the Winds above Jaipur

The bustling city in the late afternoon is a mix of modern building squeezed into space of old architecture with oasis of parks in the middle.

Inside the old Pink City lots of restauration works are under way, amidst busy market arcades. It almost looks like a film set with just facades, but it is the real thing.

Our hotel in Jaipur is a mini Maharaja palace, the Umaid Bahwan, an oasis of calm with the patter of water from the fountain in the interior courtyard.

A large golden door glistens in the light. Typical Rajastani flower pattern are painted on the walls and over the door ways. The fountain is right outside our room.

The Golden Door at Umaid Bahwan Hotel. The sound of the water is very calming.

more information: www.umaidbhawan.com