The much needed break

My sincerest apologies for taking so long to write this post but finally after a long gap I was able to treat myself to a vacation, although a short one, to the pink city Jaipur. A stark contrast to my first love that is gardening and green, Jaipur is situated in the desert state of Rajasthan but Jaipur as an exception had some flora I hadn't come across before. Magnificent and opulent, the city of Jaipur was a feast to the eyes. I could not help but wonder at the kind of lavish lives led by the erstwhile rajas and maharajas. Huge palaces on the top of hills presented an awe inspiring view despite the blazing sun (It was 37 degree Celsius!). Entering Jaipur city, I was greeted with the sight of the huge yet beautiful gate, an apt reflection of the architectural megaliths, on its other side, awaiting my visual senses. My trip started at the so called ‘City Palace’ the abode of descendants of the Raja of Jaipur. The Peacock Gate took my breath away (can only dream of one at my entrance!).A 15 Km drive away from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur took us to ‘Amber Palace’ perched atop the Aravali mountains and a standing proof of the architectural abilities of people of those times. That’s the gate of Amber Palace, splendor in abundance intricately decorated with vegetable dyes! (Imagine the eco-sensitivity of those times) That’s the famous Hawa-Mahal, a façade, constructed for the royal females to watch the various processions passing by the city, without being seen themselves. I feel, despite the lavish and luxury, women got a raw deal in those times. To be pushed behind a façade for avoiding exposure to males is so demeaning.