Last glimpse of Jaipur.....

We began our last day in Jaipur with a leisurely breakfast in the rooftop restaurant at our hotel.

The buffet offered cereals, papaya, omelettes and toast as well as a selection of Indian food including parathas.

Guests were from many different countries.  I am not sure where this guy came from.

While some of us chose to stay and enjoy the art, architecture and ambiance of the hotel until departure time

one of us was beckoned back to bargain for bangles!

This was the scene as we came down the stairs to our floor.

I just assumed that in the hotel name, Umaid Bhawan, Umaid had something to do with the maid service.  Then I spotted this photo among the many historical photos in the hallway.  Umaid was actually a Maharaja! 

This was one of my favourite paintings.

We all got quite attached to elephants while in Jaipur.  We did see a few on the streets though the camels are the animal of choice for pulling carts.

Our hotel, like many locations around the city, honoured the Hindu gods.  We saw nothing of the Sikh religion which is very different from Chandigarh.

We would definitely recommend a stay at the Umaid Bhawan!

One last famous site in Jaipur that must be mentioned is Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds.  This was built in 1799 and is simply a structure from which the royal ladies could view the activities going on in the street.  Of course they were not to be seen so sat behind latticework.  We didn't go inside but I understand that the building is designed so that gentle breezes flow through all rooms.

By the time we reached the Jaipur Airport, we were finished with snapping photos!  So, this was taken at the Chandigarh Airport on our way to Jaipur.  Both airports are new, modern structures.  I was surprised at the lack of air traffic in Jaipur.  It is a huge, busy city that attracts tourists.  They must travel by train and bus.
Our flight to Chandigarh was a bumpy one hour and ten minutes, unlike the smooth ride we had on the way down.
For the benefit of my aircraft-loving brother who will ask for sure, the plane was a turboprop, 68 seater ATR 72-500.