Our trusty Rough Guide to India led us to Galta, or also called the “Monkey Palace” on the outskirts of Jaipur. I’m not sure our driver would have taken us had it not been recommend by a couple other travelers. Built into the sides of a rocky ravine around a fresh water spring is an old temple. At some point the monkeys overtook the buildings and made it their home.
In order to get to Galta, we first had to walk up and over Surya Mandir- a temple perched upon a high ridge overlooking Jaipur.
The spring wasn’t meant to be a ghat, but several people took the opportunity to cool off from the Rajasthan heat. Shortly after the pool party got started several tourist police showed up and aggressively throw the swimmers out.
Monkeys were visible everywhere. Some escaped the afternoon heat for shade within the spring house. Others dipped in and out of the murky green water. Looking closer several families of monkeys were hiding within the cliffs above.
The monkeys were not at all shy. Some seemed to be posing for the camera. While others just went about their business like we weren’t even there. When I think about it India had lots of animals living closely near humans, both going about their business. I guess in a country with over a billion people everyone creature has to find a way to get along.
We would later see lots of monkeys in various places on our trip, but the Monkey Palace was by far one of the most unique. It was certainly fun seeing them take refuge in such a neat location.
1 comment:
Are all these monkey's living in this palace? Amazing!
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