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| The Tuk Tuk is a way of life in India - a sturdy three-wheeled vehicle used by both tourists and locals |
If you've seen the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, there are several particularly poignant moments during the movie - not least the scenes on the bus at the beginning, where the driver overtakes into oncoming traffic; the vibrant colours throughout; many chaotic traffic scenes; and tuk tuk rides - the inimitable form of three-wheeler Indian transport that carries a maximum of four tourists, but up to 20 locals!
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| View from Kanak Ghati gardens, on the outskirts of Jaipur |
Filmed mostly in Rajasthan's beloved "Pink City" - Jaipur - it is the story of a group of English pensioners seeking a new life overseas and their various escapades on arrival at a hotel that doesn't quite live up to the brochure description! How often has that happened to any of us who travel? Jaipur is certainly becoming one of India's most sophisticated cities and draws tourists like magnets to its attractions, which include Amber Fort, the City Palace complex and some wonderful gardens.
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| Sisodia Rana ka Bagh (Sisodia Garden), a terraced garden en route to Amber Fort |
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| Sculpture maidens at Kanak Ghati |
En route to Amber there are three gardens, which afford tired travellers the chance to catch their breath after the hustle and bustle of the city, with its tourist touts and elephant mahoots, who are particularly vociferous. There's Kanak Bagh and Kanak Ghati on the shores of the lake known as Man Sagar, which overlooks the Water Palace, destined to be a hotel, but which has problems getting the necessary permission for change of usage, so now sits empty in the middle of the lake.
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| Kanak Bagh, on the shores of Man Sagar, just six kilometres from Jaipur city centre |
You'll also find the delightful terraced Sisodia Garden (Sisodia Rana ka Bagh) built in 1728 by Maharaja jai Singh for his queen - Sisodia - who came from Udaipur. All offer a leafy break from the frenetic pace of the Pink City and all are accessible by three wheeler if you fancy the ride!
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| Orderly tuk tuks in Rajasthan |
That movie sounds intriguing; I wrote down the title. Thanks for this glimpse in to the Pink City.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of a different life. Thank you again for views from around the world.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
Oh it looks like a part of the Great Wall. I didn't know the tricycle, as we call it here in the Philippines, is also called tuktuk in India. I thought tuktuk is a Thai term. I've seen some lovely tuktuk also in Chennai and Ooty. I am collecting photos of different tuktuk designs from different countries, and they are lovely. But the most number of passengers was in Siem Reap, Cambodia!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are visiting at a very beautiful time of year. I've heard about that movie--I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the glimpses into one of the most fascinating parts of the world!
ReplyDeleteSounds like nice movie. Lovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteBR
/Annika
Fantastic photos, thanks for sharing!
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