Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi, India

Another weekend, another historical monument to be seen. This time it was Humayan's tomb, Delhi.

Janta Manta, Observatory, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Jantar Mantar monument in Jaipur, Rajasthan is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, and completed in 1734. It features the world's largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Amber Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Our visit to the Amber Palace, Jaipur was incredibility hot! The kids had spent the morning swimming in the hotel pool, so by the time we reached the Amber Palace they were tired, hot and hungry! Not the greatest combination for standing around listening to our guide explain the history of the palace. But as with everything we see here in India, the decoration was elaborate and aging beautifully. 

City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur is the present-day capital of the state of Rajasthan, and until 1949 the City Palace was the ceremonial and administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

Its beauty is immense through the use of glass work, silver work and colour. The four doors representing the four seasons set in the main courtyard are exquisite.

Chai tea

Our friend, Amy came round and taught us how to make Chai tea. 

We used...ginger, cinnamon bark, cardamom, cloves, tea leaves and milk.

Dharampura Haveli, Old Delhi

Our opportunity came, to explore Old Delhi without the kids. Willmer and Lyn offered to take the kids home after our visit to the Rail Museum so that M and I could go into Old Delhi, explore and have dinner at the beautifully restored Dharampura Haveli.

The Haveli is set in the narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. It lives amongst the residences and small shops which this area is famous for. It dates back to 1887 and its design reflects the Mughal period. A Haveli is a multi storey townhouse set around a courtyard. It is visible from the busy and noisy street by a simple door which opens up to a peaceful courtyard beyond. From its rooftop we were able to see across the roof tops of Delhi towards the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid.

The narrow streets below where we entered the Haveli.

 The Haveli courtyard viewed from the rooftop.

Traditional dancing as entertainment.

Craft Museum, New Delhi

The craft museum, New Delhi is good museum to visit with kids as it is a safe space for kids to run and there were no dogs. The day we visited it had Handicrafts for sale. It has one of the best restaurants for lunch which we have experienced, both in taste and atmosphere... But a little tip is to book your table before you go round the museum as it gets really busy.

Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Our hotel in Jaipur, the Oberoi Rajvilas was amazing. The staff loved the kids, the pool was warm(!), stunning peacocks everywhere and they even brought out two elephants to wave us goodbye.

Ranthambore, Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India

Our expectations were fairly low as we set out at 6am this morning in search of wild tigers. We enjoyed the bumpy jeep ride through the town and into the reserve. Mj noted that he felt like he was on the 'thunder mountain' ride at Eurodisney. Our family friendly female guide kept her binoculars to hand and in what seemed like no time at all, she had made a sighting and we were bouncing along even more vigorously as we raced towards the tigers.
We had an incredible view as two tigers moved around slowly, stretching, resting and even had a play together. Lj particularly enjoyed it all.
The early start and the bumpy ride made it all quite exhausting but we can't believe we actually got to see them.

Our lift operator

We have been travelling up and down in this lift everyday for over three months and still this boy gets excited to press the buttons every time.

Step well, Chand Baori, Rajasthan

A quick stop off to stretch our legs at Chand Baori Step well. Quite a beautiful feat of engineering to get fresh water.

Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan, India

As we had such great sightings of the tigers yesterday, our hotel advised we take a trip to see the Fort today instead of another safari.

 Just an elephant on the main road... Must have been popping into town for some milk.

Kite flying, Delhi

As we enjoyed a drink on the rooftop of Dharampuri Haveli we watched the boys on the rooftops across the city fly their kites.

Alwar, Rajastan, India

On our long drive south to the Ranthambore National park M planned some stops to break the journey. The Alwar Palace and museum is a little gem hidden deep within the old town. What a find!