the amer palace near jaipur, rajasthan is the epitome of opulence. the entire palace is one huge display of immense luxury. from a distance the commanding structure structure appears as an impressive impenetrable and majestic fort. inside the atmosphere changes into a royal residence of unimaginable riches. every surface- floors walls and ceilings are lavishly gilded and sumptuously sparkling. adorned bedecked and embellished with the finest intricate artwork- carvings and paintings stone and mirrors. so i was feeling right at home touring room after room of ornate magnificence. especially when all of a sudden, as if it had been there from the start 400 years ago, there it was-
my own reflection right there on the wall for all to see and i didn't look a day over 50.
the public bus trip back to jaipur city, although crowded was reasonably priced. fortunately the bus route passes sagar lake with the "floating" jal mahal palace. so we got down when the bus stopped there. in reality the comparatively simple standard of this palace suits me better than the unsurpassed splendor of the amer palace. i mean it was amazing and everything but it was a bit over the top even for me. much better with this cozy serene cottage with the ambience of the lake and the mountain backdrop. the only minus here is that sagar lake itself is fairly insignificant from a spiritual perspective.
pushkar lake is far superior in that regard. surrounded by 500 temples, including the world's only brahma temple as well as 52 ghats this is the lake for a sacred bath. if you manage to take a dip on the day of the full moon in the month of kartik, well let's just say you'll be doing better than okay regarding karma. you won't be alone though.
and social distancing will be relegated back to where it belongs-
totally nonexistent.