As we continue watching the Amazing Race we find ourselves traveling vicariously through these stunning (albeit sometimes strange) individuals. Suffice to say, I was a little more jealous than usual when I found out that the contestants in Season 14’s Episode 6 were about to make their way to India.

Image Credit:dmd

What a spectacular opportunity. It’s a shame most of them won’t have enough time to kick back and explore before heading on to the next leg of the race. India is such a culturally diverse country and the opportunity to spend a day, let alone a week or more, is an experience no one should take for granted.

During this episode the travelers spent most of their time in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, in India. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City because of the pink sandstone buildings in the older sections, sits on some of the most beautiful landscape in India and is surrounded by the Aravali Hills. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible attractions our contestants missed out on.

Jaigarh Fort

Towards the center of Jaipur you’ll find the military site known as Jaigarh Fort. This fort is one of three found in the city and was once the home of the royal treasury. Today you’ll find a series of enormous water tanks that are used to capture and store rainwater that runs down from Nahargarh.

Image Credit:Grey cells

At the center of the fort itself you’ll find a rather large population of monkeys. Some visitors find them amusing while others (likely the locals) find them to be incredibly annoying. While you’re there, be sure to check out the largest wheeled cannon in the world and visit the watchtower for amazing views of the city.

Albert Hall Museum

Image Credit: Justin Gaurav Murgai

The Albert Hall Museum is one of those places you want to visit not necessarily for the contents but for the architecture of the building itself. Built in the late 19^th century, the museum itself is an incredible work of Indo-Saracenic art.

Image Credit: xiquinhosilva

Inside the museum you’ll find a rather large collection of folk art, paintings, and exhibits that aim to explain Indian culture. Sadly, the museum and its collections are not well maintained and you’ll feel as though you’re walking through an unorganized maze of artifacts and artwork.

Hawa Mahal

Image Credit:benjamin_b

Hawa Mahal is one of the most photographed castles in all of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is also known as the Palace of Winds. The pink sandstone building is only as wide as one room and stands five stories high.

Image Credit:RussBowling

Originally the building was designed so that the royal ladies could catch a breath of fresh air and people-watch without drawing attention to themselves. With over 1,000 screened windows, the unique design of the building allowed the breeze to pass through and naturally cool the entire structure.

Apno Gaon

Apno Gaon is a village-style museum designed to allow visitors to experience what life is like in the smaller villages without actually forcing them to leave the main city. Within the simulated village you’ll find musical performances, live arts performances, and a number of other activities.

Image Credit:Magitisa

The food here is spectacular as well, making this an excellent place to visit if you’d like to try some traditional Indian fare. Most meals include locally grown vegetables and fresh milk products. You will, however, have to sit on the ground and you will enjoy your meal by eating with your hands. The village is open from 11am until 11pm each day, but tends to be more enjoyable in the evening.

Jawahar Kala Kendra

Jawahar Kala Kendra is one of the most well known performance venues in all of Jaipur. The center was actually created by the government of the state of Jaipur in order to ensure there would be a place for individuals of all ages and walks of life to experience folk traditions and cultural ceremonies.

Image Credit:Meanest Indian

It’s important to remember that there is more to life than traffic and chaos, so holding traditional folk lore close is important to the people of Jaipur. You may opt to visit for a scheduled event or simply drop by and meet some of the exhibitors and performers.

Where to Stay in Jaipur

There are, of course, plenty of modern hotels for you to choose from in Jaipur. One of the most popular is the five-star Raj Palace Jaipur, located in the city itself. Also located in the city center are the Hotel Amer View Jaipur, Jaipur Inn Jaipur, and the Hotel Sarang Palace Jaipur – each of which is also beautiful and accommodating.

Image Credit: pl?dys

Take advantage of any opportunity you have to visit India and, specifically, Jaipur. There are dozens of other incredible attractions to visit and explore. This is a city you’ll regret only having time to pass through.