Nestling in a steep-sided valley 3km east of Jaipur, Galta comprises a picturesque collection of 250-year-old temples squeezed into a narrow rocky ravine. Galta owes its sacred status in large part to a freshwater spring that seeps constantly through the rocks in the otherwise dry valley, keeping two tanks full. Surreally, these ponds are now the domain of more than five thousand macaque monkeys, which have earned Galta its nickname of the “Monkey Palace”. For many tourists the sight of the splashing monkeys outstrips the attraction of the temples themselves, though the assorted shrines, dedicated variously to Krishna, Rama and Hanuman, are attractively atmospheric. It’s also worth walking up to the spectacularly situated Surya Mandir, perched above the tanks on the ridgetop, which boasts dramatic views of the city below.
Book through Rough Guides’ trusted travel partners
Get your dream travel planned & booked by local travel experts
At Rough Guides, we understand that experienced travellers want to get truly off-the-beaten-track. That’s why we’ve partnered with local experts to help you plan and book tailor-made trips that are packed with personality and stimulating adventure - at all levels of comfort. If you love planning, but find arranging the logistics exhausting, you’re in the right place.
In-depth, easy-to-use guides filled with expert advice.
The latest articles, galleries, quizzes and videos.
Hyderabad is one of two capitals in southern India’s Andhra Padesh and Telangana state, twinned with Secunderabad. It’s an old city – founded in 1591 – …
Whether you want a fly and flop romantic beach break, or more of an active adventure, India is the honeymoon destination that truly has it all. There’s no bet…
India is a place that defies description. At over 3.2 million sq km it's one of the biggest countries in the world, one with a wildly varied landscape. For fir…
