We decided to rent a scooter, so it would be easier to move around in Jaipur. But also to be able to reach this – very much appealing to our imagination, called – Monkey Temple.
On the way to the Sita Ram ji Temple, where the monkeys like to hang out
What makes this Hindu temple special, is the fact that it’s built around a natural spring. The water of this spring is drained into 7 large, pools in the complex. These pools – or kunds – are used as sacred baths by pilgrims (to wash away the sins).
And it it also seems to happen that, when it’s more quite, a monkey takes such a bath..
The chances of seeing a monkey bathing are big, because this Galtaji temple, located in the hills 10 kilometers outside of Jaipur, is famous for the big colony of monkeys – over 200! living there.
Apparently both macaques (with the brown fur and the red butts) and langurs (the bigger, and in general more friendly, black faced monkeys) live in the area.
When we visited the Sita Ram ji Temple, we mainly saw the macaques at the complex. And the langurs were taking more distance, up the hill.
A cow at the Galtaji complex checking out one of the temples
We were already warned before our visit: the monkeys are completely not people shy. So better to put all our (eatable) belongings away before entering, or otherwise you might get attacked.
And with these stories in the back of our head, it felt a bit like a challenge to safely go pass the monkeys and enjoy the beauty of the place. But this – to put it positively 😉 – excitement ofcourse also added a lot to the experience of the place!
The end score: one monkey in Rudolph’s neck, no injuries and beautiful pictures of the pilgrimage site at dusk.
Trivia about the temple and her monkeys:
- According to the legend the biggest of the 7 pools, called Galta Kund, has never run dry.
- Galta Kund is also the deepest pool and during Hindu festivals some pilgrims seem to be brave enough to jump into this bath from the surrounding cliffs.
- Over 200 monkeys live at the temple complex, with groups of 4 females to every macaque male.
- Putting your hands in your pockets might not be the smartest move, since it can indicate for the monkeys that there’s something interesting (and tasty) in there for them..
- Despite the big monkey population, the temple is not dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god, but to Ganesha, the elephant god.
(source: http://www.jaipur-travel-guide.com)
Galta Ji, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031, India
Breuhuys 
One Reply to “”