GALTAJI JAIPUR
An Ancient and Pre-historic Hindu Pilgrimage in Jaipur !!
GALTAJI JAIPUR
Hindu Temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Galtaji Temple, Jaipur A pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site, the Galtaji Temple, is located only 10km away from Jaipur. One of the jewels of Jaipur, the temple complex encompasses natural freshwater springs and 7 holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks. Among these kunds, the ‘Galta Kund’, is the holiest one and is believed to never get dry. Located on the outskirts of the regal city of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site. Outlined by the striking Aravalli hills, it consists of several shrines, holy kunds, pavilions, and natural springs. This majestic temple is situated at the heart of a hilly terrain that is bounded by a beautiful gorge that attracts tourists here every year. Galtaji Temple was built using pink color sandstone and is a vast temple complex housing varied shrines. Located inside the City Palace, the walls of this temple are beautifully adorned with carvings and paintings that make this place worth visiting. The Galtaji temple is unique in its architecture and has been constructed like a palace.
It is situated in the Aravalli hills and is bound by thick plush trees and bushes. This remarkable building is decorated with painted walls, round roofs, and pillars. Apart from the kunds, this pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage place also has temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman within the temple. One of the main tourist destinations of Jaipur, the temple complex boasts of natural freshwater springs and seven holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks. Among these kunds, the ‘Galta Kund’, is the holiest one and is believed never to get dry. Pure and clear water flows from the ‘Gaumukh’, a rock shaped like a cow’s head, into the tanks. This spectacular temple is designed to look more like a grand palace or ‘haveli’ than a traditional temple. The Galta Monkey Temple has a scenic and gorgeous landscape featuring rich green vegetation and has a spectacular sight of Jaipur city. This temple is known for the many tribes of monkeys that are found here and the religious hymns and chants, along with the natural setting, offer a peaceful ambiance to tourists. Regarded as a highly sacred pilgrimage with great historical significance, the Galta Ji Temple lies 10 kilometers to the east of Jaipur city. The temple complex is a cluster of several temples, Galta Ji being the main temple. The temples are built within a narrow crevice of a mountain pass in the Aravalli hills.
The temple complex has several sacred tanks that are locally called Kunds and are used by pilgrims for bathing and thereby washing away their sins. The kunds are filled by the means of a natural spring that emerges high on the hills and makes its way downward, filling all seven sacred kunds. The Galta Kund is considered to be the holiest of all kunds here, and also holds great significance as it is believed to have never dried up to date. Situated at about a distance of 10km from Jaipur in the city of Khania-Balaji, the Galtaji temple is a Hindu pilgrimage often visited by people from all over the country. There are many temples on this site and one of the special attractions of the place is a natural spring that flows downwards from the hilltop. The water from this spring fills up many kunds or water tanks which are considered very sacred and the pilgrims visiting the temple take bathe in this pious water. The temple comprises 7 holy water tanks or kunds out of which the Galta Kund is the most significant of all. The water of this kind is believed to be different from anywhere else which makes it even more fascinating for the visitors to watch.
GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
The temple is often called the Monkey Temple as you will find many apes roaming about here within the complex. This famous temple of Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is also called the Sun God. This wonderful holy temple of the Hindus is made of pink sandstone and the temple appears more like a palace than a place of worship. As the temple is located on the Aravalli Hills, it offers a fantastic view of the city of Jaipur from the hilltop. The surrounding of the temple also creates a lovely landscape with green vegetation on all sides. You will also find small temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna being established within the complex. The walls of the temple are beautifully painted and decorated with carved pillars and rounded roofs. This holy shrine experiences a lot of crowds every year during the occasion of Makar Sakranti when a large number of devotees visit the temple to take a dip in the holy waters of the kund. Placed in the Aravali hills, Galtaji Temple is surrounded by hills. There are many holy kunds (kund- water tank in the earth). It is built of pink sandstone and has marvelous architecture. You will find many paintings and designs on the walls of the temple. The most amazing thing about the temple is “Gaumukh” a stone head of the cow from which all the tanks get water. These tanks have pure and clear water. There are many idols of the Gods of the Hindu religion. You will see the statue of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman there. The architecture of this temple is very different from the other temples in Jaipur. It looks like a Royal Palace-Haveli. This temple has a peaceful ambiance to offer.
Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage about 10 km away from Jaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The site consists of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. Visitors and pilgrims can ascend the crevasse, continuing past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple from there are views of Jaipur and its fortifications spread out across the valley floor. It is believed that a Saint named Galav lived here, practiced meditation, and did penance (Tapasya). Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage in the Indian state of Rajasthan, about 10 km from Jaipur. The site consists of a series of temples built in the ring of hills surrounding Jaipur in a narrow crevice. A natural spring emerges high on the hill and flows downward, filling a series of holy kunds where pilgrims bathe. Visitors and pilgrims can ascend the crevasse, and continue past the highest water pool to a hilltop temple from where there are views of Jaipur and its fortifications spread over the valley floor. A Saint named Galav is believed to have lived here, practiced meditation, and did penance (Tapasya).
GALTA GATE JAIPUR
Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site, located on the outskirts of the royal city of Jaipur. It is composed of several shrines, holy kunds, pavilions, and natural springs, outlined by the striking Aravalli hills. This majestic temple is located in the heart of a hilly terrain bounded by a beautiful gorge that attracts visitors here every year. Galtaji Temple was built with pink sandstone color and is a vast temple complex that houses varied shrines. The walls of this temple, inside the City Palace, are beautifully decorated with carvings and paintings that make this place worth visiting. The temple of Galtaji is unique in its architecture and was built like a palace. It is located in the hills of Aravalli and is bordered by thick plum trees and bushes. This remarkable building has painted walls, round roofs, and pillars to decorate it. Apart from the kunds, there are temples of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman within the temple in this pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage place too. One of Jaipur’s main tourist destinations, the temple complex boasts natural freshwater springs and seven sacred ‘kunds’ or water tanks. The ‘Galta Kund’ is the holiest of these kunds and is believed never to get dry. From the ‘Gaumukh,’ a rock formed like the head of a cow, pure and clear water flows into the tanks. This spectacular temple looks more like a grand palace or haveli than a traditional temple. The Galta Monkey Temple has a beautiful scenic landscape with rich green vegetation and a spectacular view of Jaipur town. This temple is known for the many monk tribes found here, as well as for the religious hymns and chants and the natural setting. Galta Ji is a very famous temple and a highly-regarded pilgrimage for the Hindus. This beautiful temple built out of pink rocks and wonderfully sculpted by top-notch artisans is one of the best places to visit in the pink city. This temple is known for the positive energy that people feel here, healing and motivating them during their visit here. Set near the sprawling Aravali this temple has seven kunds which are regarded as reservoirs of holy water and are filled by the waterfalls and streams nearby. Galta temple has great historic significance and is one of the most visited places in the pink city. The sculptures and paintings are something that portrays magnificent beauty and captures the essence of the temple. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and is surely the perfect place for any nature lover.
GALTAJI JAIPUR ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Galtaji Jaipur Phone/Mobile/Contact Number/Information:
0141 2680 951
91 97722 26777
Galtaji Jaipur Address: Shri Galta Peetham, Galva Ashrama, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302013, India
Galtaji Jaipur Timings:
- Monday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
HISTORY OF GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
The Galta Ji Temple was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam, who was an attendant at the court of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The temple complex was built in the 18th Century. Even before the temple was built, the place still used to be of utmost importance to the Vaishavites Ramanandis. Many historians have added to the history of Galta Ji stating that way before the 16th Century, many yogis and sadhus (saints) lived here at the site where Galta Ji Temple stands today. The yogis and saints were driven away by the mystical and spiritual powers of a Ramanandi Sadhu by the name Krishnadas Payo Hari. It is said that the Ramanandi Sadhu lived only on a ‘milk only diet’ and was called ‘Payo Bhaksha’ due to which, the word ‘Payo’ was added to his name. As time went by, the site became a center of significant importance for both Ramanandi Hindus and Naga Sadhus. They are also believed to have taken part in many wars. The Galtaji temple was built in the 18th century by Diwan Rao Kriparam who worked as an attendant in the court of Sawai Jai Singh 2.
About the Ramanandis: In medieval India, Saint Ramananda was a follower of the Ramanujacharya sect of Vaishnavism (Hinduism). The Ramnandis consider themselves to be the descendants of Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama. When it comes to composing history and poems, Guru Nabha Dass Ji had composed his famously disputed poem ‘Bhaktamal’ while he was living at Galta Ji. The composition of the poem is largely based on the account of Bhaktas across sectarian paths and hence, is considered an important source for the history of Northern India. It is a part of the literary and devotional history of North India. Another important historical aspect of Galta Ji is that the founding philosophy of the ‘International ISKCON Movement’ started by Swami Prabhupada, was borrowed from ‘Govind Bhashya’ written by Swami Baldeo Vidyabhusan in Galta Ji. The Govind Bhashya is a commentary on Vedanta Sutra and was written in 1718 AD.
Additionally, the most secular Mughal Emperor, Akbar had also visited Galta Ji to seek blessings thereby donating 2592 bighas of land to the head of Galta Ji soon after his wishes were answered. This grant is a historical document that is still preserved at Galta Peeth. Apart from these, another interesting historical fact is that there were many small temples built around the hills that surround the Galta Ji Temple even before the Galta Ji temples were built. These temples today are in ruins but one can still sense the opulence even in their ruins. The Galta Temples were submerged in water during the floods in Jaipur in 1981. However, the swift restoration work got the temples back to their glory very soon. Diwan Rao Kriparam laid the foundation stone of the temple in the 18th century. Kriparam was Diwan in the court of the King Sawai Jai Singh 2. It is believed that Saint Galva after offering so many difficult devotional activities brought the sacred of Gangaji to Shri Galtaji temple and the water from the “Gaumukh” is the holy water of Ganga.
The magnificent pink sandstone structure is said to have been built by Diwan Rao Kriparam who was a Sawai Jai Singh II courtier. Galtaji has been a haven for the puritans belonging to the Ramanadi sect and under the occupation of the Jogis since the early 16th century. Saint Galtav is believed to have spent their whole life at this sacred site, performing Tapasya for hundred years. The gods appeared before him pleased with his devotion and blessed his place of worship with abundant water. The Galtaji Temple was built here to venerate this rishi, and named after him. Legend has it that Tulsidas wrote sections of the Holy Ramcharitra Manas at this spot. Galav has been meditating here for many decades and has been blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex takes its name from the sage. Legend has it that Tulsidas wrote sections of the Holy Ramcharitra Manas at this spot. Galav has been meditating here for many decades and has been blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex takes its name from the sage.
GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR LOCATION/DIRECTION/MAP
LEGEND BEHIND GALTA JI TEMPLE JAIPUR
The Galva Ashram is named after the famous sage, the Holy Saint Galav to pay tribute to the Saint’s devotion. The history and legend of Galta Ji Temple go back to the prehistoric ages of the Satyuga and is related to Saint Galav, who lived at this site and spent thousands of years doing penance through meditation, seeking the truth. It is believed that pleased by the meditation of Saint Galav, the Gods appeared before him and blessed the place with an abundance of water by getting Ganga here at Galta Ji right from Gau- mukh (The Cow’s Mouth).
If the old legends are to be believed, the holy script of ‘Galvashram Mahatmaya’ states that during the Hindu month of ‘Kartik’, on a full moon day, which is also called ‘Kartik Poornima’, the holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Lord Shiva) visit Galta Ji. Hence, taking a dip in the Galta Kund on this day provides the visitor with multi-fold blessings. In a yet another belief, it is said that when completing the religious Hindu pilgrimage of the ‘Char Dham’ (Four sacred places) and ‘SaptPuris’ one needs to come to Galta Ji and take a holy dip in the sacred Galta Kund without which, the pilgrimage is said to remain incomplete. It is also believed that the acclaimed Indian poet, Tulsidas had composed several sections of ‘Sundar Kand’ of Holy Ramcharitmanas here at Galta Ji. He devoted 3 years to spending his time at Galta Ji and writing the Holy book.
ARCHITECTURE OF GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
The architecture of the Galta Ji is typical of a mix of Indian classical and Rajasthani elements as there are beautiful frescoes of Indian mythology paintings along with the canopies or the curvilinear chhatris adorning the roofs of the temples. The windows are designed in typical Rajasthani architecture. The entire temple is built of pink sandstone having pavilions with intricately carved pillars and painted ceilings and walls. The paintings on the ceilings and walls of the temples mostly depict stories from Hinduism and Indian mythology. Out of all the temples in the Galta Ji complex, Shri Gyan Gopal Ji temple & Shri Sitaram Ji temple are constructed in the haveli style. The Shri Sitaram Ji Temple is the biggest among all temples at Galta Ji. As per people’s belief, the idol of Shri Ram Gopal Ji at the Sitaram Ji Temple looks like both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The legend behind the idol being similar to both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna is that Lord Krishna appeared before Tulsidas in the form of Lord Rama and Tulsidas described what he saw. Hence, the semblance.
The Hanuman temple in the complex is famous for its ‘Akahnd Jyoti’ (the eternal lamp), the flame of which has been burning for centuries, since the time the Hanuman idol was consecrated. Many people find this belief a little out of the horizon of belief but some people still believe in such legends. The Shri Gyan Gopal Ji Temple compound houses a school for students and disciples. There is a pretty idol of Lord Krishna inside the Gyan Gopal Ji Temple. There are several small temples inside the Galta Ji complex that stretch from the Galta Gate to Shri Sitaram Ji Temple.
GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR IMAGES/PICTURES/PHOTOS
SHOPPING AT GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
Jaipur is famous for its traditional handicrafts. Lac Work, Meenakari, Metal Work, Marble Work, Paintings, Leather Work, Gemstones, Carpets, Wood Work, Jewellery are popular here and you can shop for these items while you are here. M.I. Road, Johri Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Busy Bazar, etc. are a few of the shopping arcades where you will find typical Jaipuri things you can shop for.
HOW TO REACH GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
Due to its location outside of the city, it is better to go by road from the city. One may rent cabs (Ola, Uber, etc.) or hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw, or e-rickshaw to reach the temple. There are two routes by which the visitors can travel to this temple. The first one is quite easier by which you can hire a taxi or auto and directly reach the temple. The other option is to climb up to Galtaji from the western part of Jaipur. In this way, the tourists get an amazing view of the Sun temple and the other attractions of Jaipur. If someone intends to travel by bus, there are options for both state-run buses as well as deluxe buses. One may also opt for a private cab from top car rental companies in Jaipur and comfortably reach the temple. Galtaji Temple is located in Khania-Balaji town which is around 10 km east of Jaipur.
ALL INFORMATION ABOUT GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
Galtaji Temple is another Historical site to visit in the Pink City, Jaipur. The temple had outlined by the Majestic Aravalli Hills and the proper location is in the laps of hilly terrain. The temple consists of several Shrines, pavilions, natural springs, and Holy Kunds. It is among the Jaipur tourist places which the tourists love. The surrounding of the temple is extremely beautiful and well maintained. The Galtaji Temple is built up of Pink Sandstone. The temple is located inside the complex of City Palace, Jaipur. The walls of the temple have beautifully decorated with paintings and carvings. The temple has a unique architecture and had built like a Palace, hence it is worth visiting. The Galtaji Temple is stunning from both outside and inside. While the location in itself is mesmerizing, surrounded by hills and trees, it looks like a grand palace that is typical in Rajasthan’s royal architecture. Inside the temple complex, wonderful paintings and carvings are giving you an idea of the details that went into its construction.
Capture some lovely moments with your family on a visit to the temple as the mystical location of the temple tempts for amazing photography. Apart from this, there is a close attraction to this temple named the Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh which is a wonderful palace often visited by travelers. You can enjoy the fascinating architecture of the temple. You can visit the Galway Bagh Gate which is one of the marvelous structures of the temple. Hanuman Temple is also visit-worthy because you can see a lot of monkeys there. The temple charges no admission fee from the visitors but you can always donate some amount as per your wish while on a visit to this holy place.
The ideal time to visit the temple would be around dusk when the temple is adorned in golden light and several monkeys are seen playing in the compound of the temple. You also get a panoramic view of Jaipur this time from the top of the hill. As per the month, mid-January would be a perfect time to plan holidays in Jaipur. February-March months and October-December time are the best time to visit this place, as the weather is pleasant during that time. In summers it can get pretty hot and uncomfortable and, therefore, these are best, avoided. During the Makar Sankranti festival in January, the Galtaji Temple is thronged with tourists and pilgrims to take a dip in the kund ‘s holy waters. If you want to witness the fascinating scene of the monkeys flocking toward the temple tank for a bath, it is best to visit the temple during the evening.
The magnificent pink sandstone structure is said to have been built by Diwan Rao Kriparam who was a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II. Since the early 16th century, Galtaji has been a haven for the puritans belonging to the Ramanadi sect and under the occupation of the Jogis. It is believed that Saint Galtav spent all this life at this sacred site, performing Tapasya for a hundred years. Pleased by his devotion, the Gods appeared before him and blessed his place of worship with copious water. To venerate this rishi, the Galtaji Temple was constructed here and named after him. Legend says that sections of the holy Ramcharitra Manas were written at this spot by Tulsidas. Galav is said to have meditated here for many decades and was blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex is named after the sage. Legend says that sections of the holy Ramcharitra Manas were written at this spot by Tulsidas. Galav is said to have meditated here for many decades and was blessed with springs. This is also the reason why the temple complex is named after the sage.
The Galwar Bagh Gate is the main gate at the entrance of the Galta Ji Temple. The prominent gate is a huge structure in pink that houses all temples inside the complex. The other impressive structures or temples to watch out for, inside the complex are the Brahma Temple, The Vishnu Temple, and the Galta Kund. They are all must-visit. The system of appointing Acharyas is followed by the Galta Peeth. Their first Acharya was Payo Hari and is currently headed by its 17th Acharya, Shri Sampatkumaracharya (Avadheshacharya) Ji. Earlier, each of the Acharyas practiced celibacy and never married. However, when the peeth was at its eighth Acharya, the Maharaja of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II insisted on the Acharya to get married since he was to conduct the ‘Ashwamedha Yagna’ which, ideally was incomplete unless the Guru sitting for the yagna sat along with his wife. This would lead the yagna performed by the ruler to be unsuccessful. Ever since then, all Acharyas have been married. Apart from being a temple, the Galta Ji is also considered a holy Ashram which is also the Governing office.
The months of February-March and the time of October-December is the best time to visit this place as the weather is pleasant during that time. It can get pretty hot and uncomfortable in summers and hence, these are best, avoided. The Galtaji Temple is thronged with tourists and pilgrims in January during the Makar Sankranti festival to take a dip in the holy waters of the kund. It is best to visit the temple during the evening if you wish to witness the fascinating scene of the monkeys flocking towards the temple tank for a bath. Best Time To Visit Galta Ji Jaipur: The best time to visit Galta Ji in Jaipur is, between February and March as well as between October and December. The summers of Rajasthan are extremely hot and uncomfortable and are thus not recommended. There are some pretty good hotels around Galtaji Temple, which have good services and facilities and offer a comfortable stay. Hotel Maya International, Cambay Golf Resort, Jaipur Palace Hotel, and Hotel Eurasia are some of the good hotels in the area. The Galtaji Temple is most revered for its natural water springs wherein the water spouts automatically in the temple complex and collects in the tanks. This natural spring never goes dry which astounds visitors and beckons them from all over. Galta Kund is the most sacred kund, out of the seven tanks at the temple complex. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in the holy kund, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti in January.
Galtaji Temple is a specimen of the erstwhile regal life of Rajasthan, with astounding architecture that sweeps you into its fascination. The places for sightseeing at the temple are Galwar Bagh Gate which is a marvelous structure in pink and is suitable for the vast complex inside while Galta Temple is the main temple in the complex. Hanuman Temple is also worth visiting for not only its architecture but also the many monkeys that can be found here. The Brahma Temple, Vishnu temple, and the Galta Kund are eye-catching and should be visited. Apart from the temple, Jaipur has countless monuments, Havelis, forts, and palaces to keep you busy and which must be visited while you are here. These include the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Birla Mandir, and Albert Hall.
TIPS FOR VISITING GALTAJI TEMPLE JAIPUR
- No shoes are allowed inside the temple so it is best to come here in a comfortable pair of slip-on that can be removed and re-worn easily.
- When visiting the Galta temple avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing.
- The temple has many monkeys, and they try to snatch eatables from visitors. Make sure you hide all food products and do not scare the monkeys with camera flashes.
- The temple premises is a little dirty which might be a turn-off for the hygiene-conscious visitors.
- The mobile network connection can be a little weak in this area.
- Beware of the touts who tend to charge you an entry fee at the temple.
- There are touts that roam around the temple complex and try to fool the tourists by asking for entry fees at the Temple. Visitors are recommended not to entertain such touts.
- Since it is a holy place, footwear is not allowed inside the temple hence, it is recommended that the visitors wear inexpensive slip-on that is comfortable to remove and easy to wear back.
- As there are monkeys present all around, it is advisable to not snack in the open and also, not try to flash a camera at the monkeys since this would scare them.
- Being a place of religious importance, it is advised for visitors to avoid wearing too revealing clothes when visiting the Galta Ji Temple.
The people of Jaipur are very friendly and warm. The colorful outfits and ethnic jewelry they adorn are part of the culture showcased in a traditional way. Rajasthani folk songs are very popular. The main language of Jaipur is Rajasthani. Marwari, Hindi, and English are also spoken here. This city celebrates several fairs and festivals at different times of the year. Some of the festivals are the Gangaur festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, Kite festival, Teej festival, Shitla Mata Fair, Chaksu Fair, Elephant Fair, Chhat ka Mela in Amber during Navratri. The pink city Jaipur offers you delicious cuisines that are popular throughout India. Delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Missi Roti, and sweets like Ghevar, Feeni, Gajak, Chauguni ke laddu, and Moong Thal are famous here. Rajasthani cuisine is full of nutrition as it is cooked in ghee and butter so you must relish your taste buds with it. While in Jaipur, you are sure to experience one of the most mind-boggling culinary trips of your life. Chokhi Dhani Restaurant, Grunge – The Fern Hotel, Shakuntalam Bar & Restaurant, Lakesh Nashta Bhandar, Kaka’s – The Punjabi Kitchen, Oliya Restaurant, etc. are some of the popular restaurants in the area. Delicious Rajasthani as well as other cuisines are available here. There is a huge population of monkeys at Galta Ji, the temple is also called ‘The Monkey Temple’ or ‘Galwar Bagh’. The rhesus macaque and langur monkeys are the monkey species found at Galta Ji. The monkeys here are infamous for mobbing and robbing visitors of their belongings as well as food. They are notorious to the point that if they see anyone carrying any sort of food, they simply snatch it away. It becomes imperative to carry all belongings in a bag and not snack on anything out in the open.
The highest number of footfalls at Galta Ji Temple is experienced during the festival of Makar Sankranti and Kartik Poornima, wherein, thousands of devotees take a dip in the sacred kunds. The sounds of chants and religious hymns make the environment more pleasant. And, due to the fact that the temple is located completely off the tourist patch also makes it more peaceful. Most of the visitors here are locals. It is also most fascinating of the views when pilgrims get to see the monkeys taking a dip in the kunds. There is a hiking trail to Galta Ji from the western tip of Jaipur city which starts from the end of Suraj Pol Bazar Road. The entire hike can be completed in 30- 45 minutes. The route that starts from the Bazar runs east through a large stone archway colored in pink. The views of the city of Jaipur are most certainly the best views one can have from the pink stone archway route. One has to also pass by the Sun Temple when hiking to Galta Ji Temple. The vantage point of the Sun Temple offers mesmerizing views of the sunset. If not hiking to Galta Ji, one can also ascend from the temple end via the crevice, passing the highest sacred tank, and then to the Sun Temple to watch the sunset. One can also see the detailed fortification of the entire Jaipur from this point.