Galtaji (Galta Ji), Jaipur

Galtaji is one of the older places to visit in Jaipur: a gorge of temples and spring-fed tanks, home to the Monkey Temple and a hilltop sun temple.

Galtaji is a complex of temples, pavilions and sacred water tanks (kunds) built into a narrow cleft in the hills east of Jaipur. A natural spring high on the hill feeds a series of kunds in which pilgrims bathe; tradition links the site to the sage Galav, who is said to have meditated here. Since the early 15th century it has been a centre of the Ramananda sect, whose ascetics made it their seat.

Rajasthan Tourism mentions the Ramgopalji temple, locally called the Monkey Temple because of its large troop of resident monkeys, and the Surya Mandir on the hilltop, built by Diwan Kriparam, which is visible from much of the city. The walk up past the tanks to the Surya Mandir gives views back over Jaipur and its fortifications. Galtaji is an active place of worship: dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and keep food out of sight because of the monkeys.

Allow time for the uphill walk past the kunds, which is steep in places.