Monday, January 2, 2012

Gauntlet for Knights on Steel Steeds

The state of Rajastan has the pink city as its capital. The city of Jaipur is adorned with magnificent buildings having a history of centuries. From the literally "breath" taking Hawa Mahal to the sublime Amer Fort. Jaipur is one of the must see places in this country.
Adding to the heritage of the city are the brave Knights on steel steeds, commonly found on the streets of this historic city. Born into royalty these knights are found on a variety of stallions. Namely
1. A sturdy two wheeler
2. A quadracep driven, three wheel chariot
3. A smoke bellowing three wheel war horse
4. Four wheel enclosed chariots
5. Finally Actual horses/ donkeys/ cows/ camels/ elephants.
Let me make it clear these things are not part of you "city tour" attractions. These are real. As the roads of jaipur are not mere roads. They are a video gamers' dream and disciplinarians' nightmare!
Looking at the traffic of the city, through the lenses of a sportsman, there are two rules. Just two!
1. Wear a helmet (pillion included) if you are on a 2 wheeler
2. Seat belts are a must for a car driver.
If you satisfy these two conditions, you are ready to take on the tarmac of jaipur. That is if you dare to! Let me return to my expertise of making a list, Here are the 5 things you wont( probably shouldn't ) do on the roads of Jaipur.
1. Ride your vehicle.
2. Ride your vehicle following traffic rules.
3. Cross the road.
4. Try crossing the road
5. Use the phrase "lets hit the road"!
If not for gravity, motorists of jaipur would have taken their mean machines over buildings, pillars, palaces and even people. It is the most synchronized chaos you will ever see.Vehicles move in from all directions and move out of all the remaining directions. Red need not mean 'Stop', it can connote a) Accelerate with all power, b)Turn without any indication c) Keep your normal pace and cross the junction. The traffic system is so specialized that they have special lanes for overtaking. Yes Germany take notes , these are called footpaths!
The roads of Jaipur are not for the faint hearted. With all due respects, this is one city where even if Ray Charles drove a limo , it wouldn't make any difference nor would it cause any accidents!
So buckle up and hold those reins tight! There is a lot to see in Jaipur, if you survive the streets! ** Ends with War Cry **

4 comments:

Basavaraj Arjun Raj said...

lo if u ride r drive in KT street...dis wouldn't be hurdle..heehaw

Brinda said...

Hilarious!!!! :)

nagraj said...

"lets hit the road"!If one uses this phrase,one may end up doing exactly it.

Brilliant, keep them coming.....

Anonymous said...

It was 2012. Things are better now. Pay a visit and you will see.