While we were in Jaipur we made a trip out to Galtaji temple which is known for its large monkey population. Ever since Daegan and I told her about our own trip there, Sage had wanted to go. At one point before we left I asked Sage what she wanted to do in India. “I mostly just want to experience daily life. I don’t need to go see tourist sites.” but then she corrected herself almost immediately. “Oh, except for the monkey temple!”
And so we ask my friend Shahid to take us there. On the way he passes a fruit seller on the street and stops his tuk tuk about 50 feet away from him. “Let me go buy bananas, he’ll charge you too much.” he says and then runs off to pick them up. He returns a minute or so later with four big bunches of bananas.
We ride out of Jaipur and in to the mountains, arriving in a small village. Ahead there is a herd of about 20 cows in the middle of the road. We weave slowly through them, dodging them carefully before stopping next to a man with a large pile of greens.
“Do you want to feed the cows? It’s very good karma.” Shahid says. And so we go over to the pile of greens, give a few rupees to the seller and take several big handfuls. The cows notice us immediately and en masse come to meet us, taking the greens from our hands, jostling each other and us to be sure they get their share. It becomes such a crush that Shahid says we need to go, it might be dangerous, and back in to his tuk tuk we go.
A few minutes away from the temple we stop again. Here we see several monkeys and 2-3 cows all standing by the side of the road.
“Let’s go feed the monkeys now,” Shahid says. And we get out.
The monkeys are thrilled to see us and come by to grab bananas from our hands. And it is then I learn that not only do monkeys like bananas, cows love them as well. And soon the cows are competing with the monkeys for handouts. We give out one bunch of bananas before heading in to the temple area itself.
This was one of my favourite trips in India because Sage had such a good time. You can hear about her experience in her words and photos here.
Inspired by this week’s Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge: Fences and Gates.
Go Outside Today 
It is nice to know you guys didn’t freak out with Monkeys, a lot travelers get scared when monkeys come too close.
Yes – we’d been reassured by people (and this was my third trip there too). As long as you’re respectful and gentle I imagine they’re likely to be fine. After all, if they weren’t, there would be warnings either posted, or given by local friends, as to how to avoid bites.
Of course many of the tourists are likely taking the word of the “guides” nearby (which I didn’t see this time on the back side – I wonder if they were told to leave?). I remember every time they would tell me about how dangerous they were, how they carried so many diseases, would bite if you didn’t feed them or have someone in the know to help. So if that’s what they’re being told then I can see how they might think that.
As for me, even though I grew up in a part of the US with lots of cows and would often walk in fields with them, I still find the cows a little intimidating. Not because I think they’d be aggressive so much as they’re heavy and might accidentally hurt me. (Though once, on Elefanta Island I remember seeing one cow coming down the path through a crowd and I think it was DONE dealing with people. It was swinging it’s head side to side clearing a path for itself.)
I haven’t been to the temple, but I recently visited Jaipur, and it sure proved to be an amazing place.
I am glad you enjoyed the trip.
Jaipur is one of my favourite places to visit. It is interesting but also relaxing as the pace is much slower there than at metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. (I like those also but they take more energy)
You are quite right!! Metro cities here do take a lot of energy, it is fun, but they require a lot of patience!
Amazing story and picture, Todd. Thank you for sharing.
I have visited Jaipur twice since December last. I had planned to visit Ajmer but my friend Rajesh sent me pictures of the monkeys 🐒 🐒🐒 who have chosen their abode there, I freaked out. I am so scared 😱 of monkeys 🐵 🐒 I don’t know how do we call this phobia but believe me it’s an overwhelming fright.
On the other hand, I am glad that you all enjoyed your visit and the monkeys 🐒 🐒
Thanks for sharing.
🌸🌷🌸
Thank you. I can understand how you feel about monkeys. I do about bees and wasps. When I see one it is all I can do not to just run away.
We definitely enjoyed our visit to India. It was my third trip and whenever I visit I always go to Jaipur because my friend lives there and has an NGO that I sometimes help at.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
My pleasure Todd 😇
I visit Rajasthan and Jaipur often. I have a dear friend ,a poet and a gazal writer who lives in Parlika and works in Jaipur.
What a small world!