Galtaji Temple ornate facade, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Galtaji Temple ornate facade, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Spa for the spirit?

The Galtaji temple complex is tucked into a ravine between rocky hills outside Jaipur, India, covering more than half a mile of inclined terrain. A cold spring high in the hills spills down to fill seven bathing pools called kunds, set amid the temples at varying elevations. These waters are considered holy in Hinduism, and Galtaji draws pious folks from across India to soak in the kunds. (The sliver of water at the bottom of our photo is Galta Kund, which is considered the holiest of all.) Besides Hindu pilgrims and curious tourists, you'll find another, more mischievous cohort here: A pack of several dozen rhesus macaques, known as the Galta Gang, lives in the temples, often swiping snacks and shiny objects from unwary travelers.

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