The Amber Fort was the first stop for the day! Before we went to breakfast, we looked out the window and saw elephants walking to work! We had a view of the lake with the palace in the center. The palace is the one that was featured in the James Bond Movie, Octapussy.
This blog will have LOTS of pictures.
Before we go any farther, here is some history from Jaipur. org
Amber Fort is located Amer is placed at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Amber was the capital of the Kachhawaha till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. Amber is generally pronounced as Amer. It is situated about 10 km away from Jaipur on Jaipur-New Delhi road. It was governed by Kachawaha rulers and also was the capital of old Dhundar state of Jaipur. The town was originally named Ambikeshwara and was later abridged to Amber or Amer.
Establishment of this fort was done in 16th century and was initiated during the reign of Raja Man Singh. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder and the ruler of Jaipur city under his resign the fort was personalized. . Construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in the year 1592. The Amber fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th Century. Amber Fort was completed within two centuries by consistence efforts of three consequent kings following Raja Man Singh.
Major attractions of Amer are : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Jai Mandir, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodhi .
Initially, the palaces at Amber were constructed by Raja Bharmal in 1558 and his successor Raja Man Singh. Later on their descendents added some structures. Some of the structures get destroyed with the time and some of the structures changed. But most of the structure is preserved and is now maintained by the state government. The Amber fort as it exists today has been shaped by mainly Raja Man Singh, Jai Singh I, and Jai Singh II.
Amber palace complex mainly includes Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi temple, Baradari, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodi (women’s apartments). Indian Vastu can be practically approached if one experiences the Jaipur tour. And the architectural excellence and fabulous stone carving work accomplished manually at Amber palace around four centuries back.
There were two ways to reach the Amber fort as it is situated on a hill. One was for elephant riding, and another was walk-way which was in natural raw shape of hill and rock way. Now, the walk-way is modified in shape of new cemented staircases. Now, one road from bottom of the hill to Amber fort for vehicles also has been constructed, but to enjoy the trip of Amber fort, the walk-way or elephant riding is most preferable. Riding an elephant uphill seems a cliche for tourists. But it really helps feeling the ambience and plunging deeper in India. The elephant ride offers a skyline view of the Pink city and a mesmerizing sight over Maotha Lake. We can choose a guide to assist, or an audio guide is even a good option which is available at the doorstep of the fort.
To make your trip more spectacular and memorable one, elephant safari will be the best and it provides a royal feeling as well.
Now, back to the pictures!
The Amber Fort
While we were in line waiting for our elephants, the crap vendors were intense. One of them touched me and in my most outraged voice told him not to touch me again. There were police there too, and that crap vendor was whisked away.
of course there are cows !
Still on our elephant
the view
Inlaid marble and carved marble
A field trip
I did not get too close.
Mark took some amazing pictures and I am going to share them!
The Amber Fort
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