AMBER FORT, JAIPUR

Amber was once, the capital of the Mina tribes, believed to be the original inhabitants of this region. Located up on the hills that surround Jaipur, the fort, sprawled along the Maotha Lake, boasts of a massive complex gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces that recall the glory and wealth, of Amber's association with the Mughals. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries.

The front courtyard of the complex, is adorned with the magnificent, pillared hall of the Diwan - i - Am, and the two - tiered painted gateway Ganesh Pol. The palace of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal, is of special interest. It has walls inlaid with exquisite mirrors. The Jas Mandir, perched on the upper floor, is a superb amalgam of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture, as is evident from the exquisitely carved Jali screens, and fine mirror and stucco work.

Around Jaipur

There are a lot of attractions near Jaipur, and on the Jaipur - Amber road. About 11 kilometres out of Jaipur, Amber was once the ancient capital of Rajasthan. The Amber Fort is a stunning piece of Rajput architecture.

The Cenotaphs of the royal family are at Gaitore, 6.5 kilometres from Jaipur, on the road to Amber. Opposite the Cenotaphs, is the Jal Mahal Palace, in the middle of a lake, and reached by a causeway. Nahargarh Fort is 6.5 km away, and is floodlit at night. Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726, is within walking distance of Amber.

About 50 km north of Jaipur, is the small village of Samode. The beautiful Samode palace, located in the village, is worth a visit. Other places of interest to the tourist are, the Temple of Sun God at Galta, Sisodia Rani palace and gardens, Vidyadhar's garden, Balaji and Sanganer.

How to Get There

Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.

Bus: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

Train: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country. The train services to Jaipur are slower, because of the metre gauge line.