Jaipur: Amber Fort

Amber Fort or Amer Fort is located in Amer, 11 km from Jaipur is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur. Amber Fort was originally built by Raja Man Singh I and showcased Hindu and Rajputs elements. Raja Man Singh I was the King of Amber, which is now known as Jaipur.

As Amber Fort stood on a hill, there are a few options to reach the fort. The most exciting or touristy option would be by an elephant ride. We went by the boring car ride.

In my humble opinion, the most famous and beautiful hall in Amber Fort is Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). The walls and ceilings of this hall was adorned with thousands of mirror tiles, with the flame of a single candle, upon reflected in the tiny mirror, the chamber transforms into a starlit sky.

Legend has it that this mirror hall was built by the king by for queen. It was said that in the ancient times, the queen was not allowed to sleep in open air. With this brilliant interior designing, the queen has her own indoor starlit sky.

Outside of this chamber, one can find a pleasure garden, Aram Bagh.

At another side of this garden, stood a remarkable three-storey gateway - Ganesh Pol. It was built in honour of Mughal Emperors under whom the Maharajas of Jaipur served in their army. It is to note that the gate is painted with vegetables dyes. Ornaments were embedded, so I think this make it last really long... until someone intentional dig those ornaments out of their place.

There's another beautiful garden in this fort - Kesar Kyaari or Mughal Garden. This garden - Kesar Kyari Bagh is named after rare saffron flowers once planted in its star-shaped flower beds. It is said that the climate nowadays no longer allow saffron plantation.

Side note: Where has all the time gone to?