Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Along with palaces, and other attractions we set our eyes on exploring the most important tourist attractions of the city i.e., the forts. The third fort in Jaipur we followed after the Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort is Amber Fort.

Built in 1592 on barren ridge by Raja Man Singh, it is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. It provides impressive views over a deep narrow valley and the wider plains beyond. It is located on the hills that surround Jaipur. The fort that sprawls along the Maotha Lake, is composed of a massive complex gateways, courts, stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces.



From the bottom of the hill one can reach the fort over the hill either by using stairways or elephant ride. For a nominal fee they carry two to three people on elephant to the top where front courtyard of the complex exists.


The entire fort complex, is constructed of white and red sandstone. The imposing rugged outlook of the fort is of the stark contrast to to the inside, a lavish ornate interior which is combination of both Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Some of the interior walls of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work. The front yard is adorned with the marvelous, pillared hall of the Diwan-i-Am, and the two - tiered painted gateway Ganesh Pol. Once you enter through the Ganesh Pol, the structure of special interests inside are Sheesh Mahal, Jas Mandir.


Sheesh Mahal is the palace of mirrors. The walls of this palace as the name suggests are inlaid with exquisite mirrors. 



The Jas Mandir, located on the upper floor, is a superb combination of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture, as can be seen from the exquisitely carved Jali screens, and fine mirror and stucco work.


76 comments:

Swetha said...

wow!!.. gr8 pictures! rajasthan is always my dream place.. i always wanna visit this !!.. thanks for posting this!

Anya said...

Another wonderful post
of your beautiful country ^___^
Very nice shots !!
Thanks for sharing :)

Sucharita Sarkar said...

Another great post. This fort has a lovely colour.

Q said...

Your world is a very beautiful world. Thank you.
Sherry

SandyCarlson said...

These are fabulous photos. What a country.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Majestic!

James said...

More wonderfully interesting pictures. This place is a land of wonders.

Sylvia K said...

What an incredible post about such a breathtakingly beautiful place! Your photos are marvelous! What a delightful look at your world!

myonlyphoto said...

One day I will plan the trip to India, it is such a beautiful place with lot of amazing architecture and nature. Anna :)

Indrani said...

Your posts revive my memories.

Guy D said...

Wow that is incredible, thanks for sharing.

Have a great week
Guy
Regina In Pictures

Jane Hards Photography said...

Fascinating and beautiful architecture.

penny said...

The architecture is splendid. Nice photos.
Thanks for visiting, have a great day.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

I much like this place and your post with the beautiful photos!

SandyCarlson said...

That elephant looks to be a gentle, gracious being.

nadia said...

Rajasthan is one of places that I had always wanted to see; I want to experience the place and culture first hand.

Your pictures make me wanna go there now!

Arija said...

Truly a wonderful place, the Prof brought back great pictures of it as well. I had just had open heart surgery and could not go with him.

LadyFi said...

I love those intricate and yet delicate mirrors!

Great shots.

Gattina said...

Wow what a beautiful "castle" sitting on the top of the hill ! I would like to ride on an elephant, I just rode on a camel, lol !

Carver said...

This was a wonderful look at a beautiful place. Great post.

Gaelyn said...

These forts are all amazing. I love the elaborate rock work and the mirror mosaics. I'll take the elephant ride please. Great post and captures.

Carver said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Rajesh, those colours are amazing!

Rajesh said...

pranksygang: Thanks, for me to it has been a dream place. Still lot to be seen here.

Anya: Thanks for the appreciation.

Sandy: Thank you. It was nice going on the elephants up the road.

Suchrita: Thanks for the appreciation.

James: Thank you. Sure it is a wonderful place.

Sherry: Thanks for the appreciation.

Sylvia: Good to see you back at my blog after a long time. Thanks for the appreciation.

Kirigalpoththa: Thank you.

Anna: Thanks, you should plan one. There is lot to see.

Guy D: Thanks for the appreciation.

Indrani: Thank you.

Babooshka: Thanks for the appreciation.

Pam: Thank you.

nadia: Thank you. True one should experience this place in person. Welcome.

Arija: Thanks. I hope you are keeping well. Take care.

LadyFi: Thank you. It is one of the most beautiful part of this fort.

Gattina: Thanks for the appreciation. Welcome youn to this place.

Carver: Thanks for the appreciation.

Gaelyn: Thanks for the appreciation. The elephant ride was nice.

M.Kate: Thanks for the appreciation.

Unknown said...

Beautiful place to visit:)
Nice photos & Thanks for the visit.

Prospero said...

Rajesh, if I were to travel to India, I would most certainly take the elephant ride to the fort. The Palace of Mirrors sounds like it would be a highlight.

You really make someone feel like traveling!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I would love to see both the Amber Fort and the Sheesh Mahal someday in the future. India has so many wonderful sights!

Unseen India Tours said...

Rajesh very nice photographs and good information..I really love Rajasthan..Great ..Unseen Rajasthan

Lowell said...

Fantastic building...stolidity with grace; ornately beautiful!

Sakshi said...

That's some great pictures and narration you have put up about Jaipur. Going through your blog made me relive my visit to this beautiful city years back. Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog...

SJ said...

What a beautiful blog!! Rajastan is definitely on my list of places to go! Thanks man!

George said...

The beauty of the interior of this fort is amazing. Thanks for taking us along.

Shey said...

What an interesting place! I would like to see the palace of mirrors. Looks awesome!

Have a happy week. :)

Rajesh said...

Prospero: Thnaks, elepant ride is fun and easy way up. Sheesh Mahal is the most famous part of the palace.

unclewang: Thanks for the appreciation.

Pat: Thanks, you are most welcome.

Unseen: Thanks for the appreciation.

Jacob: Thank you.

SJ: Thanks for the appreciation.

Sakshi: Thanks for the appreciation. It is nice to know I could revive those sweet memories.

George: Thanks for the appreciation.

Shey: Thnaks, you are most welcome.

Anonymous said...

Lovely buildings, not what I think of as a fort at all. I imagine the carving detail is exquisite.

KRIS JASPER said...

Thanks for sharing! Ive learned new things about India.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

These buildings are really beautiful Rajesh.

Glennis said...

Great place, I took the elephant to the top and down again, after enjoying my tour of the fort, its an amazing place even now, but it must of been wonderful.

Unknown said...

I would love to see the mirrors. This will surely be a grand sight.

Sehraeuber said...

it's always interesting to visit your blog ... thanks for sharing!

Σταλαγματιά said...

India ...beautiful destination which can create unforgettable memories.
Memories to remember, memories to share, memories to keep for ever.

Hilary said...

Beautiful photos from a world I'd never otherwise see. I love elephants. :)

Dave Coulter said...

I'd love to take an elephant ride someday. They're one of my favorite creatures!

JayAshKal said...

One of these days, will have to see and travel in your wonderful country. Great pictures of the forts, but especially drawn to the palace... Sheesh Mahal.

Great post!

Rajesh said...

Wren: Thanks for the appreciation. It is tough exterior & ornate interiors.

Kris: Thank you.

Glennis: Thanks, elephant ride to this fort is fun. I only went up by elephant.

Joan: Thank you.

Keats: Thanks, it is definitely grand sight.

Walter: Thanks for the appreciation.

Αναστασία: Thanks for the appreciation. Lot of memories.

Hilary: Thanks, they are majestic.

Dave: Thanks, they are my favorite too.

JayAshKal: Thanks for the appreciation.

Laurie said...

It looks like a pretty incredible place. These are really nice images.

Ivar said...

Nice traveling story with great pictures to follow.. Would like to try riding on an elephant too... but looks a bit scary at the same time... they are so darn big :)

Viji said...

Lovely pictures:-)!

Thank U for taking us on a virtual tour theru ur blog:-).

Anonymous said...

this kind of decoration - painting is very impressive

magiceye said...

that is a very interesting post indeed!

Elisabeth's bright side said...

Wonderful architecture. This must be seen!

Anonymous said...

thanks for your comments...
read some of your posts, they are really wonderful. Keep posting. :)

Bengbeng said...

riding on an elephant must be an incredible experienc. The Sheesh Mahal is awesome

Michael Harris Photography said...

Beautiful, I want to visit, you have a wonderful site... namaste

ShySongbird said...

What impressive and elaborate architecture you have in your beautiful country, it is lovely to see.

Pietro Brosio said...

Another wonderful post. Great pictures!
Have a nice weekend!

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

It's one of my dreams to travel India one day. Your blog helps to keep this dream alive.

Buenos Aires Photo

Ailurophile said...

Great pictures again, of another beautiful post. Keep up with the good work :)

Wendy said...

I love Amber Fort.

Rajesh said...

Laurie: Thanks for the appreciation. It is a nice place with lot to see.

Viji: Thanks for the appreciation.

Ivar: Thanks for the appreciation. For elephant ride all precaution re taken. Not to worry.

Vaggelis: Thanks for the appreciation.

magiceye: Thank you.

Elisabeth: Thank you. It is a must visit place.

Pratiksha: Thank you.

Bengbeng: Thanks, all the experiences in this city is incredible.

Mike H: Thanks for the appreciation. You are most welcome.

ShySongbird: Thanks for the appreciation.

Pietro: Thanks for the appreciation.

Buenos: Thanks, you should try to fulfill your dream soon. You are welcome.

Ailurophile: Thanks for the appreciation.

Wendy: Thank you.

Robin said...

How beautiful, I'd love to see it for myself someday.

My knees are a lot better now, how is your back feeling?

---------------------------------
Summer Stock Sunday is off and running - come by this weekend to join the fun!

sonia a. mascaro said...

What a wonderful places and photos! Your world is a very beautiful world. Thanks for sharing.

Girl Tornado said...

The Sheesh Mahal is amazing inside... I am sure it would be even more amazing in person! I think the elephant ride could be fun and slightly unnerving all at the same time. :)

Diane AZ said...

Lovely building inside and out. So many beautiful intricate details!

Carraol said...

Impressive architecture, great information and splendid pictures!

Trotter said...

Hi Rajesh! How I miss Ganesh Pol and Sheesh Mahal. Those were some of the most beautiful sites I've seen in Rajasthan... Excellent post!

Meanwhile Blogtrotter has moved to another country on its 250th post. Enjoy and have a great Sunday!

Hazel said...

Now I am suddenly interested in forts. I love the pictures. They are strong motivators for travel.

Hello Rajesh, there are awards I want to pass on to you at my blog. I hope you like them. Thanks for coming by.

Dsole said...

As always, I found your post really interesting. Love the architecture, it's so different from the one I'm used to see.
Have a nice sunday and week! :)

Unknown said...

I've been here too. The view is fantastic! I remember so well the design of the gardens complex on the river!

Maria Berg said...

Thank you for sharing a new place to be visit one day, I have been to Jaipuor but not at that palace. MB

sujata sengupta said...

such a colourful and vibrant fort. Loved the description. Great post!

Viji said...

Awasome fort:-)! And what a cozy, elephant ride??!!

Rajesh said...

Robin: Thanks, you are welcome to see it yourself. It is better now with exercise.

sonia.m: Thanks for appreciation.

Oz Girl: Thanks, Sheesh Mahal is really amazing. There are 4 to 5 such rooms with different style if I remember correctly.

Diane C: Thanks for appreciation.

Carrol: Thanks for appreciation.

Trotter: Thanks, they are all worth a watch.

Hazel: Thanks, I am glad I could kindle some interest. Thanks for the award.

Dsole: Thanks for appreciation.

JM: Thanks. Yes, there is a beautiful garden over there.

Maria Berg: Thanks for appreciation.

Sujata: Thanks for appreciation.

Viji: Thanks, elephant ride is fun.

Balkrishna Jamdar said...

great Pics.Nice Blog.

Moulee said...

I visited Jaipur just last week. great experience. Each place was a surprise. Loved it totally.

Kcalpesh said...

Beautiful post! I've been so keen to visit Rajasthan! After seeing your post I feel I should be doing it very SOON!

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