Foremost on your list of excursions must be the Amer Fort.
Located 11kms. away from Jaipur, this magnificent
fort stands gracefully amidst wooded hills overlooking the
Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its awe inspiring ramparts reflected
in the still waters of the Maota Lake. Most visitors come
to Amer Fort on elephant back, which makes the trip to this
magnificent fort even more spectacular.
The Amer Fort is one of the finest specimens of Rajput
architecture and in
the days of yore, it used to be the capital of the erstwhile
Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man
Singh while renovations were carried out by Sawai Jai Singh.
One can find the distinct Mughal architectural influence
in the parapets. One has to cross a number of gates to arrive
at Man Singh's Palace. There is a marble temple where the
deity of Shilamata Yashoreshwari is installed. Originally
the statute is of mother Goddess Kali of Bengal. In 1604,
when Man Singh Captured Bengal, he brought the goddess to
Amber. In the days of yore, cows, goats, and buffaloes were
sacrificed here but Raja Sawai Jai Singh stopped this ritual.
To the south is the Ganesh Pole, which is replete with intricate
mosaic and paintings. There is a gate which leads to Andar
Mahal or Jenana Mahal which is renowned for its outstanding
lattice work. There is also the Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Castle
renowned for its mirrored engravings. There is also the Sohag
Temple and one must admit that the latticed works on the windows
are absolutely top class. It is from the windows of Sohag
Temple that the Queens used to view the festivities and pageantry.
Moving on to the western side one comes across Sukh Niwas
or the hall of pleasure. It is famed for its while marbled
works and the cool air that emanates from the adjoining spring
is indeed the very epitome of pleasure.
The palace of Raja Man Singh is absolutely gorgeous. The
exquisite ivory works, the stone engraving and the paintings
in the dining room are all majestic and eye catching.
One can also get a glimpse of King Biharimal's kingdom's
ruins. The Krishna temple inside the fort is believed to have
been visited by Meerabai. The pillars and panel bars artistically
depict stories from Puranas.
Visits to the Fort museum located to the north bank of the
Maota Lake have many precious artifacts and handicrafts. The
Dilram garden too is strategically located and in the days
of yore, the royal guests were entertained here at this magnificent
garden.
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