Amber Fort

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.

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.

Nahargarh Fort

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.
Nahargarh Fort

Looming beyond the hills of Jaigarh, is the awesome Nahargarh Fort, which provides a fabulous view of the city of Jaipur. Much of the old structures, are at present, in a rather decrepit condition, except for the fine structure, added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II.

The road from Amber through the hills can be travelled by jeep or by rickshaw zigzagging for a distance of one and a half kilometres before it straightens out to reveal the approach to Jaipur.

Jaigarh Fort

One of the few ancient Indian military structures to be kept intact through the ages, Jaigarh Fort has recently been opened to the public. It was sealed for seven years, due to a rumour, that an enormous treasure in gold was buried, in the fort area. The fort houses several palaces, gardens, a granary, an armoury, temples, and most significantly the Jai Ban, the largest antique canon, in the country.

It is within walking distance of Amber, and offers a fantastic panaromic view of the surrounding plains, from the Diwa Burj watchtower.

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.