Jaipur – the Amber fort

Jaipur is the third part of the classic “golden triangle”of travel in India. Together with Delhi and Agra (the place where the famous Taj Mahal is located) Jaipur offers the best introduction to India. Like all first timers in India, I chose this same route. Jaipur can be described as a paradise for photographers. Temples, palaces and forts all compete for every hour of the day, for every photo.

what to see in Jaipur

The first place I visited in Jaipur was Amer fort, also known as Amber fort. But Jaipur offers far more for the traveler:

• Nahargarh fort a lesser-known fort in Jaipur compared to Amber fort
• Jantar Matar which is an astronomical / astrological complex
• Hawa Mahal a gorgeous pinkish palace in Jaipur

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZOPgEmHSJvM/TZ7h0ELILWI/AAAAAAAAHTw/k5Jw8v1hOsc/s144-o/IMG_8596.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156071830596962″ caption=”tourists can enter Amber Fort either on foot, or riding in style on an elephant. I chose to take a lot of photos and find my own way on foot. Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8596.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

Even on my next trip I would like to spend 1 or 2 days here. The downside with so many monuments to fit in a tight time-frame (2 days) is that I had to run a lot around. Palaces and forts were always in a rush. As the first day I arrived in Jaipur the crazy Holi celebration started I could not visit too much. Most of the places were closed, or traffic was so bad that I preferred to just have fun and enjoy the celebrations.

Amber fort in Jaipur

One of the principal attractions in Jaipur, Amber fort is located a bit outside the city. Like a very sensible fort it is built high on a hill. This means that it is very smart to visit Amber fort early in the morning, as the sun is unforgiving.

Entrance is through the Sun gate, and after a long climb you arrive at the first courtyard.

Amber fort is a large fortification and palace complex, and I would take 3 or 4 hours to visit it all. Built in 4 large sections, Amber fort has a lot of interconnecting courtyards and gateways.

.[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UydmJh7KPjo/TZ7h0cbrlvI/AAAAAAAAHT4/6rUYEF-lwUQ/s144-o/IMG_8631.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156078342477554″ caption=”view of Ganesh Gate and main courtyard at Amber fort in Jaipur – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

The Ganesh Gate (named after the Hindu god Ganesh) is the entrance to the Maharaja palace. This courtyard was the main place where military parades were held. This was also the place were most important aspects of court life happened.

Lattice-work windows offered the women of the royal household to assist to the daily happenings.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GqE2UFgJcLI/TZ7h_UHc3sI/AAAAAAAAHW0/pde_pwH-oTs/s144-o/IMG_8768.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156265088704194″ caption=”inner courtyard with Mughal gardens at Amber fort in Jaipur – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”inner courtyard – Canon T2i” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

The next courtyard, accessed through the Ganesh Gate, is the place where the Maharaja had private quarters. This is a very beautiful place, with a Mughal garden (stone alleyways that separate flower-beds) .

The latticework windows here offer beautiful views of Amber fort but also of the surrounding areas. Maota lake and garden can be spied through these windows.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K6wsRL2aESM/TZ7iCDq_spI/AAAAAAAAHXk/i1nDBnjkhrs/s144-o/IMG_8809.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156312213992082″ caption=”Maota lake and garden at Amber fort in jaipur – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”Maota lake and garden at Amber fort in jaipur – Canon T2i” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

If you like these photos, and would like to see more photos from India, you can also browse these galleries:

• first day in Delhi
• people photographed on the streets
• info about the Taj Mahal
• Agra and Taj Mahal

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2h0-DIsE0BI/TZ7hunIK-NI/AAAAAAAAHS0/LGQL3oxE9GA/s144-o/IMG_8506.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593155978134223058″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Amber Fort in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WU0QuNJ8Ubk/TZ7hvS9U2PI/AAAAAAAAHS8/WQyuiTcqkdA/s144-o/IMG_8518.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593155989899892978″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”pigeons feeding frenzy” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J8XbSxQCxRA/TZ7hxIZjE0I/AAAAAAAAHTI/-v3rH7NVQPo/s144-o/IMG_8521.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156021425214274″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”pigeons and sweeper – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T_vZ3Zd8C-s/TZ7hx7lY_XI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/2VJuFUl92Xg/s144-o/IMG_8538.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156035165093234″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”a long way up to the Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-db2xyy1OTSI/TZ7hylgVy4I/AAAAAAAAHTY/x2KJ-0phGTw/s144-o/IMG_8551.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156046418201474″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”-” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aw-PtsSqkpA/TZ7hzHHBKgI/AAAAAAAAHTg/XmT93MASRtg/s144-o/IMG_8571.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156055438797314″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”arched entrance to the Amber fort in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wK4QrSZM1r4/TZ7hzdUWcgI/AAAAAAAAHTo/blGAe9WGaVU/s144-o/IMG_8575.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156061400297986″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”it is possible to enter the Amber fort on the back of an elephant – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qrSkhCU_xOs/TZ7h022ASHI/AAAAAAAAHUA/pn_zvGuz7g4/s144-o/IMG_8635.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156085432207474″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”a bit of shade – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wCC4XOi5qwA/TZ7h1mxtwOI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/0pL_2bfIjls/s144-o/IMG_8650.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156098299117794″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”a bit of shade – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3P4svGXm6qQ/TZ7h2K7IdKI/AAAAAAAAHUY/tqKzbvIaqwo/s144-o/IMG_8658.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156108002292898″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”arches – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0HeH3O4SYvo/TZ7h4M32-wI/AAAAAAAAHVI/GVG4OB7921Y/s144-o/IMG_8707.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156142885174018″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from above – Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QEpjOMHoFeU/TZ7h4u7QehI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/k6-_KkqyHDI/s144-o/IMG_8709.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156152026233362″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from above – Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-woN_nNmmlbg/TZ7h5M-LhgI/AAAAAAAAHVY/DZBMc4kobXg/s144-o/IMG_8711.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156160091555330″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from above – Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m7TbTNfDIdM/TZ7h5rgJyrI/AAAAAAAAHVg/eRyQWEOadgU/s144-o/IMG_8714.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156168287111858″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from above – Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sS5n9-OVGkQ/TZ7h6CJFkfI/AAAAAAAAHVo/P-Bg2Au9SE0/s144-o/IMG_8719.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156174364381682″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”riding in style” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/–AXV8QJl8WE/TZ7h65XH-4I/AAAAAAAAHV0/HtfeOmfcdwE/s144-o/IMG_8724.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156189187210114″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”colorful sweepers at Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-49LeZ17KY6k/TZ7h733SfRI/AAAAAAAAHV8/jJ5Nic_N2iE/s144-o/IMG_8729.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156205965114642″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”colorful sweepers at Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CisfokbDIS8/TZ7h8AnpZoI/AAAAAAAAHWE/3_sxKxnF0dE/s144-o/IMG_8737.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156208315426434″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from Amber fort in Jaipur” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M7gUN4vUGVY/TZ7h8gCNBDI/AAAAAAAAHWM/F0k9AkfJUAw/s144-o/IMG_8741.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156216748311602″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from Amber fort in Jaipur” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sA_GFYU_hkA/TZ7h9D_uPyI/AAAAAAAAHWU/sLf3d3RUitM/s144-o/IMG_8745.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156226401582882″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”colorful sweepers at Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vWEbrVs2_A8/TZ7h9kGJ5lI/AAAAAAAAHWc/JYXTnViqKKQ/s144-o/IMG_8748.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156235018495570″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”colorful sweepers at Amber fort – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FcI4SBA-0gA/TZ7h-WL9f0I/AAAAAAAAHWk/Ig6C9FCXqPM/s144-o/IMG_8759.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156248464621378″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”beautiful window” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sp6I3qGNMX8/TZ7h-7sbhEI/AAAAAAAAHWs/ZnJk6o7g6FE/s144-o/IMG_8764.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156258532918338″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”-” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_hFtNlqJLYk/TZ7iAn3McoI/AAAAAAAAHXE/N6YbdRxAiIA/s144-o/IMG_8776.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156287569097346″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”inner courtyard – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ojgn6X1I8IU/TZ7iBUF5JdI/AAAAAAAAHXM/X4fqLWlRfSM/s144-o/IMG_8796.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156299441907154″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”visiting the labyrinthine Amber fort in Jaipur” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9t8R46dE440/TZ7iBlf_cuI/AAAAAAAAHXY/tLfV58_LTk4/s144-o/IMG_8797.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156304114774754″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”visiting the labyrinthine Amber fort in Jaipur” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FzDsaWcsU4s/TZ7iCotJy-I/AAAAAAAAHXw/-BMiaZR0XK4/s144-o/IMG_8814.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156322155154402″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”beautiful windows that offer a bit of shade” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bOJAyWiD5uc/TZ7iD90VhAI/AAAAAAAAHYE/wR7E01eluQ4/s144-o/IMG_8837.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156345002296322″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”beautiful windows that offer a bit of shade” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dyd5Iw4VqZg/TZ7iEVJxPlI/AAAAAAAAHYM/rsgsRvyyGSc/s144-o/IMG_8863.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156351266209362″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Amber fort has a lot of nooks and crannies with many photo opportunities” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HMqbWzVa4hk/TZ7iEgTfE_I/AAAAAAAAHYU/0jEK3hNhaJc/s144-o/IMG_8882.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156354259751922″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Amber fort has a lot of nooks and crannies with many photo opportunities” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HCQMbszQm_4/TZ7iFmADHpI/AAAAAAAAHYg/Sntv-3w0Zug/s144-o/IMG_8884.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156372968709778″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Amber fort has a lot of nooks and crannies with many photo opportunities” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2SkR31QhG8A/TZ7iF3J9-iI/AAAAAAAAHYo/fR-lL11E1lI/s144-o/IMG_8890.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156377573718562″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Amber fort has a lot of nooks and crannies with many photo opportunities” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ySz00YhLl6w/TZ7iGY2B0-I/AAAAAAAAHYw/8zP6BmRclBk/s144-o/IMG_8896.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156386616890338″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”people at work in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6-U0DqiSvto/TZ7iGxB9TkI/AAAAAAAAHY4/wb_94f-1sRk/s144-o/IMG_8899.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156393109376578″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”people at work in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MDqROtox6_E/TZ7iHaxbUkI/AAAAAAAAHZA/8ztqFDBZU0M/s144-o/IMG_8900.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156404314329666″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”people at work in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pERKZJd9Ez4/TZ7iH7dSfjI/AAAAAAAAHZI/EUiAMTC24PY/s144-o/IMG_8902.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156413088235058″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”people at work in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y9DWpgD3I78/TZ7iIVTpsVI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/0z8zC5JqRgs/s144-o/IMG_8904.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156420027134290″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”people at work in Jaipur – Canon T2i” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x3eJ4g9y56c/TZ7iJERPBNI/AAAAAAAAHZg/0Cme8NLE0P8/s144-o/IMG_8919.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156432633464018″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”family visiting Amber fort in Jaipur” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RoF-fZR8uCY/TZ7iJt5OZhI/AAAAAAAAHZo/YozkfkAS6yw/s144-o/IMG_8922.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156443807049234″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”tourists in a howdah” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1f6HApT_TUM/TZ7iKD3x3sI/AAAAAAAAHZw/sOQAKqNnRoU/s144-o/IMG_8925.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156449706565314″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”red” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lm-3lwSwPvU/TZ7iK35dycI/AAAAAAAAHaA/3_z3GWXcYPM/s144-o/IMG_8950.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/IndiaShort#5593156463672281538″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”elephants return to the gate to pick more tourists – at Amber fort in Jaipur” ][/pe2-gallery]