Jaipur Forts and Palaces

Embraced in the Nahargarh Hills.The Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking view of the city below. Initially built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885 A.D. Decorative motifs in some of the rooms are delightful. It offers some out-of-this-world views of the Man Sagar Lake and the city below. Attention-grabbing folklores ring in every nook and corner of the fort. A palatial duck blind stands with poise in the midst of the lake, which once allured the shooting parties of the regal family. It has also served as a private treasury for years and an imperial retreat for the queens

Amber Fort, located in Amber 11 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India, is an example of Rajput architecture. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers in 1592. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II. The structure which is today known as Amber fort was initially a palace complex within the original fort of Amber which is today known as Jaigarh Fort. Connected with Amber through fortified passages Jaigarh fort is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It overlooks Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. Today, tourist can ride up to the fort from the base of the hill on an Elephant. On the ride, you can see the beautiful sights of Jaipur, a great view of Maotha lake, and the original city walls. Once you reach the palace, you can take a tour through the fort, or view it on your own. The most magnificent sight of all is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night when they had to come through and needed lighting they would take a single candle and because of all of the tiny intricate mirrors, the entire room would light up.
 

Jaigarh Fort, located around 15 km from Jaipur is one of the most spectacular forts in India, with almost all its original facilities intact. While Jaigarh Fort is on top of the hill, Amber Fort is at the bottom. Both the forts are connected through well guarded passages. Many consider the two together as one complex. Jaigarh Fort was a center of artillery production for the Rajputs and it is home to the world's largest canon on wheels, the Jaivana. The foundries provide fascinating information for the visitors. The manner in which they drew in blasts of air from the desert is most intriguing. A 5km long canal can be seen entering the fort complex to bring in water from the high hills and store in the fort for the armymen. A huge water tank is centrally located connecting the canal. It is assumed that the Kings of Amber/Jaipur used the compartments below the water tank to store the gold and jewellery of the royal family. It is said that this tank was opened during the Emergency declared by the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during 1975-1977. Views of the barren Aravalli Hills gradually disappearing into the desert haze can keep one engrossed for hours.