2006 Inida Trip: Jaipur - Traveler @ Home

Fourth stop: Jaipur

Our last stop in Rajasthan on the "Golden Triangle" route was Jaipur.

(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)

Jaipur's main attraction is the Amer Fort. We waited at the bottom of the hill where the fort stands to get our tickets.

Amer Fort

Thus we rode the elephants to the fort. I don't really like the exploitation of animals like this, but this was part of the program (I did not know if there was another way to get to the fort).

Elephant

Elephant Drivers

After the short elephant ride, we arrived at the fort. There are four courtyards inside the fort, the following is a shot of the first or main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk)

Courtyard

The Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate), named after the Hindu god Lord Ganesh, is an impressive piece of work with the intricate decorations.

Ganesh Pol

With its elevated location and commanding view, Amer Fort is one of our favorite places in India. We also had a more leisurely time here, walking around or watching the procession of elephants.

Amer Fort

Elephants

A view through a window.

Window

The following is the Baradari Pavilion for the ladies of the royal family in the Palace of Man Singh I.

Baradari Pavilion

This is another pavilion at the foot of the fort, rather similar in style as the Baradari.

Pavilion

Of course, this is India, sooner or later you ran into a snake charmer.

Snake Charmer

One last look at one of the towers at the Amer Fort.

Tower

We made a stop at the Jantar Mantar, a complex of architectural astronomical instruments first constructed in the 18th century, but later restored. I think the later restoration rather diluted its authenticity.

Jantar Mantar

Our next stop was at the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Constructed at the end of the 18th century, this palace is full of opulence.

Peacock Decorations

An ornate doorway

Interior of Hawa Mahal

Inside the Hawa Mahal.

Hawa Mahal

The most impressive feature of the Hawa Mahal is its five-story honeycomb exterior with intricate latticework. From here, royal ladies used to watch the city life below without having to cover their faces.

Hawa Mahal

And it is a good vantage point to watch the city life below.

Jaipur

Jaipur is also known for its bangles (bracelets). We took a stroll in the back streets of Jaipur (it is the city we felt the safest in India) and met some artisans making bangles.

Artisans

Artisan

As the day was winding down, we admired Jal Mahal (Water Palace) from afar.

Jal Mahal

Many Indian House Crows were active around the lake surrounding the palace.

Indian House Crow

Click the following links to go to Previous Stop: Agra and Next Stop: Bangalore.

Click the image below to return to the index page of 2006 India trip: