At
a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst
wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts
reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niws where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning.
Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court inprivacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors"
Jaigarh Fort
The western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch towers and gatewasys of the Jaigarh Fort. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, agrdens open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted acnnon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon in the world.
Nahargarh Fort
Perched
atop a pricturesque hill, 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.From the windows of the nine identical suites, one gets a magnificent view of the city, complete witht he geometrical layout. From Amer there is a road to Nahargarh, which passes through the hills
City Palace
The City Palce is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. The first building in it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja Madho Singh. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan -e-Khas, or the "Hall of Private Audience".
Moti Doongrari & Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The important landmarks dotting the southern horizon of the city inlcude the small privately- owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari, shaped like a Scottish Castle; the Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple built from white marble, a few years back by the B.M. Birla foundation.
Govind Devji Temple
To
the north of Chandra Mahal in the midst of the sprawling Jai Niwas Garden is
the spireless temple of Lord Krishna. The idol wsa brought from Vrindavan and
installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II as the tutelary deity. Today, the temple
attracts devotees, from all over the country.A delightful system of fountains is placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
The beautifully carved Jagat Shiromani Temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna and is popularly associated with the celebrated saint-poetess Mira Bai. The old temple of Narsinghji and a step well Panna Main-ki-Baodi, which still bears witness to its past glory are also located in the vicinity.
