Amer Fort, perched atop the hilltops of Amer, Rajasthan, sits one of the most striking places I visited in India. When I went to the Taj Mahal, I knew it’d be great. But this old palace was such an unexpected surprise.
In the valley below the old walls sits Maota Lake, reflecting the yellow structure. It’s a great spot to take pictures and possibly be bitten by a cobra.
There were several different phases of Amer Fort built at different times, but the first began in 967. Made almost entirely of sandstone and marble, it’s a great example of Rajput and Mughal architecture and design.
Inside the main courtyard were some elephants I wanted to bust loose.
But believe it or not, animal sacrifice was practiced within these walls until the 1980s.
Sattais Kacheri — the court of 27 pillars
Speaking of elephants, how many can you spot hidden in the pillars and painted into motifs?
Ganesh is the Hindu god with an elephant head, known as the remover of obstacles.
Ganesh Pol
In fact there’s an entire courtyard dedicated to Ganesh within Amer Fort. And believe it or not, these walls were all painted with vegetable dyes. (at least that’s what the guide told us)
views of Ganesh Pol from above
Sheesh Mahal — aka The Mirror Palace
Can you believe all these mosaics were handcrafted out of mirrors?
That means it reflects tons of light.
Aside from the brilliant light the Hall of Mirrors reflects, it’s also a widely used location in Bollywood movies.
The outer wall is impressive and expansive.
Remind you of the Great Wall of China?
another detailed shot of vegetable dyes
How impressive is this lattice work, hand carved from stone?
and now to the town below the palace courtyards
always more cows to be seen
Just a little way down the road is the Jal Mahal, aka The Water Palace. It appears to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, originally built in 1699.
And thus concludes my tour of Jaipur:
- from wandering the streets
- to Patrika Gate
- and this lovely tour of Amer Fort
What country do you think I’ll visit next?
for the love of nike 
Phenomenal! The details always amaze me in Indian architecture š¤š
What a fantastic place. I cant believe it is so old. Many thanks for your information
Wow! Amazing. Those forts are HUGE. Quite the intricacies, too.