|
The City: Amer, 11 km. from Jaipur, Rajasthan, ancient capital of the Kachhwaha
Temples in the Palace: Jai Mandir, Shila Mata Temple, Jagat Shiromani temple, Kali Temple
Garden in the Palace: Kesar Kyari
Other Attractions: Dil-E-Aaram & Diwan-E-Am, Sukh Niwas, The Zenana
Nearest Airport: Sanganer Airport: Jaipur (domestic flights)
Best time to visit: October to February
Timings: Open 9.00 a.m - 4.30 p.m. Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Located at a distance of about 11Km from Jaipur is Amer Fort. The fort is a splendid fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture and is built in red sandstone and white marble. One of the most popular destinations during tourist season Amer fort offers stunning views of the countryside and the Maota Lake below.
Amer as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh, and Jai Singh I and II. Approached from a steep ramp, visitors ride up on elephant back, entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they disembark from the pachyderm. From here, they are faced wit two flights of steps, one leading to Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the other to the main palace complex.
Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh, takes pride of the place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-i-Am or hall of the public audience with its spectacular display of pillars. The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Nivas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. A highlight is the pierced screen windows which offer views form points of vantage, as well as the shimmering mirrors encrusting the walls of the Sheesh Mahal. Several other gardens and pavilions within the sprawling spread of ramparts offer enough scope for investigating medieval lifestyles at leisure.
Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval flavor, though it has few buildings of majestic proportion that are still extant. However, a walk through the rambling lanes will reap rich rewards for the curious besides a large number of temples there are also step-wells, memorials and town houses.
|
