Vacation Postcards - 1

Jaipur: The Pink City

Our annual holiday this year took us to Rajasthan in the first and second week of October. Our first destination was Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. We landed in the pink city almost at 11 in the night and were received at the airport by Shankar, our driver-and-guide for the next ten days. We were put up at KK Royal Hotel and Convention Centre, which was on the other end of the city. So, soon after we landed, we were given a preview of the place and given to understand why the pink city was called so. The entire city of Jaipur is not actually pink; it is just one part of the city where all the houses, shops, institutions you see around you have a hue of pink to them: the name derives from this part itself.

KK Royal Hotel was located very close to the Amber Fort and had an awesome view of the fort from its terrace.

Amber Fort: For a history and architecture buff, Navratri is probably not a good time to visit this place. The fort has a makeshift temple set up for the festive season and was streaming with devotees. But if you find can find your way, the fort's breathtaking and ornate interiors as opposed to its rugged, defensive exteriors are sure to enthrall anyone.

Amber or Amer Fort was the original citadel of the ruling Kachchawa clan of Amber before the capital was shifted to Jaipur. You can either drive up to the Fort or ride up on elephants. We decided to drive up since there was a huge line for the elephant ride. This fort, also built in white and red sandstone, is connected via fortified passages to Jaigarh Fort on a hill above the fort complex.

Here are some pictures of the fort:

		View of the city and the Aravalli Hills from atop the Fort
		The Ganesh Pol: The gate that leads to the Palace portion of the Fort. Above the gate one can see the image of Lord Ganesh.
		The reverse side of Ganesh Pol: Has an elevated walkway and a one-storey structure, enabling royal women to view the happenings without being seen
		Room with a view, exclusively for women

The interiors of Amber Fort show clear influences of Mughal and Hindu culture. The walls, roofs and the floors are intricately done:

The final image is that of the Sheesh Mahal which is full of mirrors. It is said that one candle lit in this room was enough to light up the whole hall.

From Amber Fort we made our way to Jaipur, stopping en route at the Lake Palace.

		Final view of Amber Fort, en route to Jaipur
		The Lake Palace, Jaipur