The Amber palace was built by the Kachhwajas when they rose in eminence and power under the Mughals. Man Singh I built it in a style to rival Mughal grandeur and opulence. Diwan-I-Aam has a double row of columns with elephant-head brackets, which had to be covered with stucco to escape the jealous eye of Jehangir. Ganesh Pol, entrance portal to inner palaces, is the most magnificent portal in Rajasthan, covered with elegant frescoes and crowned with pavilions carrying fascinating jail screens. Jai Mandir has millions of glass pieces on stucco. The same scheme of ornamentation is repeated at Diwan-I-Khas, also built by Mirza Raja Singh. Sheesh Mahal, core of this structure, is the pinnacle of the art of ornamentation with glass. Rampas built within walls take you to the zenana palace built by the Man Singh I. A baradari stands at the center of the spectacular courtyard surrounded by ladies apartments and frescoes depicting Krishna-lila scenes. Amber is undoubtedly the grandest achievement of Rajput architecture.
Main attractions: There are some architectural wonders worth visiting in the Amber Fort complex, they are Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir' with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata Temple and the Kali temple.
How to get there
Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.
Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.
Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.
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