Amber palace : The fort palace of Amber was the Kachhawaha citadel until 1727, when their capital was moved to Jaipur. The Amber bus from Badi Chuper goes via Maharaniom ki chhatri (marble tombs for the Queens of Jaipur, camera Rs 10) and Jal Mahal (island palace in Man Sagar lake built in the mid 18th century by Madho Singh I). From the road the palace is 15 min climb or by elephant ride on the cobbled pathway. Rs 20 entry with photography. Kesar Kyari Bagh (a floating garden) is named after the rare saffron flowers once planted in it's star shaped flower beds.
The entrance to the fort is through Suraj Pol ("Sun gate") and it leads to Jaleb chowk courtyard. Steps leads to the royal Shila Devi (Kali) temple in the palace complex. The temple has ornately carved silver door at the entrance, silver oil lamps, grand pillars carved to look like banana trees and a stone deity. Steps further leads to the Diwan-i-Am and the 27 pillared Sattais Katcheri where revenue records were written. A shimmering three storied gateway (Ganesh Pol built in 1640) leads to the Jas Mandir, Jai Mandir and Sheesh Mahal. Jas Mandir (Hall of Private Audience) has latticed windows, a floral ceiling of elegant alabaster relief work and glass inlay. A marble screen allows ladies to enjoy the cool air in purdah. The complex has a Mughal style pleasure garden (Aaram Bagh).
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors - a single candle lit can light the whole chamber at night due to the reflection of light by tiny mirrors), underground tunnel to Jaigarh fort (one km above on a hill), underground water tank are the main attractions of Amber.
In the centre of the courtyard is a pavilion with 12 pillars called Baradari. The palace zenana (women's quarters) has screens with covered balconies and frescoes on walls.
