Rajasthan Diaries - A 7 day trip - The 3 mighty forts of Jaipur - Part 2

The 2nd day of our trip. A sunny morning. Just what we needed in the winters.

Most of us had previously seen Hawa Mahal at some point of time earlier in our lives, hence we gave it a miss.

Our cabbie drove from such a route that we could glance at it one more time.

1) Hawa Mahal:

Entry Cost: Rs 50/- (Indians) & Rs 200/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 9.00 AM -4:30 PM

Photo of Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Shashank Sinha

Amber Palace

2) Amber Palace:

Entry Cost: Rs 100/- (Indians) & Rs 500/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 9.00 AM -5:30 PM

Photo of Amber Palace, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Shashank Sinha

3) Jantar Mantar:

The Jantar Mantar monument in Jaipur, Rajasthan is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, and completed in 1734.

Entry Cost: Rs 50/- (Indians) & Rs 200/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 9:00 AM -4:30 PM

Photo of Jantar Mantar - Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Shashank Sinha

Located near City Palace and Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, the monument features masonry, stone and brass instruments that were built using astronomy and instrument design principles of ancient Hindu Sanskrit texts

Jal Mahal

4) Jal Mahal:

Also known as "Water Palace" it is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake.

Photo of Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Shashank Sinha

As you can see, the palace can't be accessed by tourists (by boats etc.) and everyone had to be content by clicking pictures from far away.

I'd have to research more if it is now restricted for visiting purposes or what. But at the time, no one was allowed.

Nahargarh Fort

5) Nahargarh Fort:

Entry Cost: Rs 50/- (Indians) & Rs 200/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 10.00 AM -4:30 PM

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city. The name implies "abode of tigers".

The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia,whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name.

Photo of Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by Shashank Sinha

The view of the city from the top was amazing.

6) JaiGarh Fort:

Entry Cost: Rs 35/- (Indians) & Rs 85/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 9.00 AM -4:30 PM

Now we are talking forts. Around noon, we reached the first mega fort, JaiGarh.

Again, a puppet show. Quite a gathering!

The fort features a cannon named "Jaivana", which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world's largest cannon on wheels.

The Jaivana was manufactured during the dynasty of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1699–1743) at a foundry in Jaigarh. The barrel is 6.15 m in length and weighs 50 tonnes. Now that's some serious weight!

7) Amer Fort:

This was my second visit to Amer Fort. It was around 5 PM when we reached, Amer.

Built by Man Singh I, Amer Fort is spread across an area of 4 Sq Km.

Entry Cost: Rs 100/- (Indians), discount for students & Rs 550/- (Foreigners)

Entry Time: 10 AM - 5 PM

Easily the most crowded fort in Jaipur, the fort is very marvelous from inside.

Some sort of pump mechanism, to fetch water from the lake, inside the fort.

Once ruled by Maharajas, its an abode of pigeons.

Dusk set in and it was time to head back. The grandness of Amer, is unparalleled. One can get lost in the tunnel. There are even hidden tunnels underneath the fort. They were made as a quick access for an escape in times of battles.