The capital of Rajasthan is one of the ideal places to start the discovery of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a young city which would be around 3 centuries old. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty. Like all Rajput kings, Kachchawahas claim to be the descendants of Shri Ram of Ramayana. It is the only city in the world symbolising the nine divisions of the universe through nine rectangular sectors sub dividing it according to the principals laid down in the 'Shilpa Shastra'. and ancient indian architecture.

11 kms away from Jaipur is the Amer fort or the Amber fort. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan. Jaigarh Fort is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. Amber Fort is also constructed of white and red sandstone. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) architecture.

Just prior to the palace entrance is a narrow staircase leading to the Kali Temple, also known as the Shila Devi Temple, made popular for its enormous silver lions. There is a image of Ganesha at the temple entrance, carved entirely from a single piece of coral which worth a watch. One can also ride up to the fort from the base of the hill on elephants. One of the most striking parts of the fort is the Hall of Mirrors. It is said that the hall could be lit at night by a single candle because of all the tiny, intricate mirrors.

The Kachchawahas ruled Amber for seven centuries. Amber was built by three of the kigs Man Singh, Jai Singh 1 and II. The fort is entered through a steep ramp, where visitors take elephant rides. AS we enter the Jaleb Chowk there are two flight of steps one leads to the Shila Mata complex where images of gods and goddesses are placed. In the complex the Ganesh Pol which is a gateway having pictures of the elephant headed god Ganesh.

The complex has the Diwan-i-Am which is said to be the hall for public, it looks spectacular waith lots of pillars. The Sukh Niwas, Jas Mandir, Charbagh Garden are well maintained with windows placed strategically to give a glimpse og the outside world. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Mootha lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provide a spectacular view from the palaces above. Seesh Mahal as the name suggests has walls of mirrors. There are light and sound shows in the evening.

Amber fort has a reason to be concerned since its history and has seen wars with other Rajput kingdoms. It has faced the armies of Gujrat, the Marathas and the Mughals. Hence one thing noticable is the narrow passages like the Rajput palaces consists of narrow passages and staircases that can be defended by a single person. Ridged ramps to allow the cavalry to move withing the fort and the windows at heights so that it cannot be scaled easily. The interiors are decorated lavishly as the women most of the time spent their time within the fort.