Elephant 'taxi', Amber Palace, Rajasthan 

RAJASTHAN'S MAGICAL AMBER FORT
          Located just seven miles from the city of Jaipur, the 11th century Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's most fascinating historic attractions. In my opinion it ranks in beauty and atmosphere with the most impressive sites that Rajasthan has to offer.
         Surrounded by the Aravalli hills this massive stone structure served in the 16th century as a pleasure palace for Maharajas returning from battle. In its tranquil Persian inspired gardens the battle weary warriors recouped their energies for further campaigns.

Monkeys on an Amber Palace ledge high above the lake

         Like the Maharajas of old, approaching the upper reaches of this fort through seven fortified gates riding on the back of a painted, caparisoned elephant, is an experience that one is not likely to forget. On the towering walls surrounding the fort, Hanuman monkeys clutching infants to their breasts, perch in casual abandon.
         On the banks of the lake far below colourfully dressed Indian women gather on the ghat to wash their clothes. In another direction meticulously laid out spice gardens on raised platforms in the lake tempt the viewer to investigate further.

Excerpt from my upcoming book ...

Images copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on Thursday, 19th January, 2012