Asking an employee at the Atithi Guesthouse as how to get to Amber Fort we got this answer: “Take bus Nr. 5! It is a lot faster than an auto rickshaw and cheaper, of course”. We were puzzled: faster? Still traumatized from walking noisy and boiling hot streets the previous day, we were a bit hesitant first. But there was no excuse for not trying…
We found the bus station in no time and a helpful elderly man immediately took us under the wings. We climbed into the modern bus, got ourselves window sits and watched the buzzing city of Jaipur from the inside of a comfortable bus. On top, the elevated position allowed us to take great photos. The ensuing countryside also offered great photo ops, like a palace in the middle of a lake.
And yes, it is much faster to travel by bus… Why? In the hierarchy of vehicles on Indian roads, it is the strongest, honking so loudly, that forces its way through a heavy traffic jam like a plough. In half an hour, we were whizzed to what we truly think it one of the greatest building we have ever visited, Amber Palace!
Sitting on the airy hilltop with a warm yellowish glow in the evening sun, it invites you to stroll its maze of buildings, courtyards and garden all breathtakingly beautiful. It was built at the end of the 16th by the Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army.
The view from the top reveals the strategic purpose of the fort, situated at the beginning of the valley that runs into Jaipur. High walls run up and down the surrounding hills and hint at a large defense system during ancient times.
Unfortunately the visiting hours are not extended during the hot season. The temperature was just getting really pleasant at around 06:00 pm, when we had to leave this most impressive site.
During our visit we were repeatedly were asked by Indian families to have a photo of us together with their family.
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