A short distance from Jaipur in Rajasthan, India is the Amber or Amer Fort.  This imposing fortress on the hill overlooking the lake is spectacular.  From the outside, at first glance it appears to blend into the landscape but as you enter into the inner parts of the fort the colours and decorations are subtle and beautiful.  The fort was built in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh I.

Many tourists were taking the elephant rides up the hill.  I strongly urge you to consider walking yourself the short distance uphill and declining this option.  Uphill walking is notoriously bad for elephants and if you care anything for animals you will avoid this practise.  Most reputable tour companies no longer offer elephant riding for tour groups due to the care and welfare of the animals.

This is one of those places where even when busy with tourists that you can find a courtyard or area and feel at least for a short while that you have a small piece of it to yourself.  To sit and absorb the atmosphere and imagine what life would have been like for those who lived and worked within its imposing walls.

The inlay decoration was in my opinion some of the loveliest we saw throughout Rajasthan and it always amazes me that the paintings still survive in part upon the walls.

This was from memory the only place in Rajasthan we saw monkeys, they were looking particulary chillaxed.  Unlike monkeys and apes other places I’ve visited, I didn’t see then pestering or bothering people for food.

Definitely a place to visit if you are in the area.