Hawa Mahal: Our first stop of the day was to observe the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). The Hawa Mahal was constructed as an extension of the women's chamber of the City Palace to allow the royal ladies a clandestine view from which to observe everyday life in the street below. The design of the palace is inspired by the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. The Wind Palace got its name from the breeze that circulates through its 953 small windows.
Amber Fort: Amber Fort is located in the city of Amber, just 11 km (7 mi) from Jaipur. It is surrounded by a great wall and, on the hill above, Jaigarh Fort, used for defense. It is constructed of red and white sandstone and contains both Hindu and Muslim architectural features. Sitting in front of the fort is Kesar Kyari Bagh, the royal gardens. This structure was surrounded by Maotha Lake, which is now just a dry lake bed due to India's extended drought. Construction on the fort began in 1592 and it remained in use until the capital was moved to Jaipur in 1727.
First Courtyard: Our first stop was in the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard, of the palace. This is the place where returning armies were welcomed back to the fort. From there, we proceeded up a staircase, through Singh Pol (Lion Gate), into the palace proper.
Second Courtyard: In front of us was a second courtyard, this one containing the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), a large open pavilion where the mujahara greeted the public. On the far end of the courtyard stands the Ganesh Pol, the gate to the living quarters. At the top of the Ganesh Pol is Suhag Mandir, a chamber where the royal ladies could sit and observe, through lattice screens, the functions held in the Diwan-i-Am and Jaleb Chowk below.
Third Courtyard: Proceeding through the Ganesh Pol, we came upon a third courtyard. In the middle of this courtyard stands the Aram Bagh (Pleasure Garden). To the right is the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Public Audience) and to the left is the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), pictured above beyond the gardens. Within the Jai Mandir is the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). One could only imagine what it must have looked like with a single candle burning in the center of the room, the light reflecting off the countless mirrors embedded in its walls and ceiling. Sitting directly above the Sheesh Mahal is the Jas Mandir (Hall of Glory), pictured to the left.
Fourth Courtyard: Passing through one more gate, we enter Zenani Deorhi (Ladies' Apartments). This was the living quarters for the wives of the mujahara, and no men other than the mujahara himself were permitted entry. Each apartment is connected to the king's palace above by a private corridor, ensuring none of his other wives would know when he paid one of them a visit. In the middle of the Zenani Deorhi sits the fourth courtyard of the fort, where the queens could socialize with one another and watch proceedings of the royal court in privacy. This is also from where the royal ladies managed the estates that were often assigned to them.
Jal Mahal: Upon returning to Jaipur, we stopped to take pictures of the Jal Mahal (Water Palace). The Jal Mahal was built in 1799 to host royal duck shooting parties. The lower four stories of the five story building sit under the surface of Mansagar Lake. This pleasure spot now sits abandoned and entry is forbidden.
Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar, also known as the Jaipur Observatory, is a collection of 14 astronomical instruments built between 1727 and 1734. The instruments, constructed of stone, marble and bronze, each have a specific purpose, such as telling time, tracking stars, predicting eclipses, etc. Perhaps the most notable of these instruments is the largest sundial in the world, the Samrat Yantra, which is said to be accurate to two seconds.
Also included among the instruments are 12 devices dedicated to each of the astrological signs. Astrology is very important even in modern day India, and astrologists are consulted to help choose a spouse and ensure a harmonious marriage.
City Palace: Our last sightseeing stop for the day was at the City Palace. The former Maharaja (King) still occupies the most imposing building of the complex, the Chandra Mahal. Several of the other buildings have been turned into museums. Mubarak Mahal, originally built to entertain guests of the king, now displays royal costumes. Another, Maharini's Palace, was originally the residence of the queen but has been converted to a museum displaying weapons. A third, Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), now houses artwork and ancient manuscripts. Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was being used for a dance rehearsal while we were there. It also holds two Gangajali (Silver Jars), the largest silver objects in the world. These jars were used to carry Gangajal, water from the Ganges River, for drinking when Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II traveled to England.
Show: On our way to dinner at the hotel restaurant, we stopped for a short time to watch a show put on by the hotel. The show featured traditional dance and music and was very entertaining.