But anyway, I've now finished my trip to Jaipur but I don't feel like leaving marvelous Rajasthan just yet. Follow me, and I'll take you to Amer for a bonus extra day on this trip to India.
It all begins with a beautiful climb to reach Amer Fort. You can choose to walk up, ride in a jeep, or go up on the back of an elephant. These poor animals provide a shuttle service for tourists and are often mistreated. Conditions are, however, slowly improving for them. The government now restricts the number of return journeys each animal can do. Exploring Fort Amber is a pleasant experience. It's certainly not as luxurious or beautiful as the palaces of Udaipur and Jodhpur, but it's very enjoyable to spend some time there.
Continue the effort of climbing for another two kilometers until you reach Jaigarh Fort From up here, the scenery is magnificent, with plunging views over Amber Fort and the walls that run along the crests of the hills. Enjoyed the day? This is where you return to Jaipur. Goodbye to Rajasthan.
The citadel of Amber is the old capitalof the Jaipur State. A small, modern city clustered at the foot of the golden fort, a must-see for those staying in Jaipur during a trip to India. You can climb up to the Fort of Amber on foot, in a jeep or by elephant.
I strongly recommend a guided tour otherwise you will be wandering around in places without really understanding their significance. I particularly enjoyed the Jai Mandir and the victory room, with its mirrors embedded into the walls. Equally of note, the amusing corridor which enabled the Maharaja to visit his women in secret, at night, in the Zenana.
Nearby, you can also visit the Nahargarh Fort (Maharaja's summer residence) and the Jaigarh Fort (with the largest cannon in the world), perched on arêtes above the Jaipur. Don't miss the view from the cliff of the Jal Mahal which recalls the floating palace of Udaipur.