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gates, and buildings proclaim Rajput grandeur. The
Aravalli Hills, the oldest plateau mountain range in
India, provide dramatic backdrop.
Until 1727, when the capital was moved to Jaipur,
Amber Fort served as the principal palace. Thus, sev-
eral centuries of Rajasthan culture are displayed
within.
Access to the fort's forested hilltop is via foot (a
steep 30-minute climb), by jeep, or by elephant.
Ingress to the fort is through the narrow Sun Gate.
Once on top, there is a
panoramic view of Jaipur's city
walls, and of the Maota Lake
below.
A rich array of palaces, halls,
pavilions, gardens, and temples
comprise the fort. Memorable is
the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public
Audience), a raised platform of 27
colonnades. The carved silver
doors of Shila Devi Temple are
also unique, and rival in beauty
the fort's many filigreed marble
windows.
Notable is the Sheesh Mahal
(Mirror Palace) in the king's pri-
vate quarters. Legend attaches to
the ceiling, with its inlaid panels
of glass and convex mirrors: The
maharaja sought to indulge his
maharani (queen) who enjoyed
seeing the stars at night, but who
was not allowed to sleep in the
open air. By candlelight, the glit-
tering ceiling was star-like.
Animal rights groups and PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals) have influenced the
treatment of elephants at Amber
Fort. No longer are four passen-
gers permitted on an elephant's
back. Today, the limit is two. Ele-
phant transport to the fort's top is
about 900 rupees, or $13.60 US
dollars. Daily trips of the ele-
phants are limited in number.
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