Jaipur Amer Fort - An Extraordinary Hilltop architectural marvel

In the Pink City of Jaipur, on top of Aravali Hill lies the Jaipur Amer Fort. It is also known as Amber Palace and is located around 11 kilometers from Jaipur city. Jaipur Amer Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in India. The place is well known for its architecture, elephant ride, and artwork in each of the courtyards. Amer fort tourism attracts a lot of crowd every day.

Why Amer Fort is famous?

Amer Fort is well-known for its aesthetic characteristics. The fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the principal supply of water for the Amer Palace, from its huge ramparts and system of gates and cobbled roads. The architectural style of various fort structures was heavily inspired by Mughal architecture. Are Amber Palace and Amer Fort the same? - all different names referred to the same place.

Jaipur Amer Fort or the Amber Palace as viewed from the main road.

Who lived in Amer Fort?

Amer was originally the capital of the princely state of Jaipur, and the fort was the palace of the Rajput monarchs. On the ruins of an 11th-century fort, Maharaja Man Singh I, who led Mughal Emperor Akbar's troops, began building in 1592. Before transferring the capital to Jaipur in 1727, successive monarchs expanded to Amber Fort Jaipur.

Also, read Jaipur Monkey Temple | Sisodia Rani ka Bagh | Jaipur

Jaipur Amer Fort

Jaipur Amer Fort is split into four parts, each with its own entrance and courtyard. The 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate, which leads to the main courtyard, is the fort's primary entrance. You may either ride an elephant upwards or take a jeep trip from the rear entrance.

The second floor of the Amer Fort is the Diwan-e-Aam (Public Audience Hall). From here you get to see the top view of the lake and the garden at the center of the lake. It is a massive hall open on three sides. The royal apartments are located in the third courtyard of the Amer Fort. Entrance to this level is through the Ganesh Pol. The most magnificent attraction in the compound is the 'Sheesh Mahal'.

Courtyard at Jaipur Amer fort or Amber Palace

Sheesh Mahal Jaipur

The Sheesh Mahal's walls and ceilings are adorned with exquisite floral carvings, glass paintings, and optical illusions. The 'Sukh Mahal,' constructed of sandalwood and ivory, is located directly across from the Sheesh Mahal.

It has numerous channels with running cold water. The 'Magic Flower' is another attraction of the Amer Fort. The Amer Fort's final level was designed specifically for Royal ladies. It has a courtyard surrounded by several rooms. There is also a hall called the Jas Mandir that was once utilized for a private audience.

Sheesh Mahal Jaipur

A climb further beyond this will take you to the watchtower. Not many visitors visit this place. Also, there is a museum at the peak which is another half a mile hike uphill. At the peak, you get to see the panoramic view of the fort and huge canyon that is now on display to the public.

Carvings at Sheesh Mahal Jaipur

Also read: Hawa Mahal Jaipur – Stupendous and unique architectural design

How much time does Amer Fort take?

If you actually want to experience the awe-inspiring Amer Fort, allow at least three hours. The fort is best visited around 4 p.m. when the sun isn't fully above but there's still enough light to explore.

What is the best time to visit Amer Fort?

The Amer Fort is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you're seeking the finest time to visit Amer Fort, the months of October through March are ideal. During these months, the temperature is rather nice and cool.

Old paintings and artwork at Sheesh Mahal Jaipur

Which is better Amer Fort or Nahargarh?

Nahargarh may appear to be an unusual pick in a city of larger forts, but it provides relative seclusion, especially when compared to the crowded Amber Fort. Nahargarh, which is lighter and more golden in hue, also offers something that the other two more prominent Jaipur forts do not: unobstructed views of downtown Jaipur. So, if time allows, I would recommend visiting both locations.

https://youtu.be/7nmE-xSy1qc

Jaipur Stepwell

Our first stop is 'Panna Meena ka Kund' (Stepwell) built in the 16th century. Jaipur Amer Fort / Amber Palace has a traditional Hindu Rajput style of architecture. It's composed of marble and red sandstone, and it has a rustic, enigmatic aspect. Portraits of important Rajput rulers and paintings in old hunting techniques are prominently visible.

Stepwell on the way near second entrance to Amber Fort (Jeep route)

Hotels near Amber Fort, Jaipur

There are multiple hotels near Amer fort from budget hotels and hostels starting with a price tag of 600 rupees to the expensive ones that will cost you around 9000 rupees which is in close proximity to the Amber fort. There are hotels in this area with a view of the fort.

To conclude, the Jaipur Amer fort is one of the best places to visit if you would like to witness true historical architecture. It is also listed in the UNESCO heritage sites. Once you visit this place, the feeling that you get would be more like going back in time and witnessing the royal palace. Watch this video till the end and support my work by SUBSCRIBING to my YouTube channel.

Beautiful campsite of Jobra with breathtaking Valley view | Hampta Pass Trek | Day 1

Hampta Pass is a famous hike if you are in Himachal, India. Also, this is a 5-6 days hike and an ideal hike for beginners to get that true Himalayan hiking experience. Additionally, you will be covering the most picturesque lake after the trek. The trek starts from Jobra and ends at Chhatru. The trek has some breathtaking landscapes, stream crossing, and many more. However, I recommend a short weekend hike before attempting this trek. For instance, you might want to go for a weekend hike to the western ghats.

Pine forest as you drive uphill to Jobra campsite. Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

In this post, I will be covering the first day of reaching the campsite located at Jobra, the basecamp for Hampta Pass. After that, I will be sharing more posts for each of my days spent on this slope. In addition, you might want to check the video on YouTube which is at the end of the post. So, consider subscribing to my channel - link.

Staying a bit outside of Manali town can keep you away from the tourist crowd. Also, booking a room on the mountain slopes with a beautiful view can be a memorable stay. Gather enough ration needed for your hike and pack your backpack. Because there are no shops on reaching basecamp or on the way up. However, you might find a few huts during the trek where you can have maggie, tea, and snacks.

Drive to Jobra campsite

There is no public transport available to reach the Jobra campsite. The only option would be to hire an expensive jeep drive to the top. This will cost around ₹ 2,600 per vehicle which you can share among other trekkers. However, if time permits, then it can easily be a one-day hike to the Jobra campsite. It is a picturesque drive from Manali to Jobra with some 40+ hairpin curves and a one-hour drive uphill. The panoramic view of Kullu valley with the mountain slopes full of pine trees is just breathtaking.

Rani Nallah. Trekker crossing over the stream. Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

The short trek to Jobra basecamp

The drive starts from the Manali bus stand and ends near the hydel plant and the reservoir. After that, you will have to hike for another 45 minutes from here to reach basecamp. As you enter the forest, the trail is through the pine trees, a few maple trees. In addition, the last stretch as you come out of the forest area is the meadows. The hike is right next to the Rani Nallah / stream. Likewise, the next three campsites are right next to this stream till you reach Hampta pass.

Jobra Campsite - Day 1 of Hampta Pass trek. Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

To sum up, there isn't much of a hike on day one. It is more of an uphill drive followed by a short hike. But, the scenery that you get to see on the way is breathtaking. Also, even at the Jobra campsite, the view above the cloud is heavenly. Explore the campsite at Jobra. Spend some time next to the wooden bridge and a small waterfall nearby. Similarly, you get to see many unnamed waterfalls all along the trail.

My advice would be to spend less time inside the camp and explore the campsite around. Enjoy the clean air, morning mist, clear night sky, etc. It might rain at times. So, I recommend, carrying an umbrella or a rain cover. The temperature drops below 5 degrees Celcius. Therefore, having an additional layer of clothing is advised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdCWUqVIkm0

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Read Next: Day 2 of Hampta Pass trek from Jobra to Jwara campsite.

Hotels in Manali

There are no hotels or homestays in Jobra. On the previous day before the start of the trek, you can stay in Manali. The landscape is scenic and you can stay in hotels rooms with some amazing views. There are hostels where you can stay overnight for as little as rupees 250 to the expensive hotels.

Check out the remaining days of the trek by clicking here.

https://ravindrajoisa.com/hampta-pass/

Kibber Chicham Ropeway - An Extraordinary Canyon ride

Chicham - a remote village in the Himalayas in India. Spiti Valley is one of the world's most beautiful places on planet earth and has some stunning landscapes, lakes, canyons, glaciers, and snow cap mountains. As a result, adventure lovers flock around Spiti valley from all over the world. In addition, you will find a lot of bikers exploring this place.

There are these little know villages where a few families have lived for generations without any infrastructure or connectivity. However, the beauty of this place and the considerate nature of people make this place an ideal getaway. One such village is 'Chicham'.

Chicham Village as seen from the trail to Kanamo Base Camp. Image Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

How did I come to know this place?

Exploring the Himalayas is something that I love. Visiting a place that is less crowded, peaceful, and away from any kind of mobile connectivity is what I like. This time, the trek was not the usual trek. I usually go on a hike for a few days. But, this trek was a summit climb to Kanamo Peak which is at 19600 feet. And Kibber which is the village adjacent to Chicham is the basecamp.

Where is Chicham Bridge situated?

The nearest town to Kanamo is Kaza and the best place to collect all the ration needed for the trek. There is road connectivity to the basecamp, Kibber which is another village similar to Chicham. We reached Kibber a day in advance to get acclimatized to 14,000 feet. The only village around is Chicham which is more like a backyard to Kibber village.

Parilungbo canyon and Kanamo peak to the top right. Image Copyright: Ravindra Joisa

What is Chicham Bridge famous for?

Which is the tallest bridge in Asia? - The tallest bridge in Asia may be seen in Spiti Valley. Yes, it is home to the Chicham Bridge, Asia's tallest bridge, and an amazing sight to behold. The bridge, which stands at a dizzying height of 13596 feet, is the highest bridge in Himachal joins the communities of Chicham and Kibber. The bridge was under construction at the time I visited this place and is now a major tourist attraction. The bridge has made the like of people living in these villages easier with better connectivity and an increase in tourism.

Spine-Chilling Chicham Ropeway

Chicham and Kibber had no connectivity before. Other than a round trip to Kaza, there is a Parilungbo canyon separating the two villages. So, the only way to reach Chicham from Kibber was to hike down to the Spiti river tributary and climb up. And, that would take half a day. This route was being used by the locals to carry heavy goods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwIVbhLvGBM

Crossing Parilungbo Canyon using a simple ropeway.

But, locals without luggage had an alternative to cross the canyon with a self-propelled ropeway. Also called the Kibber Chicham Ropeway. There is absolutely no safety, but locals risked their lives to cross the canyon. Recently, the government has built a bridge connecting the two villages. During my visit, the Chicham bridge was under construction and I doubt if the ropeway still exists.

The ropeway has no backup power, motor, or any kind of safety and is completely manual. Luckily, in the video, you can see our trekking team pulling the rope. Also, the present-day Chicham bridge can be seen to the right in the video but was under construction at that time. So, if you have the guts needed to sit in that little cart and cross the canyon which is at a height of 150 meters, without any kind of safety gear then leave a comment.

https://youtu.be/vx41M7sxoOs

You might also like: KANJI – A REMOTE VILLAGE IN THE HIMALAYAS

Kanamo Peak which is approximately 19,600 feet high can be seen from these two villages. People stay at Kibber before making an attempt to climb the summit. The village stay is ideal if you are not acclimatized to this high altitude.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBtUUJUvar6qBtz1_EuRE7QhnTGYN-d0S

To conclude, this was a true adventure trip that I had and something that you should definitely experience. So, SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel and to my blog for more travel and photography stories. In addition, you can follow me on Instagram - @ravindra_joisa to see all my travel stories.