The most fascinating Palace of Victory (Jai Mandir) features the exquisite ceiling, stained glass and honeycomb-shaped marble screens. In the palace, the unparalleled Mirror Palace (Sheesh Mahal) reaches the dizzy heights of perfection. Surrounding walls and the ceiling are embedded with countless mirrors in various patterns of flowers, vases and so on. Nothing could be better! It is said that when candles are lighted in the pitch-black night, flickering flame would be reflected in countless mirrors of the palace, as if the entire palace is spangled with a canopy of brilliant stars. The pity is that the entire heavily-guarded Sheesh Mahal has maintained tight blockade and visitors, therefore, have to crane their necks to peer, with no chance of capturing its hidden beauty in the camera.

In front of the Jai Mandir is a courtyard with a star-shaped pool and a fountain in the centre. Geometrically-shaped gardens and paths are separated by marble. The Sukh Niwas (Entertainment Hall, also translated as Pleasure Palace) faces the Jai Mandir across the courtyard. In old times, an indoor waterfall was formed by introducing water from outside so as to relieve the scorching heat in high summer. This may be the ancient air-conditioning equipment.

The Zenana (imperial seraglio) is the fourth courtyard of the Amber Fort. Only from the interpretation of the tour guide could I understand the profound secret of the courtyard. It is the sophisticated design that had allowed the prince to sneak into any room belonging to the queen or each concubine in the night but with as little notice of others as possible, avoiding a possible storm of jealousy.

The most mysterious place in the Amber Fort is probably the Shila Devi Temple accessible from an austere entrance on the right side of the Singh Pol (Lion Gate). It is said that, in the past, a live goat sacrifice had been offered every day until 1980 when the government declared its abolition.

One visit to the Amber Fort is indeed better than knowing it merely by repute, and its splendor can only be perceived through the personal experience. Don't miss this attraction when you come to Jaipur.

Tang Yu Lap

Hantec Honorary Advisor