We are in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Here we visit the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is the most iconic landmark in Jaipur’s “Pink City.” Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad, it is a five-story pyramidal structure made of red and pink sandstone that stands as a masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal fusion architecture.

The palace was originally designed as an extension of the City Palace’s zenana (women’s chambers). Its primary cultural purpose was to allow royal women, who observed the strict purdah system of remaining unseen by the public, to watch street festivals, royal processions, and daily life in the Johari Bazaar below without being observed themselves.

Next stop is the Amer (or Amber) Fort, often referred to as the Amber City, it was the historic capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before the founding of Jaipur in 1727.

Amer: This is the official name of the town and the fort. It is derived from Ambikeshwar, a name for Lord Shiva, or possibly Amba, the Mother Goddess Durga.  

Amber: This is the anglicized version of the name, which became popular during the British colonial era. It likely gained traction because the golden-yellow sandstone of the fort resembles the color of amber.

Located about 11 kilometers from the modern city, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of India’s most magnificent examples of hill-top fortresses.

The city is essentially a sprawling complex of massive fortifications, paved paths, and the iconic Amber Palace, all reflected in the still waters of Maota Lake.

Ancient Origins: The area was originally settled by the Meena tribe. The present-day fort was commissioned in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, a trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Growth: Over the next 150 years, successive rulers added their own palaces and courtyards, creating a seamless blend of Rajput military architecture and Mughal decorative art.

The fort is built from yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, organized into four distinct sections, each with its own courtyard:

Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors): This is the fort’s crown jewel. Its walls and ceilings are entirely covered in thousands of tiny mirrors and colored glass. It was famously designed so that the light from a single candle would illuminate the entire hall like a star-filled sky.

Ganesh Pol: This massive, ornate gateway serves as the entrance to the Maharaja’s private palaces. It is renowned for its beautiful frescoes and intricate mosaic work.

Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure): An early example of “air conditioning,” this room features a system where cool water flowed through marble channels, creating a breeze to combat the desert heat.

Magic Flower Fresco: A famous carving on a marble pillar that depicts seven different designs (a lotus, a cobra, an elephant trunk, etc.) depending on how you partially cover the image with your hands.

Secret Tunnel: A 2-kilometer subterranean tunnel connects Amber Fort to the nearby Jaigarh Fort. This was designed as an escape route for the royal family during times of siege.

Kesar Kyari (Saffron Garden): Situated in the middle of Maota Lake, this star-shaped garden was originally intended for growing saffron, though the climate now makes that a challenge.

After the fort we attended a Holi festival and was covered with bright colored powder, these vibrant powders (known as Gulal) are much more than just a messy celebration—they carry deep symbolic weight that blends mythology, seasonal changes, and social commentary.  

Historically, these powders were made from medicinal herbs like neem, turmeric, and dried flower petals (like Palash), which were thought to help prevent the fevers and colds common during the change of seasons from winter to spring.

The most profound meaning of the powder is its role as a social equalizer. In traditional Indian society, strict barriers often existed between different castes, religions, and economic classes.  

When everyone is covered in layers of bright pink, green, and blue, individual identities disappear.  

For one day, there is no “rich” or “poor,” only a sea of color. It represents the idea that, at our core, we are all the same.

After the festival we visit a jewelry workshop. Jaipur is recognized worldwide for its jewelry. We took time to visit the markets, dinner and traditional dances followed by a drive past the Prince Albert museum another beautiful building and but simply stunning in the night lights.