Friday, October 12, 2018

India’s Golden Triangle: The Royal Treatment (October 2018)




Back in the 17th century, during times of war, you would find ladies of Jaipur’s royal family gathered here under the Ganesh Gate to welcome their men home from battle. The elaborate gate is one of seven inside the Amber Fort, located just a few miles outside of Jaipur. This one serves as the entrance to three private palaces of the maharajas (kings), all situated around a beautiful garden.

Today, tourists from all over the world head to the fort for more than just its history and its popular (and optional) elephant rides to the site. 



They flock to the massive complex each year to admire its architecture as well, especially the beautiful handiwork found here at the Ganesh Gate. It was painted with vegetable dyes and still retains its original shine and brilliance. And while all of the gates around the fort are quite stunning, people marvel at this particular one, which was built between 1611 and 1667, because of its architectural mix of two empires - Mughal and Rajput, resulting in images reflecting Hindu and Muslim traditions.



The gate’s name, along with its floral decorations, honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-head Hindu god known as the remover of any obstacles and the enabler of successful endeavors. He is the ultimate symbol of good luck.

The beauty of this gate and the overall fort is truly breathtaking. What a sight to behold! 






It helps to make Jaipur unforgettable. Now, let’s see what Agra has to offer...

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