Travel theme: Decoration

Relief at Amber Fort, Jaipur

Detail of relief at Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

Although constructed in the 16th century, Amer Palace (also pronounced and spelled Amber Fort) near Jaipur, India, is awash in colorful, well-preserved decoration — even today.  Incredible facades and niches bear intricately painted frescoes, panels of marble inlay, and reliefs like this flowered one in the Hall of Mirrors.

Ganesh Pol (or Ganesh Gate) named after the Hindu god Lord Ganesh (who removes all obstacles in life) leads you to the inner chambers of the royal family — or what remains of that space.  Typified by symmetry in architecture and detailed reliefs, the Gate is a popular gathering spot at Amber Fort and known for its detailed, decorative facade.

Ganesh Pol at Amber Fort

Decoration on the entryway known as Ganesh Pol at Amber Fort, Jaipur, India.

Inside, the Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), embellished with tiny mirror tiles and mosaics, glows even in the daytime, but at night with candles lit, becomes a “glittering jewel box.” (Wikipedia)

Mirrored wall in Sheesh Majal

Mirrored wall in Sheesh Majal (mirrored palace) at Amber Fort, Jaipur.

Visit Amber Fort for the structure, history, and even an elephant ride.  But get your camera ready.  This oldest surviving palace in India has some of the most elegant, historic decorations anywhere.

Detail: Hall of Mirrors

Mirrored wall, black and cream mosaics, relief: Sheesh Majal, Amber Fort, Jaipur

For more on Travel theme: Decoration, visit Ailsa’s blog, Where’s My Backpack.

10 thoughts on “Travel theme: Decoration

    1. Rusha Sams

      I, too, loved the hall of Mirrors and wish I could see it at night. Probably many of these tourist sites are open in the evening with great lighting; however, we were either in bed or traveeling to the next city! Maybe next time! ?

    1. Rusha Sams

      Thanks for taking a look. It’s a spectacular place even with the volume of people who visit daily!! We were pretty much like country kids visiting a big city for the first time!

  1. Rusha Sams

    I do, too! As we were walking, we would “ooh and ahh” at every turn. There were many more lovely rooms. Perhaps I’ll share some others for another challenge. Thanks for taking a look.

    1. Rusha Sams

      I think I responded to your comment, but the response went to the wrong place!!! (You’d think by now I’d get the hang of replying via email, but I haven’t!) Thanks for taking a look at this beautiful fort. We couldn’t quit looking and taking pictures, yet I have to admit, we became almost nonchalant. “Oh, just another embellished room!” All so exquisite!!

      1. suzjones

        I guess it does get like that sometimes. It’s like beaches. I love beautiful beaches but after a while, it’s like “Oh, it’s just another beach”. So I guess I know what you mean.

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