The winding road leading up to there was fun to drive on, mostly because it’s a one-way, which means you don’t have to worry (too much) about anyone coming down the wrong way. Also, it was really early in the morning, so there wasn’t another soul in sight throughout the fort complex anyway. The fort overlooks Maota Lake and to get there you either walk or drive up the cobbled path winding to the top, or you could go the Maharaja way and hitch a ride on the back of a stately elephant which will transport you up and even inside the fort’s premises (vehicles have to be parked outside) at a sedate pace. Inside, you’ll find a four-level architectural approach. The first level is the Diwan-e-Aam, where the kings of yore held public audiences. Following that is the Diwan-e-Khas, where the nobles and the royal family’s more exclusive guests were granted entrance. The Jal Mahal comes next, followed by the Sukh Vilas which was the king’s private residence. The fort is one of three in the vicinity, and together the three forts formed a formidable barrier of resistance against attacks from foreign kingdoms. In fact, there’s a subterranean last-ditch escape route that connects the Amer Palace to Jaigarh Fort, which was our next stop.
Now Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are pretty much neighbours, even the approach road to the two is the same. So we decided to split off towards Jaigarh first. As soon as you head towards Jaigarh Fort, you’ll come across this specific stretch of land that’s inhabited by at least 50-60 wild peacocks and peahens. It’s as if they’ve established a colony there, the sight of all those feathers swathed in electric blue and sharp greens swaying about in close vicinity is truly mesmerising. Inside the fort, you’ll find your usual palace, along with an armoury and a museum. Just outside the gate, you’ll also find a troop of langurs hanging about.
