Top 8 in Top 10 tourist attractions not to be missed in India.
Amer Fort (also commonly spelled "Amber") was built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and has long been the capital of Jaipur. Carved high into the hillside, you can walk to the fort by uphill or take the shuttle from the town below (better yet, let an elephant do the job).
Highlights include Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard, with its many decorated elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also of note is the Adjacent Public Audience Hall (Diwan-i-Am) with its finely decorated walls and terrace frequented by monkeys.
Other highlights include the Sukh Niwas (Lobby of Joy) with its many flower beds and a canal once used to conduct cooling water, and the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), notable for its many decorative panels. , colorful ceilings and great views of the palace and lake below.
Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh and featuring tall towers, formidable walls and the world's largest wheeled cannon. Be sure to also spend time wandering the walled Old City of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and splendid markets, as well as the delightful City Palace, a massive complex consisting of including courtyards, gardens and buildings.