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North of Jaipur, the Amber Fort lies situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. This fort-palace was started by Mughal Emperor Man Singh I in 1592. It later served as the capital for the Rajputs until the city of Jaipur was built.
We board elephants for the ascent to the Fort. The loading ramp from which we climb into the passenger "basket" is itself a story high.
The passenger basket is secured by a "rear stabilizer" -- a rope under the elephant's tail. Some thoughtful drivers use a simple anti-chafing device -- an inner tube around the rope where it wraps under the tail.
There's a bit of pitch and yaw as we wobble up the winding road. Charlie here is hoping that the elephant doesn't lift its tail.
The courtyard is vast and the hilltop provides strategic views for spotting the distant dust of approaching enemy armies.
The interior contains a fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles. Walls and ceilings sparkle with mirror inlay.
Down in the courtyard, colorful visitors stroll about, carefully watched ... by the resident monkeys.
They quickly scavenge a dropped peanut or piece of
fruit. Get a little too close and you're in for a show of teeth and
a scolding, as they're not inclined to share.
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