Filled with anticipation, I arrived in the Pink City of ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.’ In fact, it was my first question to our guide. He laughed and told me of another tourist who planned her whole trip around sighting scenes from the movie. The hotel actually is in a nearby city but the shots of the arches and the pink buildings were shot in Jaipur. The reputation of the Pink City is so important to the local economy, that the government furnishes just the correct color for painting the buildings inside the walls of the old city. 
This was only a photo opportunity of the front facade of the Palace of Winds where you can see the pink color of the buildings.
To give you an idea how important Jaipur is for travelers to India, Eyewitness Guide India gives no less than fifteen pages to the Pink City and surrounds. There are at least three palaces, many temples and Mosques, endless narrow shopping streets, as well as the monumental arches. I have decided to share The Amber Fort and palace along with Jantar Mantar from my time in this finest example of an Indian planned grid city.
The Amber Fort established in 1592 by Man Singh I is on the site of the ruins of an 11th century fort. The palace buildings added by Jai Singh I are the magnificent centerpiece of the site. Chittorgarh may have the designation as the largest fort, but Amber Fort is the most beautiful. 
As we approached, we noticed a long line leading to elephant rides to go up the cobblestone walkway into the fort. We decided not to stand in line for several hours but we wanted a ride. The guide suggested an alternative plan of visiting the elephants where they live later in the day and going for a ride there.
The screen seen in the first picture with pattern design, from the palace, is to allow the ladies to see through but not be seen from the other side. Muslim architecture is filled with these simple elegant carved screens made of either stone or wood. There is also a hall of tiny ceiling mirrors which is transformed into a starlit sky by the reflection of a single candle. It is different from Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors but equally enchanting. Another room connected to the Audience Hall has vibrant Murano stained glass windows, imported from Venice.
As we left, we stopped for a photo of a cobra tamer. All is safe because the snakes’ fangs have been removed. 
We arrived at the elephants’ barn,where they were being washed and fed after their 5 trips up and back to the fort. The animals are treated very well as they are the handlers’ source of income. 
My favorite was the one painted as a tiger, but all had some decoration, gently painted on them each morning. Notice the anklets. The price was less than $10 for a 2o minute ride. Turns out they are all female because they are calmer. Our ride was down a street instead of up the hill to the fort. The ride was quite bumpy and reminiscent of the bus ride we had been experiencing on the trip.
But we can check elephant ride off the bucket list. It was enjoyable, but once was quite enough for us!
This is indeed India…the India of every child’s dreams. .
TalesAlongTheWay 
Wonderfully clear and crisp photos 🙂
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There is a picture everywhere you look in India !
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Wonderful! The screen is beautiful and the facade of the Palace of Winds, simply stunning. And how funny that I have the movie queued up on LoveFilm because I want to watch it again.
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You will see it with new eyes now. That makes me happy !
Cheers !
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Loved this place, unbelievable. 🐘
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This is on every Indian tourist’s most see list! No one gave us all that attention as we were just some of many wandering in marveling!
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Amazing, Anne. You capture sights I shall never see in person. Thank you.
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It is my joy to share my experiences. Husband says professors don’t get rich, but there are other perks to other perks to the job! I am blessed !
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Oh my goodness, the facade is so beautiful, so is the screen in the first photo, such beautiful shapes x
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I love the Islamic architecture, this is Mogul or very early. They have only shapes etc and no graven images…people or animals. Always so elegant. . . .
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Beautiful! As you know, I love it too!!
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Oh course you , do. I did forget for a moment.
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🙂 that’s why I like the screen so much, all those shapes and cut outs, so typical
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So delicate and beautiful. . . .
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Yes 🙂
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Ah, the fangs of the snake were removed. That takes a bit of concern away but the new one came. That can reduce the fear from the audiences which might not be good for the business 🙂
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How amazing! I have seen the movie also and would love to visit Jaipur! It’s on my To-Do List of India! Sad that my background is in India, but I have not seen anything! 😦 Seeing it through your pictures!
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well, I have traveled half way around the world, but haven’t seen Niagara Falls which people from all over come to see. I am honored you enjoy my blog and that it is wetting your appetite to visit your incredible homeland!
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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You are right, Jaipur is now definitely on my list. Time to check out the movie and get to planning. Loved this post, and of course with an elephant ride to end it, not bad at all 🙂
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I don’t think you will be disappointed. It is “India”!
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Thanks
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