Jaipur Joy, Jest And Jostle
If you haven't really planned to go to Jaipur, there's a lot out there that will compel you to visit. Jaipur enjoys extensive railway connectivity, so, it's easy to reach the desert city by train from most destinations in India. You could even fly in if that's your preferred mode of commuting, however, going by train is very exciting as you get a feel f the Rajasthani terrain once you enter the state. Once you get off at Jaipur station, you might be a little offended at the sheer number of auto rickshaw and taxi drivers that encircle you with promises to ferry you across Jaipur for a great deal.
The bargaining process may really anger you, especially after a long journey. As such, it's advisable to have your hotel arrange for transport and pick you up at the station rather than being jostled around and fighting for rates. What's even more sensible is to use your GPS to know where you need to go and whether the driver is taking you for a ride. There is a need to be alert when visiting such tourist thronged destinations as drivers will ask for exaggerated rates, and there's no real tariff card that you can expect drivers to follow. Your safest bet is to bargain, and agree upon a taxi rental rate that doesn't seem exorbitant.
You will cross Jal Mahal, the Lake Palace sitting in the Man Sagar Lake enroute to Amber Fort. A 1799 red sandstone structure, like many others in the area, it did serve as a pleasure palace in earlier centuries. As can be expected, this water palace did serve as hunting ground when the erstwhile princes shot ducks, and enjoyed the cool breeze.However, the palace has been abandoned for quite some time now, and if one looks closely, the upper floors do like they could do with some renovation.
On the palace's perimeter on the lake are independently constructed guard posts. These too are now abandoned. The lake could do with some cleaning on a more regular basis, and there's no way one can really reach the abandoned Jal Mahal Lake Palace as it is devoid of any boat service. Visitors may want to stop at the ruin enroute to Amber Fort but that would delay your Amber Fort visit, which comes to a standstill as it gets dark, so visitors must strive to reach the fort in quick time.
Usually, people stop by the Jal Mahal Lake Palace on the way back but sometimes it can get very late and all you will see in the dark is a silhouette. It would be best to reach the banks of the Man Sagar Lake late in the afternoon. You can sit and enjoy the scenic view, walk up and down the railed pavement, and get photographs from all angles. For those who love street food, the evenings are a great time by the Jal Mahal Palace as vendors start setting up a smallish temporary food bazaar, and the street lights turn on. Even if you don't spend too many hours by the palace ruins, you're sure to see it on your way to Amber Fort and back.