Amber Fort

Amber was the capital of the Kachchwahas from 1037 to 1727, when Sawai Jai Singh II shifted the capital to Jaipur. The approach is all the way through a narrow pass, and the fort, an impressive edifice that grew over a period of 2 centuries, is naturally equipped by the Aravalli Hills, making it an ideal stronghold. It's a stiff 20-minute climb to Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), beyond which lies a striking complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens, and temples. Either travel by car or imagine you are of royal blood and ascend on elephant-back for $11 for one to four riders; if you want to capture pictures of the elephants, they pose for you for around $1.25.