Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Front view of the Palace

Amber fort is located in Amer, a town 11 km. away from Jaipur, Rajasthan State, India. This fort is known for its Hindu style architecture, built from red sandstone and white marble.

Maota Lake located in the base of Amber Fort. The lake contain garden  in the center named Kesar Kyari Bagh. 

Elephant ride is a fantastic experience going to main entrance of the Fort.  The ride will cost Rs 1100 for 2 people. On the way up, the driver will ask for a tip to buy banana for the elephant to feed. While you're riding in elephant, you can encounter some photographers taking pictures of you and will pester you to buy some photos later (avoid those people otherwise, if you really want some souvenir pictures but it will be very expensive).

This was the place where the victory parade would be held when the army returned from a successful battle.

The area where the queens witnessed the spectacles through the latticed windows.

Magnificent detailed architecture

Diwan-I-Aam is built in red sandstone and is plastered with white shell plaster which looks like white marble. There is also a raise rectangular stage from where the emperor used to address the audience.

Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors

Incredible wall which is made up of mirror

A carretela used by Royal family during parade.

Overlooking villages behind the fort

Indian Snake Charmer

Friendly local people of Rajasthan

Picture in the middle is HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabah Singh.

HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabah Singh is the living King of Jaipur. He is now 18 years of age and given responsibilities on his 18th birthday last July 2016.

The Fort is originally believed to have been built by Raja Man Sigh. during 967 CE. By the way, this Fort was declared a UNESCO world heritage site as part of the group Hill Fort of Rajasthan in 2013.

It is truly amazing historical tour  indeed and must see when you visit in Jaipur.

Tips:

1.) Be early if you want to avail elephant ride between 9-11 am. 

2.) If you don't have tour guide, there is available audio guide with headset to rent but you need to pay extra along with the entrance fee.

3) Winter season is the best time to visit as it won't be that hot. 

4.)There are vendors selling their goods along the steps or outside the elephant area. Just simply ignore them and they will leave you alone.  If you plan in buying, bargain them like crazy.

5.) Don't forget your camera and enjoy!

 

JABAL AKHDAR, The Green Mountain

Mountains of Jabal Akhdar

"The Green Mountain" this is what they called to Jabal Akhdar. Journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Akhdar takes about two hours (225km) and can only be travel by four-wheel drive. This place is famous for its traditional rose water extraction, pomegranate, walnuts, grapes and dates. Pomegranate here is classified among the finest in the world. The highest point Jabal Shams (the mountain of the sun) is around 3,000 metres(around 9,800 ft.) high. This place is also known for its Mediterranean Climate and expect a snow during winter. Here are some pictures I took of this enchanting place of Jabal.

Our first stop old houses in Nizwa. Feels like  I was on the the ancient time of Oman.

Small lakes

Villages and some modern infrastructures over the mountain

Breathtaking View of Al Hajar Mountains

Native Omani families still remain and living in these historical alluring houses.

This animal is called  "GEEP" the  hybrid offspring of goat and sheep.

Ruins of Sheraija Village

Closer view of ruin house of  Sheraija Village

View from window in one of the houses of  Sheraija Village

Inside the ruin house of Wadi Habib

Only in Jabal Akhdar ( I thought only the Philippines have this kind of terraces)

One of the finest pomegranate in the world


Trees which are grown only in the desert.

Tips when travelling to Jabal Akhdar:

1. Use 4WD and only 5 persons  are allowed in one car. Rent of car is available at the main entrance of Jabal Akhdar.

2.Bring your coat especially during winter season.

3. Prepare your anti vertigo meds when your not used to zigzag roads. 

4. Hotel is available if you have plan to stay for a night.

5. Don't forget your camera.

Enjoy and have fun!!

   

HAIMA, Oman

A scenic view of sunset in Haima

Haima is a town in the central Oman. It is the capital of the central region of Oman called Al Wousta Region. This is also the place where I consider my second home for almost four years as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). I remember, the first thing I did after I was told that I will be assigned in this place was to search "Haima" in google and I found out nothing but just desert and camels uuuurgh.. I was so desperate after I saw those pictures but wait there is something more with this place that you need to discover. Just free to scroll down and hopefully through this I can help you not only to imagine what is in Haima but to see its own uniqueness by these pictures.

Haima Park

Market place in Haima at night with ample of restaurants and grocery stores
(Some Filipino food products are available now)

Friendly people

HAIMA HOSPITAL

HAIMA MARKET

THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY 

SUNSET

MIGRATING BIRD

HAIMA BUSINESS CENTER

HAIMA STREET

A picturesque image of sunset in Haima Park during winter.

Foggy morning

See you in Haima!