Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls are one of the most beautiful water falls in not only Uttarakhand, rather the whole of India. Enveloped by high mountain cliffs and situated at an altitude of about 4500 feet above the sea level, the falls present an awe-inspiring view as the water falls down from a high altitude and then splits into five streams. The water falling down from Kempty Falls appears to be doing a somersault before it hits the ground. Situated on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Highway, this popular tourist location attracts crowd from all over the country. 

Kempty Falls was developed as a picnic spot by the British officer John Mekinan, around 1835. It is believed that, the name ‘Kempty’ is a derivation of the ‘Camp-Tea’, the tea parties that the British used to organize here. Situated on the hilly pathway of Uttarakhand, Kempty Falls are strikingly beautiful. They prove to be the perfect place for picnic or for spending a couple of hours listening to the sound of the water-falls, amidst lush green vegetation. 

Generally, Kempty Falls is crowded with tourists, but after stepping across the lines along the flow of the stream, your may found a secluded rocky corral formed naturally by the streams. The sacred river, Yamuna is not too far from the falls. After 12 km, down the hill on crossing the Aglar River, the waters of Kempty meet Yamuna. Fishing here is very popular. However, permits are to be taken from Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie, before fishing at Kempty Falls.

Fast Facts

• Distance - Approx 15 km from Mussorie and 45 km from Dehradun

• Nearest Medical Help - Dehradun and Mussorie

• Nearest Human Vegetation - Dehradun - Uttarakhand

• Nearst Air port Jollygrant

• Nearest Railway Station- Dehra Dun

• Best Time- June to October

Amer Fort

The Amer Fort is situated in Amer, which is 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. This fort also has the 'Shila Devi' Temple and the 'Ganesh Pol' which is a gate that leads to the private palaces of the kings. The Amer Fort has many pavilions and halls of great interest and other popular attractions.

History Of The Fort
Amer was once known as Dhundar and was ruled by the Kachhwahas from the 11th to the 16th century, until the capital was moved from here to Jaipur. Raja Man Singh built this fort in 1592 AD and Raja Jai Sigh I expanded and renovated it later. While many such old structures have been either destroyed or replaced by other things, this fort has stood against all the tests of time and invasions.

Architectural Layout
The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard. This east-facing gate is also the main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace. The 'Sila Devi' Temple is right at the entrance to the main palace grounds. The second courtyard is famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'. A very famous attraction here is the 'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Jaigarh Fort
• Aravalli Hills
• Vijay Garh

The Amer Fort/Palace is a beautiful structure that was built by Raja Man Sing in the 16th century. Don't forget to check out the 'Sheesh Mahal', 'Diwan-i-Aam' and 'Sukh Mahal' also. The fort is a ten minute walk uphill and your little trek will be worth the wonders that it offers. Don't miss the royal elephant ride while you are at it!