There have always been myths about secret passages and tunnels in historic forts, but in Jaipur myth turned into reality Sunday when Rajasthan tourism minister Bina Kak inaugurated a much-talked-about tunnel linking the fabled Amber Palace to Jaigarh Fort.
Princess Diya Kumari, a scion of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family, was on hand as Ms Kak opened the 450-metre tunnel which hasn’t been in use for nearly 90 years. A battery-operated golf cart (a two-way ride will cost `100) will ferry tourists between the two places.
Ms Kak said the tunnel’s opening was a “historic day” for Jaipur. “Tourists, I am sure, will love walking through the tunnel.” The minister said she appreciated the royal family’s initiative, and said she would request it to explore more tunnels leading from City Palace to Nahargarh, Amber Fort and other historic sites.
Diya Kumari said the tunnel had a “quality of adventure” for tourists and would add value to both Amber Palace and Jaigarh Fort. She promised the family would explore ways of finding further such tunnels from City Palace.