Amber Fort is located Amer is placed at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Amber was the capital of the Kachhawaha till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. Amber is generally pronounced as Amer. It is situated about 10 km away from Jaipur on Jaipur-New Delhi road. It was governed by Kachawaha rulers and also was the capital of old Dhundar state of Jaipur. The town was originally named Ambikeshwara and was later abridged to Amber or Amer.
Establishment of this fort was done in 16th century and was initiated during the reign of Raja Man Singh. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder and the ruler of Jaipur city under his resign the fort was personalized. . Construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in the year 1592. The Amber fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th Century. Amber Fort was completed within two centuries by consistence efforts of three consequent kings following Raja Man Singh.
Major attractions of Amer are : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Jai Mandir, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodhi .
Initially, the palaces at Amber were constructred by Raja Bharmal in 1558 and his successor Raja Man Singh. Later on their descendents added some structures. Some of the structures get destroyed with the time and some of the structures changed. But most of the structure is preserved and is now maintained by the state government. The Amber fort as it exists today has been shaped by mainly Raja Man Singh, Jai Singh I, and Jai Singh II.
Amber palace complex mainly includes Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi temple, Baradari, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodi (women's apartments). Indian Vastu can be practically approached if one experiences the Jaipur tour. And the architectural excellence and fabulous stone carving work accomplished manually at Amber palace around four centuries back.
There were two ways to reach the Amber fort as it is situated on a hill. One was for elephant riding, and another was walk-way which was in natural raw shape of hill and rock way. Now, the walk-way is modified in shape of new cemented staircases. Now, one road from bottom of the hill to Amber fort for vehicles also has been constructed, but to enjoy the trip of Amber fort, the walk-way or elephant riding is most preferable. Riding an elephant uphill seems a cliche for tourists. But it really helps feeling the ambience and plunging deeper in India. The elephant ride offers a skyline view of the Pink city and a mesmerizing sight over Maotha Lake. We can choose a guide to assist, or an audio guide is even a good option which is available at the doorstep of the
fort. To make your trip more spectacular and memorable one, elephant safari will be the best and it provides a royal feeling as well.
Timing of Visiting
The fort is located 11 km from the city of Jaipur. The fort is opened to visitation from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening. For more details about visitation hours, contact, 0141-2530293.
Elephant ride is available from morning 7:30 till afternoon 12:30. The light show in Hindi starts from 8 in the evening and the English light show starts from 7:30 in the evening.
Entrance Fee and Charges:
- Foreigner - INR 550 per person
- Foreign Students - INR 100 per person
- Indians - INR 25 per person
- Indian Students - INR 10 rupees per person
- Light Show in English - INR 200 per person
- Light Show in Hindi - INR 100 per person
- Elephant Ride - INR 1100 Single or per couple
Architectural Beauty of the Amber fort:
Amer fort was built with red sandstone and white sandstone. The fort still stands as a grand example of ancient Indian architecture. It is known for its blend of Rajput and Hindu style of architecture and mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. The carvings on the ceiling and the walls are extraordinary features of this fort. There are many paintings of ancient hunting styles, portrait of important Rajput rulers and others. There are a series of gates in the fort and each one has a unique structure and architectural element to enjoy.You can find many buildings inside the fort including Diwan-e-Aam, SukhMandir, Sheesh Mahal and others.
Please read the details of all the main attraction inside the Amer Fort
Hall of Public Audience
Diwan-e-Aam or Hall of public audience is a large hall that stands from the support of two rows of pillars. Each pillar is ornamented. The hall is open on three sides. The king used to sit in the hall and listen to the queries of common men. This hall is famous for its mosaic glass works. Kings also used to meet important ministers and guests in this hall.
Sukh Mandir
SukhNiwaas or SukhMandir is a hall made with sandalwood and ivory. It is located right opposite to the Hall of public audience. There is a small channel that runs through it that carries cold water. This is an ancient method of keeping the place cool. Though the term 'Mandir' is used in the name, this is not a temple. It is a hall where kings and queens relax. The name can be translated as residence of pleasure.
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace is the most beautiful part of this fort. This palace has been shown in many local movies. The walls and the ceilings in this palace are carved with beautiful flowers and other paintings made with glass. A queen of the fort used to love sleeping under the stars. It is said that ancient custom of the land did not allow women to sleep in open air. King called upon the finest architects in the region to solve the problem. Thus, the mirror palace was built. It is said that if two candles are lit in the palace, it would look like thousands of stars glittering in the ceiling.
Kesar Kyaari
Mughal Gardens have a beauty that cannot be tallied by simple gardens that you see around the country. This part is located on Maota Lake. This garden is located in front of the fort. The garden is formed in a star shape. It is said that saffron flowers were planted in the garden. Now, climatic conditions do not allow saffron plant to thrive in Jaipur. You can find beautiful flowering plants in the garden now.
Light Show
The light show takes place every evening. The show focuses on the history of Jaipur and the fort. It shows ancient anecdotes of the place, sovereigns and others. The show runs for 50 minutes and is run in both Hindi and English.
Explore the architectural beauty of Amer Fort with this special itinerary of 4 Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour. This itinerary is specially designed to explore the historical city with beautiful Taj.
Itinerary Inside Amer fort:
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you would enter the fort through the Sun Gate, Suraj Pol. You would initially enter into the main courtyard named Jaleb Chowk. The ticket office for entrance ticket and others will be located in the courtyard. Some road routes would take you Moon Gate, Chand Pol which is located right opposite to the Sun Gate. You can also hire audio guide or a guide in the ticket counter.
From the gate, you would find a stairway that would take you to the main palace. There is a small stairway in right which would lead you to the temple of Siladevi. Visit the temple first before you visit the main palace. The silver doors of the temple are famous for the raised relief works.
The main stairway would take you to the Hall of public audience. From the hall, you can find the apartments of kings. Beyond that, you would find Ganesh gate. Going through the gate, you would enter the Hall of victory which is famous for the multi-mirrored ceilings, marble relief and others. Opposite to the hall, you will find the Hall of Pleasure, Sukh Niwas. You can also catch a stunning view of the Maota Lake from the Hall of Victory or Jai Mandir. In the fourth courtyard, you would find the queen's apartments which includes the famous Mirror Palace.
