Fast Facts
Location: On Delhi-Jaipur Highway, 11 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built By: Raja Maan Singh
Attractions : Shila devi temple, Diwan-e-aam, Diwan-e-khaas, Jaleb
chowk, Surajpol
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 07: 00 A.M. To 07: 00 P.M.
Entry Fee: For Indians Rs. 100, For Foreigners Rs. 150 including the
charges of admission, camera and video.
How to Reach Amber Fort : You can opt for organized tours run by
RTDC or take buses to reach the fort.
Introduction

Located
in Amber, at a distance of about 11 km, from Jaipur, the mammoth fort of
Amer (also called Amber) is one of its kind. The fort is more of a palace
fashioned in red sandstone and white marbles. Initiated by Raja Man Singh ,
the fort was extended and completed by the Jai Singhs before they shifted to
Jaipur. The colossal fort is
tucked atop a hill and cradles Maotha lake bordering it. Climb up the fort
and you get a panoramic view of places beneath. If you are the one who is
smitten by adventurous jeep and elephant
safaris,
then the fort has geared up itself for that also. Take a royal ride on an
elephant's back and feel that aura of stately grandeur.
Architecture of
Amber Fort :
The architecture of the fort is a offshoot of Rajput and Islamic
architecture. The robust and sturdy exteriors of the fort are in a sheer
contrast to the pleasing and elegant interiors. Murals, frescoes and
paintings, depicting various scenes from daily life, adorn the walls of the
fort. Some walls of the fort are even embellished with intricate carvings,
mosaic, and minute mirror work. The fort has been divided into four sections
each easily accessible form the central stairways. These are now used for
the elephant ride in the fort. The remarkable fort was reputed to be the
treasure repository of the Kacchwaha rulers.
Attractions of Amber Fort :
The main attraction of the fort is the exciting elephant ride. Riding on
the back of this royal mammal is a must do activity on your trip to Amber
fort. You will experience for yourself that this phenomenal ride will fill
your heart with a feeling of happiness, excitement and royalty. The ride may
cost you Rs.400/- per elephant. But believe me! It is worth it. They are not
charging anything higher than what is required.
Another attractions of the fort lie in the four section built exquisitely.
Through main entrance the tourists come to the Surajpol which lead them to
Jaleb chowk (the area where returning armies were paraded back home) which
is the main courtyard of the Fort where the staircase to the palace is
located. Before the palace entranceway, there is a steep narrow staircase
which takes the tourists to the Kali Temple or the Shila Devi mandir which
is famous for two imposing silver images of lions. Visitors are awestruck at
the glimpse of Ganesha image carved entirely from a single piece of coral at
the temple entrance.
Not to miss are the halls of the forts. The Diwan-e-am was a hall open for
public. The galleries of the above the the hall are beautiful. The petitions
of the subjects was listened to here. The higher terrace of the fort house
the Jai Mandir or the hall of victory. It is simply hard to resist to not to
behold the beauty of mosaics and sculptures. Opposite to it is the Sukh
Niwas the hall of pleasures which has an ivory inlaid
sandalwood door. The Zenana Apartment in the fort was for the females of the
royal family. Come to the most beautiful hall the Hall of Mirrors
which could be lit at night by a single candle because of all the tiny,
intricate mirrors.
Places to see
around Amber Fort :
Jaigarh Fort: The imposing fort of Jaigarh was built in
1726 by Jai Singh. Easily connected and closely located to the Amber fort,
the Jaigarh fort is a must visit on your trip to Amber fort. The tourist's
delight in the fort are the water reservoirs, puppet theater and a huge
cannon.
Jal Mahal: On your way to Amber fort, the
Water Palace
located amidst Man Sagar lake grabs your attention. The palace was built in
18th century and is noted for the unique architecture in red sandstone. The
first four floors of the mahal remain under the lake water only the fifth
floor remains on top.
Jagatsiromani Temple: The temple is remarkable for the
carved image of Lord Krishna and is associated with Mirabai, the saint
poetess. The Temple was constructed by Shri Kankawatiji, Maharani of
Maharaja Man Singh I to commemorate the death of her son Maharaja Kumar
Jagat Singhji in 1601. The northern Indian (Nagar) style architecture is
intricate here.
Panna Mian ki Baoli: It is the step well of 17th century
with octagonal corner kiosks and a double-storey veranda.
Sanwalji Temple: This Jain temple is also much revered
and a must visit for the visitors.