Amber Fort: The Jewel Of Jaipur
Rajasthan is known for its rich culture and architecture. It is the largest state in India and the seventh largest state population-wise. Rajasthan is known for its Indus Valley Civilisation, Palaces, Forts, Jain Pilgrimages, and forts.
One such fort known as Amber Fort is in the town of Amer Palace which is around 4 sq km and is at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It is on the hill and is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur.
In the Medival period, Amber Fort also known as Dhundar (meaning attributed to a sacrificial mount in the western frontiers), was built by Raja Man Singh and was later taken over by Jai Singh I.
Constructed in red sandal stone, Amber Fort is a great example of Rajputana architecture. Some of the architectural buildings are inspired by Mughal architecture. UNESCO has declared it as a World Heritage Site.
How To Travel To Amber Fort Jaipur
Amber Fort is located in Amer Palace also known as Amer Fort. Amer is approximately 11 km from Jaipur. You can only travel to Amer Fort by Road.
By Road –
1. Car/ Cab –
The most convenient way to travel to Amer is to travel by Cab or Car. It is convenient as it is a short distance from Jaipur.
2. Auto Rickshaw –
Leaning on the affordability side Auto Rickshaws are as convenient as cab services in Jaipur. Negotiating the fare before boarding the ride is a must.
3. Bus
Public transportation like buses are as convenient as Auto’s in Jaipur. You can get buses in multiple places from Jaipur to Amer Fort.
As the Palace is at the top of the hill range, you have to trek it to the palace. You can Trek the mountain range by walking, taking a Jeep ride, or Elephant Ride.
Elephant Ride is an iconic way to climb to the palace. You can get an elephant ride by the foothill of the fort. It will give you a majestic experience of the palace. You can also enjoy the sightseeing of the Pink City while riding on the elephant. However, please be aware of the ethical and welfare concerns related to elephant tourism.
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Major Tourist Attraction For Amber Fort Sightseeing
The magnificent fort has a lot to offer to the tourists. If you are coming to Jaipur you should not forget to add Amber Fort sightseeing to your itinerary.
Also, there are many places to visit near Amber Fort
Following are some of the attractions you can see while visiting Amber Fort –
1. Ganesh Pol
The magnificent structure is an actuarial brilliance made of red sandstone and white marble. As you reach the palace you will see ‘Ganesh Pol’. There are seven gates to enter the magnificent palace, Ganesh Pol being the important one. As the name suggests the gate has an idol of Lord Ganesh. It was constructed exclusively for Kings and their family members so that they could enter the fort quickly.
2. Diwan-i-Aam
Diwan-i-Aam, also known as the Hall of Public Audience was a delicate palace. It has around forty pillars and is the best example of excellent Rajput architecture. The forty pillars of the chamber have been studded with precious stones and are carved with beautiful paintings.
3. Diwan-i-Khas
Diwan-i-Khas is also known as ‘The Hall Of Private Audience’. The Raja met his special guests here. It has a beautiful glass work also known as ‘Sheesh Mahal’.
The palace is kept cool in summer by covering its arched opening with screens with the roots of the aromatic grass called Khas.
In the front of the sheesh mahal is a little garden in a Mugal pattern called Chārbāgh or Four Gardens. Facing the Sheesh Mahal is Sukh-Niwās (Pleasure Palace), the Raja’s private apartments where he retired to rest.
4. Suhag Mandir
Suhag Mandir is over Ganesh Pol. It was used as a chamber of ladies to witness, through lattice screens.
5. The Tunnel
Tunnels are to be found commonly in the forts and palaces built in the medieval period. They were used commonly as an escape route for Kings, Queens, and other Royal courtesans.
The tunnels in Amber Fort are well connected to Jaigarh Fort. The tunnels are accessible from the Man Singh Palace, Zenani Deorhi (Ladies Apartments), and Diwan-E-Khas.
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6. Zenani Deohri (Ladies Apartments)
The queen and other female royal courtesans used to live in this compartment. This was only for the females. Zenani Deohri was also housed by female attendees as well.
7. Maavtha Lake
“Maavtha” is an abbreviated form of the word “Mahawata” from the huge “wat” or banyan trees that grew on the edges of the lake once a time.
8. Kesar Kyari Garden
Kesar Kyari Garden is a part of Amber Fort. This garden is in between Mahota Lake. It was built for women of harem in 1600. They also had an indigenous pully system that allowed the women in Harem to reach directly into the garden.
Places To Visit Near Amber Fort
Not just Amber Fort, but there are many places to visit near Amber Fort. Following are some of the places you can visit –
1. Jaigarh Fort
Jaighar Fort is situated near Amer Fort. Sawai Jai Singh II had built the fort in 1726. The fort is also known as Victory Fort and is situated at a high hill whose name is Cheel ka Teela or Hill of Eagles. There are Tunnels. There are also many tunnels connected directly to Amer Fort.
2. Jagat Shiromani Temple
In Jagat Shiromani Temple Shri Krishna, Meera Bai, and Lord Vishnu are worshipped. Queen Kankawati was the wife of Raja Man Singh I and she built this temple between 1599 and 1608 AD. The distance between the temple and Amer Fort is 0.4 km.
3. Panna Meena Ka Kund
Panna Meena ka Kund also known as Panna Mian ki Baori or Panna Mian ka Kund. It was built in the 16th century for the people to swim.
4. Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is around 1.9 km from Amer Fort and was built in the 18th century. The construction is influenced by both Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tourists have to use boats to reach the Jal Mahal. This five-storey building is built with the help of red sandstone.
Entry Fee
Foreigners – INR 550 per person
Foreign Students – INR 100 per person
Indians – INR 50 per person
Indian Students – INR 10 per person
Amber Fort Light and Sound Show
The laser light show at Amer Fort shows the stories of Rajputana times. The show highlights local legend, and folklore, and celebrates the maestros of folk music, giving us a taste of Rajputana glory.
At Amber Fort, The performance takes place at Kesar Kyari, on Maota Lake. It happens for 50 minutes twice a day. The show takes place in both Hindi (8:30 PM) and English (7:30 PM). The tickets are for Rs. 295/- per person. The Light Show does not happen in the Amber Palace but near Kesar Kyari Garden the Amber Fort Jaipur timings may differ.
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Best Time To Visit Amber Fort
At Amber Fort Jaipur timings are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you truly want to enjoy the awe-inspiring Amber Fort you should make sure you have around 3 hours. The best time to visit Amber Fort is from February to April and October to December. The climate is pleasant and even the sun rays are not harsh.
The timing for elephant rides is from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. However, if you want to avoid harsh sun rays the best time to visit Amber Fort is after 4:00 PM.
Places To Eat Near Amber Fort
1. Garh Rooftop Cafe
You can see Amber Fort from the rooftop of Garh Cafe. It has the best view of Amber Fort. The cafe not only offers the majestic view of the fort but also delicious food. Their must-try dish is Chur Chur naan.
2. Kokam Bistro
Another vegetarian restaurant near Amber Fort with loaded delicacies. The cuisines include Chinese, South Indian, Sandwiches, and many more. Giving one of the magnificent views and offering the mouth-watering delicacy Kokam Bistro is one of the best places to eat near Amber Fort.
3. The Stage Rooftop Restaurant
Another Rooftop restaurant with delicious food including Veg and Non-Veg is one of the best places to hang out once you are done touring Amber Fort. You can encounter the Aravalli Mountain Range from the Rooftop.
4. Royal Sheesh Mahal Restaurant
This veg restaurant serves Rajasthani delicacy. The food is freshly made and the ambiance of the mase makes the vibe royal. The restaurant is famous for its Lehsooni Chutney. It is within walking distance from Amber Fort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amber Fort the same as the Amer Fort?
Yes. The magnificent Amber Fort is also known as Amer Fort.
How much time does Amer Fort take?
If you are visiting Amber Fort, it is advisable to give at least 3- 4 hours.
Who built the Amer Fort in Jaipur?
The Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh which was expanded in 1600 by Raja Jai Singh I.