Amer Fort, also called Amber Fort, is a grand example of Rajasthan’s royal history. It sits in the hills around Jaipur. This architectural marvel has beautiful paintings and decorations. They skillfully combine Hindu and Mughal styles. Amer Fort was built in the late 1500s. It has big courtyards, fancy palaces, and amazing views of the area. Amer Fort Jaipur was once the power center for the Kachwaha dynasty. Today, it gives visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s magnificent past.
A trip to this famous fort teaches you about history. It also amazes you with its beauty and elegance. Amer Palace captivates everyone who visits, whether they love history or just want to see beautiful places.
Amer Fort History
The rulers established Amer Fort in the tenth century, and it has a long and colorful history that mirrors the rise of Jaipur itself. Originally constructed by Raja Alan Singh, the fort was known as Amber Palace Jaipur and functioned as an important military outpost. However, it was under the reign of Raja Man Singh, a trusted commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar, that the fort was converted into the majestic building we see today.
Raja Man Singh enlarged and refurbished the fort in the late sixteenth century, including Mughal architectural characteristics such as elaborate decorations and vast courtyards. The fort became a symbol of power and dignity for the Kachwaha dynasty, and it served as their principal home until 1727, when the capital was relocated to Jaipur.
Throughout its history, Amer Fort has witnessed key events like royal celebrations, wars, and Maharajas’ daily life. The fort complex has several palaces, temples, and gardens that demonstrate the grandeur of its past residents. Notable constructions within the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), all of which tell stories of grandeur and craftsmanship.
Today, Amer Fort Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of people each year to experience its architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage. It remains a significant emblem of Rajasthan’s royal lineage, allowing people to learn about its historic past.
Architecture of Amber Fort
Raja Man Singh I, who built the Amber Fort (also known as Amer Palace), near Jaipur, a beautiful example of Rajput architecture blended with Mughal influences in 1592, and artisans composed it mostly of red sandstone and white marble. The building is renowned for its grandeur, elaborate carvings, and spacious courtyards. Amber Fort’s design combines Hindu and Mughal styles, with elaborate palaces, exquisite paintings, arches, and gates.
The fort overlooks Maota Lake, creating magnificent reflections of its stately facade. Inside the fort, the architectural architecture is replete with beautiful mirror work, rich paintings, and sculptures that display the creative genius of the time period. The fort also has lovely gardens, grand stairs, arched doors, and elegantly painted chambers.
Amber Palace is divided into four main courtyards, each with unique features and attractions:
Things to Visit in Amber Fort
First Courtyard: Jaleb Chowk
Jaleb Chowk is Amer Palace’s first and largest courtyard, traditionally used for parades, military gatherings, and welcoming returning soldiers. This courtyard also functioned as a gathering area for royal warriors.
Key Places to Visit:
Suraj Pol (Sun Gate): The Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) is a magnificent structure of ancient Rajput architecture that represents power and victory. Suraj Pole Gate gets its name from the fact that it faces east to receive the first rays of sunrise. Craftsmen made the gate of massive, hefty wooden doors studded with metal spikes to deflect elephant charges during attacks. The forces returning from war traditionally utilized this gate as the primary entrance of Amber Fort. It represented triumph and strength.
Chand Pol: Located on the western side, people recognize Chand Pol (Moon Gate) for its elaborate carvings and arched entryway. It features strong wooden doors and a typical Rajput design, the same as Suraj Pol. The royal family and other notable guests were the main users of this alternate entrance. It is known as the Chand Pol Gate because of its westward orientation, which represents the moon.
Sila Devi Temple: This little but intricately carved temple is devoted to Goddess Kali and is situated close to Jaleb Chowk. The temple’s design includes traditional Rajasthani features like elaborate stone carvings, arches, and a silver entrance with relief work. The royal family worshipped at the temple, especially during the festival of Navaratri, when they honored the goddess with animal sacrifices.
Second Courtyard: Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
The ruler would meet with his subjects in the second courtyard to hear their complaints. The Diwan-i-Aam, a magnificent hall with arches, columns, and an open design that accommodates large public meetings, is located in this courtyard.
The Diwan-i-Aam has an open pavilion design, with several arched pillars supporting a flat roof. The arches are inspired by Mughal architecture, while the whole design is rooted in Rajput style. The hall’s wide sides allowed for big gatherings. This hall was where the Maharaja would meet with the general population to hear complaints, settle disputes, and hold celebrations. It functioned as a public audience chamber.
One of Amber Fort’s most recognizable characteristics is its lavishly adorned entrance gate that leads to the third courtyard. Artists decorate Ganesh Pol with bright frescoes and mosaics depicting Lord Ganesh, the Hindu deity of knowledge and new beginnings. If you look closely, there are little windows with a passage right above the gate. It is known as Suhag Mandir. The royal women could observe the events below from this place, as they were not permitted to appear in public. The artist has decorated the gate using natural colors.
Third Courtyard: (Diwan-e-Khas) Hall of Private Audience
The third courtyard was used for private meetings and to meet the important notables and for relaxation, and no common people were allowed in this courtyard.
The Maharaja would meet privately with his ministers or other privileged visitors at the Sheesh Mahal Amer Fort, also called Diwan-e-Khas. Discussions on state affairs and secret subjects took place here. Its smaller size and intimate architecture created a more private ambiance than the public audience hall (Diwan-i-Aam).
The Sheesh Mahal Amer Fort is known for its magnificent mirror work, called “thikri,” which involves embedding small convex mirrors into the walls and ceiling to create reflected surfaces. The mirrors are set in elaborate floral and geometric designs, accented with plaster reliefs and painted decorations. The ceilings and walls shine as light bounces off the mirrors, producing a stunning image. At night, the reflection of a single lamp illuminated the whole room, giving the impression that it was lit with hundreds of stars.
The Sukh Niwas was installed with a cooling system to provide relief from the scorching heat of Rajasthan summers. Water channels flow across the room to provide natural air cooling. Artisans built the chamber with marble and carved arches and columns that include Mughal and Rajput design elements. The garden-facing side allows for pleasant breezes to sweep through the hall. This “Hall of Pleasure” was where the king could relax with his family and close confidants. The water channels cooled the room, making it a nice hideaway on hot days. King also utilized it for casual gatherings and individual leisure.
Char Bagh is a Mughal-style garden based on Persian gardening ideas. Water canals split the garden into four portions; they call this common design “Chahar Bagh,” and it represents paradise. Pathways, fountains, and flower beds placed in patterns highlight the layout’s symmetry and geometry. The garden’s design emphasizes balance, order, and the use of water as both a cooling and beautiful feature. The Char Bagh garden offered the royal family a peaceful outdoor spot to appreciate nature in a beautifully constructed environment. It was a place to wander, relax, and hold small parties.
Fourth Courtyard: Palace of Man Singh I (Old Palace)
Constructed during Raja Man Singh I’s rule, the fort’s fourth courtyard is its oldest section. The Maharaja and his family lived in this place in privacy. Compared to the other courtyards, this one has simpler architecture, yet it is nevertheless quite important historically.
The Baradarin is a spacious, open building with twelve doors (the word “bara” means “twelve,” and “dar” means “door”). The open layout of this pavilion, which carved pillars hold up, lets air and natural light flow freely around the room. With its elaborate carvings and emphasis on symmetry and simplicity, the arches and pillars exhibit the classic Rajput style.
The royal family used the Baradari as a place to socialize. It served as a venue for casual gatherings, unwinding, and taking in the refreshing air. It is a peaceful area inside the private quarters because of the open architecture, which also made it possible to see the courtyard outside. Each queen has 12 chambers surrounding the baradari.
The Zenana was particularly designed for royal women (queens, princesses, and their attendants). Except for the king and a few male attendants, this was the royal women’s principal living quarters. The Zenana Mahal featured its own courtyards where the women could interact, conduct daily tasks, and unwind away from the public view. Each room was connected to the king’s room by a private tunnel, so that when the king sees one queen, the other is unaware of it.
Maota Lake is an island lake located at the base of Amber Fort and serves as a water reservoir for the fort and its surroundings. Precipitation and tiny streams nourish the lake, and it plays an important role in delivering water to the fort, especially during battles. Lovely hills encircle the lake, and the fort stands tall above, reflecting brilliantly in the quiet waters. The lake’s strategic placement near the fort provided the royal family with a constant supply of water for drinking, bathing, and other activities, making it an important aspect of the fort’s construction.
Kesar Kyari, also known as the Saffron Garden, sits on an island in the center of Maota Lake. This garden features a geometric, Mughal-style Charbagh design, with elaborate patterns and water channels flowing throughout. The garden’s name comes from the fact that people originally grew saffron (kesar) there. However, due to Rajasthan’s poor temperature for saffron cultivation, farmers abandoned this practice over time, and they gradually substituted other blooming plants. The garden showcases star-shaped flower beds, and beautiful foliage surrounds it.
When you finally exit the Amber Fort, you will notice a gate. That gate leads to a tunnel that connects to the Jaigarh Fort and is designed for emergency escape, as well as a bazaar where you may shop. Various filmmakers hold shoots here, including Bajirao Mastani, Mughal-e-Azam, and Jodha Akbar. At the exit, you will notice a massive container that the crew utilized in Jodha Akbar, and the production donates it to Amber Fort once the filming is over.
Best time to visit Amber Fort
As Jaipur is a very hot place,, the best time to visit Jaipur is between October and November.
How to reach Amer Fort
You can easily reach Jaipur by train, bus, and flight. You can easily reach Amber Fort by private taxi e-rickshaw, bus and cab. There are several transports available to reach Amber Fort.
Amer fort Timings
The Amer Fort opening time is 9:00 A.M. and closing time is 5:00 P.M.
Amer Fort Ticket Price
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Amber Palace Tickets for Indians – 100 Rs
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Amber Fort Ticket Price for Indian Students:20 Rs
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Amer Fort Entry Fee for Foreigners: 500 Rs
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For Foreign Students – 100 Rs
Travel tips
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Amer Fort Jaipur Timings are from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and seeing Amber Palace Jaipur takes at least two to three hours.
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Because there will be a lot of walking, wear flat shoes and comfortable clothing. Additionally, as there will be a lot of travelling in open courtyards under the sun, I advise bringing hats and sunglasses.
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Carry a water bottle with you.
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Try to visit as soon as the fort opens in the morning. After 12 PM, the Sila devi Temple closes.
Light and sound show
In the evening there is a light and sound show available in the Amber Fort.
How to reach the ticket center of Amber Fort
Several routes lead to the Amber Fort ticket booth because it sits atop a hill. There are three ways to get to Amber Fort: by suraj pole gate, by private vehicle through chandpole gate, or by Jeep, which you can rent from Amber Fort for 400 rupees for both rounds. You can also take the elephant ride, which costs 1000 rupees for two people one way, but the Amber Fort timings for elephant ride hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Conclusion
Amer Fort, located in Jaipur, is a stunning example of Rajasthan’s regal legacy and architectural grandeur. Raja Man Singh, who built Amer Fort in the 16th century, and it combines Hindu and Mughal traditions, with elaborate carvings, magnificent courtyards, and luxurious apartments. Highlights include the stunning Sheesh Mahal, the regal Diwan-i-Aam, and the Diwan-i-Khas. Perched on a hill, it provides breathtaking views of Maota Lake and the surrounding scenery. The fort’s light-and-sound display and elephant rides add to its appeal. A visit to Amer Fort is a voyage into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s past, providing an engrossing peek into its rich history.
Near By Attraction
Jaigarh Fort – Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is located on the Aravalli hills near Jaipur. Constructed primarily as a military fortification, it was designed to protect the nearby Amer Fort and the city of Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort – Perched on the rugged ridges of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Rajasthan. Alongside Amber and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a crucial defence ring for the Pink City
Jal Mahal – Jal Mahal, located in the heart of Jaipur, is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions, known for its floating beauty and unique architectural design.
City Palace Jaipur – The City Palace Jaipur, located in the heart of Jaipur, is a stunning blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it served as the royal residence of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur – Located in the heart of Jaipur’s bustling streets, Hawa Mahal is one of India’s most recognizable and photographed monuments. Its pink sandstone facade, intricately designed with latticework and small windows, rises like a crown on the skyline of Jaipur.
