I am going to take you to the very famous and splendid collection of art and architecture, Amber Fort. Amber fort is an extensive Palace and a must-visit place in Jaipur city.

We all know that Jaipur, known as 'Pink city' is globally renowned for the wonderful colored gems, the remarkable forts, and the monuments, alluring with the ancient history. Jaipur is one of the three cities of the golden triangle along with Delhi and Agra. 

Jaipur was established by Raja Jai Singh II, the king of Amber. The city was built following the proper rules of Vastu Shastra, being one of the specialties and the reasons why many people moved to this city very rapidly.

About Amber Fort?

This charming complex, situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur is situated at Amber. This was the capital city originally, before Jaipur. Amer Fort is a very old fort re-constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592. The Amer Fort was built with red marbles and sandstones.

Being listed in the UNESCO world heritage, there are thousands of visitors who come to visit this royal fort every day. The fort is like a crown on Pink City, Jaipur. 

Forts are very often located at the hilltops, unlike this heritage Fort. The hill on which Amer Fort was built is known as Cheelon Ka Teela, which means the place where the eagle lives. The fort was first constructed by a tribal group called Meenas back in the 10th century. And later it was rebuilt by Raja Man Singh when he was planning the city of Jaipur. 

Amber Fort Jaipur

What Is The History of Amber Fort?

The small town, Amer was founded by Meenas. Later the Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh, during his settlement in Jaipur. The Amer City has become more popular, considering the hometown of Princes Jodha Bai, a companion of Akbar.

Raja Man Singh was Akbar's ally in his court and this is the reason why we can see the Mughal style in the architecture of the fort.

There are many structures in the fort built by Meenas that have been improvised by successive Rulers, adding the glory of the artistic architecture.

Amer Fort is the reflection of Rajputana's architectural style as well as the Mughals' touch in the interior, making this fort a very famous monument in the city. The complete fort can be set as an example of the combination of Rajputana and Mughals art and architects.

Amber Fort in Monsoon

How To Reach Amber Fort?

Amer Fort is just 11KM from Jaipur city. You can easily book a cab or autorickshaw and reach the Fort.

Jaipur is well connected to all of the major cities and states of the country. You can easily find frequent flights or trains or buses to reach Jaipur.

If you are visiting directly from the airport, the cheapest way is to catch a direct bus from Airport. Or you can book a direct cab. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Amer Fort from Jaipur Airport.

If you are planning a trip to Jaipur, Amer Fort should be on your list. You can visit Plan A Trip To Jaipur to help you plan a 2-3 day trip to Jaipur.

What are the opening Time and Entry Fees?

The visiting hours of Amer Fort are - 8 AM to 5.30 PM.

The entry fees for Indian visitors: Rs. 25

The entry fees for foreign visitors: Rs. 550

Also, there is the Lighting Show inside the Fort. The charges and the timing of the show are as follows:

Show in English: Starts from 7.30 PM and Entry Fees Rs 200 

Show in Hindi: Starts from 8.30 PM and Entry Fees Rs 100 

Elephant Ride: You can have an Elephant ride in the Amer Palace, charging Rs. 1200 for two-person.

Note: Due to COVID-19, all of the Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan are closed for the Public. You can visit once the COVID situation becomes normal.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Amber Fort?

Jaipur experiences really Hot during summers. So try to plan your Trip during winters and spring from October to March.

The weather has a major role to play in your trip to Amer Fort. If you are lucky enough to visit this Fort in nice and pleasant weather, you will definitely enjoy your visit.

Amber Fort looks amazingly beautiful in Monsoon

The architecture of Amber Fort:

Amber Fort is full of colorful architectural designs. The fort is built with white and red sandstones. It is the perfect combination of Hindu architecture and Mughal artistry. 

The carvings in the ceilings and the inner walls are really very attractive. The whole Palace is divided into four sections called a courtyard. Each courtyard has uniquely designed entry gates.

There are many stunning structures and buildings inside the Palace, like Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Ganesh Pol, and many others. You will find the glorious  Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam featuring the amazing combination of Hindus and Mughals architecture.

One of the courtyard in Amber Fort

You will also find many ancient-style, illustrating paintings, giving a deep understanding of the Rajputana culture. Along with the paintings, there is beautiful lush greenery adding charm to the garden, constructed in Mughal style.

The Amber Fort has so many places which should not be missed. I am going one by one to give brief information about each place.

1. Jaleb Chowk:

Once you reach the entrance of the Fort after climbing the wall of the Fort, you will find a tall door, known as Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. There is an open courtyard, which is surrounded by yellow-colored structures, on three sides and one side of the wall has the look of the water tank. 

Jaleb Chowk in Amber Fort

In the middle of this water tank, there is the Saffron Garden or Kesar Kyari. This garden grows a good amount of Saffron in the hot and dry climate of Rajasthan.

Saffron Garden or Kesar Kyari can be viewed from the top of Amber Fort

2. Sila Devi Temple:

There is a temple called Sila Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The stone or the Shila idol is brought from Bengal, the place famous for Kali Pooja. It is said that, before going to any war, the warriors worship the Shakti Devi.

The silver door of the Sila Devi temple is worth watching.

Beautiful Natarajan statute in Amber Fort

 3. Diwan-i-Aam:

This is a public hall where common people gather to share their issues and sorrows with the King. Also, the king announces public announcements in this hall. The pillars in the hall are arranged in a very beautiful and different manner, which changes the look of this open hall. 

The pillars have an identical design of double-elephant on the top.

Diwan-i-Aam in Amber Fort

4. Ganesh Pol Entrance:

Once you cover Diwan-i-Aam, this is the real entrance of the Fort, towards the private area. The entrance has paintings on freshly spread moist lime plaster mixed with water-based pigment, called frescos. There is a Ganesh painting directly on the walls. The walls and the ceiling are full of floral designs or Phool Patti designs. The color used is pastel and you will find the Indian touch in the fresco used. Along with the Hindu art, you will get the Mughals touch in the floral designs also you will get the fusion of art here.

Ganesh Pol Gate in Amber Palace

Also, there is a Turkish bath or Hammam, just beside the Ganesh Pol, towards the left. This is not so big but its operation mechanism is quite interesting.

5. Sheesh Mahal:

Sheesh Mahal, the Glass Palace is one of the best-looking Palace in Rajasthan. The beauty and opulent decor of the Sheesh Mahal give us a glimpse of royal art. The Sheesh Mahal shows the wonderful Mughal architectural influence on Rajasthani Royal artistry. 

Sheesh Mahal inside Amber Fort

About Sheesh Mahal - 

This beautiful mirror Palace is a splendid architecture built with precious stones and glasses, coated with handmade paintings. Sheesh, Mahal is the most beautiful and breathtaking part of Amber Fort.

What is the History of Sheesh Mahal - 

Sheesh, Mahal was built by Raja Man Singh, during the establishment of Jaipur. This Palace is also famous in Bollywood history as a song from Mughal-e-Azam was shot in the Sheesh Mahal, which turns out an excellent result. 

The Architecture of Sheesh Mahal - 

The walls and ceiling of the hall of Sheesh Mahal are made of pure glass and precious stones. There are beautiful, skillful, and impressive paintings and flowers carved in the stones and glasses. The ceiling glass gives the most elegant look and because of its glass reflection, the lighting of only two candles, enlightens like thousands of stars in the ceiling of the Mahal, giving an amazing and marvelous look. 

Glass and Precious stone are carved in walls in Seesh Mahal

Why Sheesh Mahal was built?

There is a very thoughtful reason behind the construction of Sheesh Mahal. In ancient days, Queens and ladies were not allowed to sleep in the open air under the sky, but they wanted to. So the king ordered his architecture to construct the Mahal in such a way that resolves this issue. 

The architecture made this Mahal using stones and glasses. It's built-in such a way that at night two candle's reflections looked like stars glowing and also warm the room during winters.

The entry in the Sheesh Mahal is restricted these days, but you can defiantly have a look from outside and watch the amazing artwork of glass and handmade paintings. 

6. Sukh Mahal:

Sukh Mahal, meaning the hall of Pleasure or Happiness. This is just like an air-conditioned area due to the water running channels, this is the technique used to keep the hall cool during the summer. The shades used in the walls are cool blue color, supporting the nature of the room. 

Sukh Mahal or The Hall of Pleasure

Tips To Visit Amber Fort:

1. It takes 3-4 hours to visit complete Amber Fort, along with taking pictures.

2. Try to wear comfortable cloth and footwear because you have to keep standing and walking for a long time.

3. Carry a water bottle with you, you might feel thirsty.

4. Definitely take a local guide. Your visit will not be complete without hearing the stories related to this Palace.

5. Cafes near Amber Fort serves yummy food, but are expensive.

6. If you are taking your own car, drive safely because you have to drive uphill and you will have a slope while returning.

I hope the blog helps you out in knowing everything about this beautiful fort.

Also, you can visit Other Places in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Thanks for reading :)

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