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The earthy pink shades of Jaipur slowly faded away, giving way to lush shrubs sporadically flanked by haveli-style hotels, as our taxi zoomed towards Amber Fort. It was 4 in the evening, making the pleasant Winter afternoon just right for the 20-minute drive from Jaipur’s city center.
As we got closer to the fort, time stopped and we were transported to a bygone era when the valorous Rajput kings still ruled over Amer. The towering golden yellow imposing facade of Amber Fort glinted brightly under the evening sun.
Perched atop a little hill, the massive fort looked way more magnificent compared to what we had seen in the hindi film Jodha Akbar!
Now, come with me on a virtual tour of Amber Fort (also called Amer Palace), as I take you through all the important and must-visit experiences inside, along with useful tips to help you make the most of your visit to this historical place located in Rajasthan, India.
Contents
Brief History Of Amber Fort
Built by Raja Man Singh I as a citadel and residential palace for the Kachwaha Rajput kingdom, Amber Fort stood witness to a rich history, powerful rule and several destructive invasions ever since its construction in the 15th century. It has been a residence of 28 Kachwaha Rajput kings before they shifted their capital to Jaipur.
The fort saw several modifications by the successors of Raja Man Singh I, thus adding a blend of Rajput-Mughal architectural styles.
Did You Know?
Over 5000 tourists visit Amber Fort almost everyday. The Rajasthan government works alongside Global Heritage Fund to conserve and maintain the historic fort. It is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites and State Protected Monuments of Rajasthan.
What Not To Miss In Amber Fort?
Surrounded by the rolling Kalikho Hills, the opulent Amber Fort comprises mainly four sections and two entry gates – Suraj Pol from the front side and Chand Pol from the back side.
If you choose to walk across the expansive multi-level front yard to enter the palace building, you can enter from Suraj Pol. However, we wanted to directly enter the palace before sunset. Thus, we hired a jeep which took us to Chand Pol (back gate) through the village’s narrow and kutcha roads.
The jeep dropped us near a stunning stepwell, from where we could get a good view of the surrounding landscape on the backside of the fort, with the Jaigarh Fort standing royally at a distant hill. A short walk later, we were at Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard from where we entered the palace.
Here are some of the major attractions and experiences that left us in awe thereafter:
Ganesh Pol
The first structure that will draw your attention from the Jaleb Chowk courtyard is this monumental arched gateway that leads us into the palace. A work of art in itself, the gate is ornamented with intricate lattices, frescos, and domes in palettes like cream, red and green.
One of the most interesting features of Ganesh Pol are the latticed jharokhas (windows) from where the royal family’s women used to watch the public proceedings of the day at the main hall – Diwan-e-Aam.
Diwan-e-Aam
Overlooking the Ganesh Pol, this outdoor space was used by the king to hold meetings with the common public. From here, you can view the skyline of Amer as well as the Siladevi Temple, featuring silver relief and marble work.
Deewan-e-Khaas
After entering the palace from the Ganesh Pol, you will come across this hall, which was meant for the king’s private audience. Also called Jas Mandir, the hall was used to discuss matters related to the state between the king and his officials.
Before you proceed from here, don’t forget to peek through any of the jharokhas to get a stunning view of the fort’s base level and Amer’s sprawling desert landscape, with the scenic Maota Lake sitting in the center and the Kalikho hills guarding from a distance.
Sheesh Mahal
As you walk further, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of Sheesh Mahal, meaning the palace of mirrors. Its marbled walls and ceiling ornamented with inlaid mirrors can light up the entire room with just a single candle or lamp.
TWT Tip: Right outside the Sheesh Mahal, a tour guide captured our interest as he explained about a whimsical flower carved on a marble pillar. It appeared like a sunflower, fish, crab, elephant trunk, scorpion, snake, etc. with various hand movements. The flower is a brilliant display of royal craftsmanship that shouldn’t be missed.
Sukh Niwas & Zenana Mahal
The Sukh Mahal or the king’s private apartments are located opposite the Sheesh Mahal. Walk across a serene courtyard to enter this area, where you can see some royal artifacts.
After exiting the king’s quarters, you can enter the Zenana Mahal, which were the residences of the queens and the women of the royal family.
Suhag Mandir
This royal gazebo features intricate latticed windows from where the Rajput women used to watch the courtyard and its activities without being seen.
Secret Tunnel
An intriguing example of Amber Fort’s architectural brilliance is this secret tunnel that leads to the nearby Jaigarh Fort. It was created as an escape route during wars. Closed for several years, the tunnel has recently been opened for tourists.
Light & Sound Show
One of the most spectacular experiences of Amer Fort is the son-et-lumière that takes place every evening. You will be seated at the foot of the fort on a platform surrounded by the Maota Lake.
From here, you can watch the entire fort as it comes alive with dramatic lighting and music during the show. It is a sensory treat to watch the play of colorful lights on the fort walls while a pre-recorded audio narrates the history of the fort.
The Hindi show also includes narration by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and background score by musical legends Late Ustad Sultan Khan & Shubha Mudgal. The tickets cost INR 250 and can be purchased near the entrance of the fort.
Note: Amer Fort is also known for elephant rides offered to tourists. However, we are strictly against participating in or promoting any kind of leisure activities that involve animal abuse.
What’s The Best Way To Reach Amber Fort?
Amber Fort is located in the outskirts of Jaipur. Thus, you can reach Jaipur via flight, train or bus and then take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Amer Fort. It takes around 20-25 minutes (8 km) to reach the fort from Jaipur’s main market (Hawa Mahal area).
TWT Tip: The mesmerizing Jal Mahal lies midway between Jaipur and Amer Fort. Thus, you can plan your visit to Jal Mahal on your way to the fort. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Jal Mahal while returning as well, since it is beautifully lit-up in the night, exuding a golden glow under the moonlit sky.
The Most Ideal Time To Visit Amber Fort
Amer Fort gets visitors throughout the day. However, the best time to visit is around 4 PM, as you can relish the fort’s opulence in daylight and also enjoy the spectacular light and sound show after completing your fort tour. Even the weather is more pleasant around this time, compared to the rest of the day.
In terms of the season, Winter is naturally the best time to plan your Jaipur visit as Rajasthan is a hot state, with temperatures shooting beyond 40 degrees Celsius during Summer.
TWT Summary
Witnessing the grandeur and magnificence of Amer Fort is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that must be on every traveler’s bucket list. We were awestruck right from the time we caught the first glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Site till we exited the fort, after watching the gorgeous light and sound show.
Every corner of Amer Fort, including the exquisite entrance gateway of the palace, to the Mughal gardens, intricate jharokhas, secret tunnels, and the glimmering brilliance of Sheesh Mahal will take you back in time to the era of the Kachwaha Rajputs. The fort is a grand reminder of their valor, power and regal lifestyle.
Most importantly, Amber Fort has been beautifully maintained, offering an astounding glimpse into the rich past of Rajasthan.
Amer Fort entry fee: INR 100 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners; INR 20 for Indian student & INR 150 for foreign students; Entry free for kids aged under 7 years and on March 30 (Rajasthan Diwas), April 18 (World Heritage Day), May 18 (World Museum Day) & September 27 (World Tourism Day)
Amer Fort timings: 8 AM – 8 PM (Entry closes at 5:30 PM)
Light & Sound Show timings: 7:30 PM (for english) & 8 PM (for hindi)
Amer Fort location: Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions On Amber Fort
1. Which are the main spots to cover within Amber Fort?
Some of the most popular and significant experiences of Amber Fort include the Sheesh Mahal, evening light and sound show, Ganesh Pol, Deewan-e-Aam, Deewan-e-Khaas, and the king and queens’ private residences.
2. Does Amer Fort have any guided tours?
Yes, Amer Fort has guided tours as well as audio guides for tourists. You will also find many jeep drivers who double up as tour guides to give you deeper insights into the stories of the fort.
3. Does Amer Fort have any cultural shows or performances for tourists?
Though folk dance performances are not held at Amer Fort, it hosts an enthralling light and sound show every evening that recites its history through audio narration and music in hindi and english languages.
4. What are the other tourist attractions to visit near Amer Fort?
The nearest tourist spots from Amer Fort are the Jaigarh Fort, Panna Meena Ka Kund and Jal Mahal. You can also easily cover other tourist attractions of Jaipur such as Nahargarh Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal on the same day.
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