A Citadel of Grandeur-The Amber Fort Jaipur

The Amber Fort is located on a hill surrounded by beautiful Aravalli mountain ranges in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Just 11 kilometers from the city of Jaipur, the Amber Fort is a major tourist attraction in India. The fort is built by Raja Man Singh on the rocky hill of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). The scenic marvel stands on top of an easily scalable mountain and is situated right next to the beautiful Maota Lake.

Amber Fort presents the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture with unexpected beauty and charm. The Fort was constructed in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Badshah Akbar’s army. Later it was expanded and renovated by Raja Jai Sigh I. The fort is built by using red sandstone and white marble which gives the fort’s majestic appearance. Its geographical advantages also make for a special Fort in India.

Amber or Amer Fort

Raja Alan Singh, who belongs to the Chanda clan of the Meenas, was probably the first king to set foot on Amer. He made a palace on top of the Hill of Eagles and started to rule over his new town. The town along with the beautiful hill was taken over by Kachwaha Rajputs, Raja Man Singh in early 1600.

He then started building the Amber fort after destroying the structure that was already built on top of the hill. The fort was further developed by the successors of Raja Man Singh and Jai Singh-I. In the next two centuries, the fort underwent continuous renovations and improvements under the reign of various Rajput Worriers. The present fort was completed in the late 16th century.

Also, read-  Nahargarh Fort-A Royal Legacy in Stone

The splendid Fort

The marvelous fort has four different sections which combine to form the palace. Each section has its gate and courtyard. The first gate, Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance of the fort. The gate faces east, witnessing the sunrise every morning hence the name. This gate consists courtyard named Jalebi Chowk. When the palace was being ruled by the Rajputs, the soldiers used to assemble and celebrate their victory in this courtyard.

The second courtyard is the Diwan-i-Aam or the Public Audience Hall. The courtyard is built with a double row of columns, each of which is mounted with an elephant-shaped capital, with galleries above it.

The beautiful Jai Mandir, which is also called Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors), is situated in the third courtyard. As the name suggests, Jai Mandir was used to celebrate victories. Other celebrations too, were held in this building. The fourth courtyard is an interesting one. The queen including the queen’s mother and the mistresses lived in this part of the palace. They were collectively known as the Zenana.

Fort Conservation

At the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2013, The Amer Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Amer Fort timings

The timings for Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, typically follow a schedule similar to the following:

• Summer Timings (March to September): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Winter Timings (October to February): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

It’s important to verify the current timings before planning your visit as they may be subject to change due to various factors such as public holidays, maintenance, or special events. Additionally, during peak tourist seasons, the fort may have extended hours to accommodate visitors. It’s advisable to check the official website of Amer Fort or contact the local tourism office for the most up-to-date information regarding timings and ticket prices.

Amer fort ticket price

Tickets Price for the Amer Fort is-

25 per person for Indians

10 per person for Indian Students

550 per person for Foreign Tourists

100 per person for Foreign Students

200 per person for Light Show in English

100 per person for Light Show in English

Tickets for the Amer Fort Light and Sound Show can be purchased at the fort’s ticket counter or through authorized vendors. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.

Places to visit near Amber Fort

There are several interesting places to visit near Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Here are some notable ones.

Jaigarh Fort: Located near Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is a massive fort known for its well-preserved cannons, including the world’s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivana. Visitors can explore the fort’s extensive ramparts, palaces, and museum while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli hills and the city of Jaipur.

Nahargarh Fort: Situated on the edge of the Aravalli hills overlooking Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. The fort itself boasts impressive architecture and historical significance, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal, or the Water Palace, is an architectural marvel located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace appears to float on the water and is surrounded by picturesque scenery. While visitors cannot enter the palace, they can admire its beauty from the lakeside.

City Palace, Jaipur: A short distance from Amber Fort, the City Palace is a magnificent complex that houses several palaces, courtyards, and museums. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of Rajasthan while admiring the stunning architecture and royal artifacts.

Jantar Mantar: Located in the heart of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It features a collection of architectural astronomical instruments designed to measure time, track celestial bodies, and observe astronomical phenomena.

Hawa Mahal: Also known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is an iconic landmark of Jaipur located in the city center. This five-story palace features intricately designed windows and balconies, allowing royal women to observe street festivals and daily life without being seen.

Albert Hall Museum: Situated in Ram Niwas Garden, the Albert Hall Museum is the oldest in Rajasthan. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including textiles, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, showcasing the cultural heritage of Jaipur and Rajasthan.

Amer fort light and sound show 

To tell the story of the history of Jaipur and the fort, every evening the light show takes in the fort. The show runs for 50 minutes in both Hindi and English. Explore the architectural beauty of Amer Fort and his itinerary which is specially designed to explore the history of the fort.

The light and sound show at Amer Fort features a narrative that highlights the history, legends, and architectural marvels of the fort and its surroundings. Through a combination of sound effects, music, and illuminations, the show brings to life the rich heritage of Amer Fort and the stories of its rulers.

How to reach

The fort is situated about 20 minutes northeast of Jaipur. Take the frequent buses that depart from near the Hawa Mahal in the Old City. Or take a cab to reach the destination.

Source-Cultural India, Tourmyindia