Visitor Information
Famous for : History, Photography, Seeking Experience
Entrance Fee: Rs.25 Per Person for Indians and Rs.200 Per Person for Foreign Tourists
Visiting Time: 10 AM – 5 PM (Daily)
Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort is one of the best tourist destinations not just in Jaipur City but the whole of Rajasthan. Amer and the Jaigarh Fort are regarded as a single structure and a subterranean passage connects the two forts. It is believed that the passage was used to escape at times of war or enemy attacks. It is located on Cheel Ka Teela on Aravalli hills. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I, one of the Navratnas of Emperor Akbar. Later, expansions were undertaken by the successive rulers. With its amazing architecture that combines Mughal and Hindu styles, the fort built in red sandstone and marble, is a sight to watch and walk through with its high ramparts, many gates, cobbled paths and splendid view. The Maota Lake looks splendid from the fort.
Traveler Tips
- The Amber Fort being one of the prime attractions of Jaipur, is crowded at all times. And if you wish to avoid much crowd, then visit it on a week day.
- It is a vast complex and walking around is the only way to enjoy and feel its beauty. Hence wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Carry water bottles, shades and hats or caps.
- There are rest rooms and café within the premises.
Things to Do
- Undertake a trekking trip to the surrounding hills
- Indulge in some handicraft and art work shopping at the stalls and handicraft shops in Amer town
- Take a ride on elephant inside the fort, costing Rs.900 for two persons
- Attend the light shows in the evening, available in English and Hindi
Availability of Guides
Guides are available for a fee. You can choose either English or Hindi speaking guide as per your choice.
Best Time to Visit
Rajasthan being a desert is warm throughout the year at least during the day. Sometimes the sun can be unbearable. That is why, it is best to visit Jaipur during winter, from November to March.
How to Reach
Buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis or cars are available from Jaipur. You can board public buses to Amer town from Ajmeri Gate and MI Road. The fort is perched on a hill, so to reach there, you can either walk or take an elephant ride. Experience the thrill and joy of an elephant ride at the fort.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Amber Fort
- Amber Fort is a part of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- The fort and the town gets its name from Goddess Ambe, the prime deity of the Meena dynasty.
- It is a place that should be a must-visit for every Indian and for every art lover as it is full of artistic marvels, be it paintings, carvings, architecture and so on.
- The Amber Fort Palace has four levels, each having a courtyard.
- The main complexes within the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, a hall meant for public, Diwan-i-Khas, a hall for private audience, the splendid Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace, Jai Mandir and the Sukh Niwas, a complex that had natural air conditioning and this could happen because of the wind that blew across a water area built within. It is definitely a sign of creativity and wisdom of the time!
- It was mainly used for residence purposes by the royal families, as opposed to Jaigarh Fort, which was more of a defence and armoury location.
- A popular attraction is a carving known as ‘magic flower’ which is carved on a marble panel on a pillar in the Sheesh Mahal. Seven beautiful designs are carved on it including a lotus, lion’s tail, scorpion, hooded cobra, fish tail, cob or corn and an elephant trunk. You will have to cover the panel partially with your hands to view each of the design. An artistic marvel, really!
- One of the main attractions at Amer Fort is the Sheesh Mahal which has mirror mosaics and coloured glasses all over. Even if a single candle is lit, its reflections in the thousands of mirrors inside the Sheesh Mahal make it appear like thousand stars. A visual delight!
Nearby Attractions
- Temples such as Narshingh Temple, Jagat Shiromani Temple, Panna Mian ki Baodi at the foothills
- Anokhi Museum of Handprinting
- Jantar Mantar
- Jaigarh Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- Turban Museum
Nearby Restaurants
- Surabhi Restaurant
- 1135 AD within the fort premises
- The Stag Rooftop Restaurant opposite the fort
- Madhuras Restaurant
- Jal Mahal Restaurant
- Orange Blossom
An architectural marvel, the Amber Fort is a delight to just behold and when you pass through its many courtyards or look around from above the fort, you are transported into a rich and elegant bygone era when living was about preserving and following culture and traditions. The Amber Fort even today looks as majestic, elegant and splendid as ever. Visit the fort and you will be blessed with an experience that you will cherish forever.
