Overview

The Amber Fort in Amer is a sprawling complex with numerous palaces, gardens, temples and other structures inside. The fort stands 11 kilometers from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Sitting on a hill top, the fort complex looks exceptionally royal and fortified. It is a fine example of Mughal architecture. The Amber Fort overlooks the Maotha Lake and is reflected beautifully in its calm waters. An elephant ride is the most enjoyable way of reaching the hill top to access the Fort.

History

Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. Later during the reign of Jai Singh I, the fort was fully expanded. Many successive rulers made numerous improvements and additions to the fort complex over the next 150 years until the Kachwahas took over the fort.

Amber Fort Attractions

Knowledgeable guides are available to tell you about the stories linked to the Fort's history. Even exploring the rambling monument on your own is a wonderful experience. The Amber Fort is connected to Jaigarh Fort (the Victory Fort) just next to it through a series of tunnels. Inside the Amber Fort, the must visit rooms are the Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience that has forty pillars, Shitla Mata temple dedicated to Shitla Mata (a manifestation of Goddess Kali), Ganesh Pol (a beautiful painted Gate dedicated to Lord Ganesha), Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience that is decorated with beautiful mirror work and glass murals of Radha and Krishna, besides the Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir.

An interesting attraction here is the "magic flower" made with carved marble panel at the base of a pillar which looks like two hovering butterflies.   
Then there is also a garden area between the Jai Mandir on the east and the Sukh Niwas on the west. The garden is adorned with narrow channels and a star-shaped pool with a fountain in the middle.

Situated on the Delhi Jaipur highway, Amber Fort is a short taxi ride away. Rickshaws and local buses ply. The Fort is open on all days except the festival of Holi. There is an entry fee and charges for photography equipment.