The ‘Pink City’ Jaipur is dotted with royal and historical monuments offering an insight into the culture, architecture and royal lifestyle. One of the famous forts to visit in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. It is a magnificent piece of ancient architecture, alluring travellers around the world.
Located around 11 km on the outskirts of the city, it is a grand, well-maintained complex overlooking the charming Maota Lake. The fort is also connected through a set of underground tunnels to the Jaigarh Fort. The Amer Fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the blend of the finest Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.
The fort is built with pastel-hued sandstone and white marble and consists of enchanting courtyards, lush green gardens, intricate archways overhead, flowing serpentine staircases, endless floral patterns adorning the walls and giant gates.
If you are planning a visit to Amer Fort, here is everything you will need for a hassle-free and memorable trip to Jaipur’s most popular attractions and nearby places.
Historic Significance of Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amber or Amer Fort was established in 967 AD as a palace for Raja Alan Singh, a ruler of the Chanda clan of Meenas, who settled here. Later in 1592, Raja Man Singh, a ruler of the Kachwaha Rajputs, built upon the remnants of the earlier structure and created a grand residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families.
The fort kept expanding over the next 150 years, with the Rajputana successors like the notable Sawai Jai Singh. The fort attained the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 and continues to attract a large number of visitors.
Key Highlights of Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort is a vast complex and requires around 3 hours to completely explore different parts of the palace. To help you navigate and not skip significant areas in the Palace, here is a detailed description of the key highlights of the Palace:
- Jaleb Chowk/ Ganesh Pol
Amer Fort has various magnificent gates called Pol. If you arrive at the fort on foot, you will enter the majestic Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) and if you reach by car at the back entrance, you will enter through Chand Pol (Moon Gate). Both of these gates lead to the Jaleb Chowk. It is a large, ornate courtyard offering a glimpse into the vastness of the palace.
Here you will also see the most iconic gateway called Ganesh Pol, which features the artwork of the Elephant God, Lord Ganesha. The area is a major spot for photography.
- Diwan-E- Aam
After walking ahead of the Jaleb Chowk, you will enter the second courtyard, Diwan-E-Aam (The Hall of Public Audience). It used to the place where the king held meetings to hear the public’s requests and needs.
The courtyard is beautifully decorated with elephant-head carvings, mesmerising archways, precious stone work and large marble pillars. You will also get the panoramic views overlooking the rugged hills of Jaipur and the shimmering Maota Lake below.
- Suhag Mandir
Located on the stairs just above Ganesh Pol, you will witness the framed lattice screens from where the women used to peek out and watch the soldiers who would assemble to celebrate their victory on Jaleb Chowk.
- Sheesh Mahal/ Diwan-E-Khas
Once you enter the third courtyard, you will see Diwan-E-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), also known as Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), on one side. The king held his meetings and parties in this hall, which is embellished with a dazzling mirror mosaic. The teensy pieces of glass were imported all the way from Belgium. It is one of the amazing sites to behold in the palace.
- Sukh Niwas
Sukh Niwas is located on the other side of the third courtyard. It is also known as the Hall of Pleasure, which was the private chamber of the king.
It was kept cool in summertime by artificial wind blowing over a water cascade within the palace.
- Zenana Mahal/ Baradari
The fourth courtyard of the Amer Fort, known as the Zenana Mahal, was once home to the royal women of the palace.
You can enjoy the mesmerising views of the valley and admire the stunning, detailed architecture.
- Amer Fort Light and Sound Show at Kesar Kyari
It is one of the best things to do in Amer Fort. The event takes place every evening at Kesar Kyari on Maota Lake, starting from 6:30 PM.
The fort lights up in all its glory through vibrant colours, illuminating lights and historical stories about the legends of the Rajput Kings.
- Fees: INR 295.
- Duration: 50 minutes long.
- Timings: 6:30 PM (October – February) / 7:00 PM (March – April) / 7:30 PM (May – September).
How to Reach Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort is situated on a hilltop around 10 km northeast of Jaipur city. The fort is easily reachable by foot, auto-rickshaw, taxi or car. Public buses run every 20 minutes from Ajmeri Gate or Hawa Mahal to reach Amer Town. For convenient commuting, there are various hotels in Jaipur offering private cab facilities to let you explore the city at your leisure.
Best Time to Visit Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur, Rajasthan, that offers a glimpse into the royal heritage, culture and architecture of the state. You can visit the palace throughout the year, depending on your preference. Although the best time to visit Amer Fort is the early mornings and late evenings, when the sun is not so harsh and the weather is pleasant for exploring the vast spread monument.
The ideal season to visit the palace is the winter season (October to March), when the temperature remains between 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is suitable for sightseeing without the discomfort and extreme heat of the summer season (April to June) when the temperature soars up to 45 degrees Celsius. The heavy rainfall in the monsoon season (July to September) can hamper outdoor sightseeing.
Additionally, the light and sound show in the evening is also a great time to witness the vibrant atmosphere at the palace.
Places to visit near Amer Fort, Jaipur
Although there are various places to visit in Jaipur, including Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort and Amar Jawan Jyoti, offering an amazing time to the visitors. But if you have a day or two to explore nearby tourist attractions, Ajmer and Pushkar are incredible weekend getaways from Jaipur.
- Ajmer
Located 130 km from Jaipur, Ajmer is a charming city situated among the Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan. The city offers a unique blend of religion and culture, showcasing a glimpse of India’s rich heritage.
The most famous attraction in the city is the Ajmer Sharif shrine, the resting place of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.
- Places to Visit in Ajmer: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Akbar’s Palace, Adhai Din ka Jhopra, Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer Jain Temple and Foy Sagar Lake
- Accommodations Tip: Book your stay at budget-friendly hotels in Ajmer.
- Pushkar
Pushkar, located 146 km from Jaipur, is a historic and sacred city in Rajasthan. Popular for the Lord Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake, the city includes unique cafes, vibrant shopping streets and scenic sites.
The annual festivals, or the Pushkar Camel Fair and Holi, attract visitors from across the world to this beautiful city.
- Places to Visit in Pushkar: Pushkar Lake, Mahadev Temple, Brahma’s Temple, Varaha Temple, Gayatri Mata Temple and Sarafa Bazar.
- Accommodation Tip: Book your stay at comfortable hotels in Pushkar.
So, while planning a trip to Jaipur, don’t miss visiting the Amer or Amber Fort, one of the regal palaces in India. The fort offers an insight into the rich history, lifestyle and culture of the state.
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