The Kachhawahas ruled form Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With a history so old, it is
not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological history. While
many of the very early structures have either disappeared or been ruined, those dating from the 16th
century on are in a remarkable state of preservation. Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of
the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh and Jai Singh I and II. Approached from a steep ramp, visitors
ride up on elephant back, entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the
courtyard where they disembark from the pachyderm. From here, they are faced with two flight of steps, one
leading to the Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the other to the main
palace complex.
Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed God, Lord
Ganesha, takes pride of place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public audience
with its spectacular display of pillars. The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is
captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir Apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly
proportioned landscaping. A highlight is the pierced screen windows which offer views from points of
vantage, as well as the shimmering mirrors encrusting the wall of the Sheesh Mahal. Several other gardens
and pavilions within the sprawling spread of the ramparts offer enough scope for investigating medieval
lifestyles at leisure.
Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval flavour,
though it has few buildings of majestic proportion that are still extinct. However, a walk though the
rambling lanes will reap rich reward for the curious. Besides a large number of temples, there are also
stepwells, memorials and townhouses.
Location - Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302001, India
Timings - Amer Fort is open to public visit from 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Light Show Timings - English: 7:30 pm | Hindi: 8:00 pm
Entry Fee | |
Indian Visitor | ₹ 100 |
Indian Student | ₹ 10 |
Foreign Visitor | ₹ 500 |
Foreign Student | ₹ 100 |
Light Shows | ₹ 200 for English ₹ 100 for Hindi |
Other Charges | |
Guide Charges | As Actual |
Lunch | As Actual |
Parking Charges | As Actual |
Elephant Ride | ₹ 1100 for Two |