A Travel escape in Jaipur is no more to be complete unless one explores the crowning jewel of the city, Amber Fort or Amer Fort. Counted as one of the top tourist attractions in Jaipur Tour, the fortress is also famed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan. The opulent castle is nestled on Aravalli Hill and is around 11 kilometers away from the city centre. Visiting the fortress gives amazing travel perks that overwhelm the mind, heart, and soul of every travel enthusiast. The royal palace showcases an ultimate blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Sprawling across 4 sq kilometers, the grand fortress is a spellbinding reminder of the royal era and its grandeur.
To know more about this historic landmark, keep reading the blog further.
History of Amber Fort’s
Amber Fort’s glorifying past is quite fascinating that can be traced back to 967 CE. The former ruler of the Chanda clan of Meenas was the first who laid the foundation of this fort. As the fort stands now, was built over the remnants of this earlier structure during the reign of Raja Man Singh of the Kachwaha dynasty. The opulent structure was later expanded by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Even after, many successive rulers over the next 150 years make changes in their architecture by improving its structure.
Are you curious about why Amer Fort is also referred to as Amber Fort? Well, it is believed that the kingdom was previously known as Dhundhar and the capital was named Ambikeshwar – after the Amba Mata Temple, built on a hilltop. Later its name was shortened to Amber and then Amer.
Architecture
The red and white sandstone with marble art’s exclusive usage of the fortress embraces the wonderful fusion of Hindu and Mughal styles. From the hilltop, the fort exhibits its colorful and vibrant designs of motifs and more. One of the palace’s main attractions is the fine carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls or ceilings. Amber palace is entirely divided into four sections, each of which is known as a courtyard. The grand entryways of courtyards are designed with a beautiful Rajput style of art that adds character to each gate. The palace features exquisite structures like Sukh Mandir, the famous Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, and many others to see. Taking a step inside the palace takes you to the glorious era of Rajput kings where you can feel the luxurious living they have lived.
Witness the impressive paintings of the famous Rajput rulers and ancient hunting styles embellishing the palace walls. This gives a vibrant and deeper look into the past of Rajput culture of ancient times. The opulent palace overlooks Maota Lake that was once the major source of water supply to nearby places. Jaipur Sightseeing Taxi can take you on a ride to discover the grandeur of Amber Fort where you can appraise the fine art of those days.
How to reach there?
The grand palace is well-connected to the main city of Jaipur, so you can enjoy a drive past Jal Mahal to reach Ajmer Fort. As the fortress is situated on a hilltop, you have to hike up its cobbled pathways. Earlier there was an option of enjoying an elephant ride to enter the palace, but now the ride has been restricted. Cabs for Jaipur city tour can take you to the opulent fort in a comfortable and hassle-free way.
Evening Light and Sound Show
Every day Amber Fort hosts a play of laser lights on the fort’s walls accompanied by stories from Rajputana times that you must not miss here. The show highlights many local legends, folklore, and celebrates the maestros of folk music, highlighting the essence of Rajputana glory. On the evening light and sound show, one can pitch back atmosphere that creates a surreal experience. The performance takes place at Kesar Kyari on Maota Lake. Though, it is recommended that you must arrive here 25 mins before the show, as it takes time to check-in and settle down.
Duration – 50 minutes, twice a day
Timing – In English (7:30 pm); In Hindi (8:30 pm)
Tickets – 350/-
Time to Tour
If you are visiting the awe-inspiring Amber Fort, then make sure to have at least 3 hours of time to explore leisurely. The fortress is best visited around 4 pm when the sun is not directly overhead but still you can explore enough of this. After, you have explored the fort, climb up to the top and capture the breathtaking views of a beautiful sunset.
What’s there to See?
Wondering what to see in Amber Fort for 3 hours? Well, there’s so much that you won’t stop at all. Some of the major tourist attractions here are.
1. Suraj Pol is the entry gate of the forts.
2. Jaleb Chowk is the foremost courtyard that welcomes you inside the fortress. It is the home of the famous Shila Devi Temple.
3. Ganesh Pol is all known for its artistic excellence where you can capture many beautiful photographs.
4. Diwan-e-Aam is a common audience hall situated right opposite the Ganesh Pol.
5. Diwan-e-Khas is a hall for a private audience that was lavishly adorned. It is another part of Jai Mahal which was used for relaxation.
6. Sheesh Mahal is the most photogenic section of the palace where one can light up the candle in dark and click stunning pictures.
7. Sukh Niwas is the resting place located directly across the working chambers.
8. Zenana Mahal was the resting place of queens and women of the royal families.
Amazing Facts about Amber Fort’s
1. Amber Fort was named after Amba Mata, the fertility and earth goddess of Meena’s.
2. One of the most attractive palaces of Amber Fort is Sheesh Mahal.
3. Amber Fort’s attractive reflection on the Maota Lake looks magical and fairyland.
4. The popular attraction at the foothills of the fort is Maota Lake.
Hopefully, this blog will help you in exploring the grand Amber Fort on the Jaipur sightseeing tour. Experience the royal lifestyle formerly lived by the renowned kings and queens of Jaipur who had established their empires in the city. So, while planning your remarkable holidays in the city, embark on a visit to Amber fort and revel in the royal legacy of Rajasthan here.
