When you are looking for the best places to visit in Jaipur, then you should take a quick trip to the town of Amer, which is just 11 KM from Jaipur. This beautiful town builds by the Meenas and later on ruled by Raja Man Singh I, has quite a lot of historical significance. The prime attraction here is the Amber Fort or Amer Fort. Suraj Pol or the Sun facing grand entrance to the fort points at the classic Mughal and Hindu Architecture that stands timeless.

However, the most iconic part about Amer Fort is the quintessential Hindu Elements. As you enter through the series of gates and walk on the cobbled path to enter the Fort, you can’t help but admire the Majestic beauty of this Fort. Maota Lake behind you - the major source of water for Amer Palace, looks as clean and serene as nighttime skies in the summers. The Red sand stones and marbles greet you with majestic Rajasthani grandeur and hospitality.

View of Amber Fort Palace from Jaigarh Fort. — **View of Amer Fort Palace from Jaigarh Fort.**

Fast Facts:

Built By: Raja Man Singh
Built in the Year: 1592
Materials Used: Red sandstone and marble
Visit Timing: 10 am - 5 pm
Fee: 550/Person for Foreign Tourists & Rs.100 for Indians
Indian Students – Rs. 10 rupees per person
Foreign Students – Rs. 100 per person
Light Show in English – Rs. 500/person
Light Show in Hindi – Rs. 500/person

Nearby Attraction:

Panna Mian ka Kund
Anokhi Museum of Handprinting
Jaigarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort
Hawa Mahal
Kanak Vrindavan Garden
Maharani ki Chhatri

Best Time to Visit Amber Fort, Jaipur: October to February

What to See - Amer Fort and Palace

Diwan i Aam “Hall of Public Audience”

Diwan I Aam or the Hall of Audience was a room where the Rajas and Maharajas received messages from Public and lended an ear to their grievances.

Diwan i Khas “Hall of Private Audience”

Diwan i Khas or the Hall of Private Audience was a Place where Maharajas received their guests and other nobles. This was constructed during the reign of Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621 to 67 AD) and since then it’s also called Jas Mandir. The Raja met his special guests here. The floral designs with glass in them will steal your heart away.

Ganesh Pol Gateway

Ganesh Pol Gateway is the south side of the courtyard in the Amer Fort Palace. This was primarily built for the Mughal Emperors under whom the Maharajas of Jaipur served. The elephant headed God - Lord Ganesh style Architecture, depicts the Hindu traditions and culture. It is one of the 7 gates of the Amer Fort, that has a Royal amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal Architecture.

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most beautiful parts of Amer fort. Remember the song – “Jab Pyar kiya to darna Kya” from the legendary Bollywood Movie - Mughal e Azam? This song was shot here. Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace is made with precious stones and glasses. The ceiling glass is so beautiful and magical that if you burn two candles, then you can see it being reflected into small lights which look like thousands of stars.

Sheesh Mahal was built keeping in mind, the Queen’s desire of not sleeping in open air but underneath the stars. And this light reflection of candles, made the whole room look like stars glowing over her. Also the reflection of the candles made the room warm. You can even point your flashlight towards the ceiling and see stars in the Moring or “Din me Taree”!!!

Mughal Garden Amer Fort / The inner courtyard for the queens.

Shila Devi Temple

This sacred place that has the charm of the 16^th century feels divine even today. The story of Shila Devi Temple is quite interesting. Maharaja Man Singh 1 when humiliated by King Kedar, prayed Goddess Kali to give him strength. One night the Goddess appears in his dreams and asks him to build a Shrine. She tells him to get her lost idol from the coastal shores of Jessore (Now, in Bangladesh).

The Raja Goes there and find a big stone slab. When he returns home and washes the stone slab, he discovers the idol of Goddess Kali in it. This is how the name Shila Devi (A Goddess in the form of Shila (Stone)), comes.

Amer Fort Lit up at Night

As the Sun sets in Jaipur, and the magical evening rises from behind the fort, the yellow lights gleams under the moonlit night. The Palace looks breathtaking and a tour into the palace at night seems inviting. One of the most loved places to visit in the Pink City, Amber Fort at Night, is unbelievable.

Maota Lake and Kesar Kyari

Maota is a peaceful Lake at the base of Amber Fort. The beautiful island in the centre of the Lake is called Kesar Kyari Baag. The island consists of Saffron Gardens (Kesar Gardens) which was planted in the 15^th Century. The Lake collects rainwater flowing from the nearby hills and is one of the major sources of water for the people of Jaipur and the Amber Fort.

Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan The Complete Guide