Amer Fort, which is otherwise called Amber Fort is a must-visit if you are exploring forts in Rajasthan. The fort is located in a town called Amer. This is a small town spread over only 4 square km. The town is situated around 11 km from the capital city Jaipur. The fort that is located high on a hill is one of the important tourist attractions in Jaipur. The fort is popular for its artistic style elements. With its cobbled paths, series of gates and large ramparts, this fort has been constructed overlooking the Maota Lake. This lake is the key source of water supply to the Amer Palace. Read on to gain insights about this fort before you plan your visit:
Amer Fort – An Introduction
Amer Fort is one of the most stunning forts in Rajasthan. It has been constructed with an ideal blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture. It offers enchanting cultural experiences to visitors with its rich history and breathtaking views. From its grand courtyards and intricate carvings, this fort stands to be one of the must-visit spots for history buffs in Rajasthan.
History of Amer Fort
Through your history books, you might have heard about Emperor Akbar for sure. One of his trusted generals Raja Man Singh constructed this fort in 1592. Before the establishment of Jaipur, Amer Fort served as one of the primary residences of Rajput Kings.
Over the years of existence, many rulers modified and expanded the fort. Every ruler added more architectural brilliance and grandeur to the fort. It has been constructed using marble and red sandstone. The fort stands even today as a reflection of the opulence of the Rajput Rulers. Even, it shows the strategic prowess of the Rajputs.
How to Reach Amar Fort?
You can access the fort through different modes of transportation. Here are some details to know in this regard:
By Bus
It should be stated that Jaipur has a well-organized bus network. Yes, the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation runs frequent buses from different parts of the state to Amer Fort. Also, the corporation runs buses from nearby cities like Jodhpur, Udaipur and Delhi to the fort. Once you are in Jaipur from other cities, you can take a local bus to reach the fort which is located around 11 km away. Otherwise, you can hire an auto as well to reach the fort.
By Train
If you prefer a train trip from other cities, the nearest railway station to the fort is Jaipur Junction. You know that this junction is well-connected by trains from many cities in India. This railway junction is located around 13 km away from the fort. Once you are at Jaipur Junction, you can hire a cab or an auto to reach the fort. Also, you have the option to travel by a local bus to reach Amer Fort.
By Flight
The nearest airport to the fort is Jaipur International Airport. The distance from this airport to the fort is around 23 km. Regular international and domestic flights connect to Jaipur Airport. From this airport, you can reach the Amer Fort by hiring a taxi. You can also use ride-hailing services to conveniently reach the fort.
By Car
If you are travelling from Udaipur, Agra or Delhi, you can drive. Driving to the fort from these cities will be a scenic experience. The highways are maintained well to make road trips to the fort enjoyable. You can also travel by rental cars or taxis if you cannot drive yourself from the nearby cities.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
The fort is split into six individual sections. However, all of them are main sections. Each of these sections has its own courtyard and entry gate. The main entry is through the Sun Gate or Suraj Pol. This entrance will take you to the first main courtyard.
This was the place in which armies were conducting victory parades on their return from battles. The women of the royal families watched these parades from the latticed windows. Dignitaries and royal cavalcades entered the fort through this main gate.
This first courtyard was called Jaleb Chowk, which is an Arabic phrase. The meaning of this phrase is the place for soldiers to gather. This is one of the four courtyards of the fort that was constructed during Sawal Jai Singh’s rule. The personal bodyguards of the kins held parades in this courtyard. They did the same under the command of the army commander. The king used to inspect the guards. The horse stables were located adjacent to the courtyard in which the upper-level rooms were occupied by the guards.
First Courtyard
When you take the attractively designed stairway from Jalebi Chowk, you will reach the main palace grounds. Here, at the entrance to the right of the stairway steps, you can find the Sila Devi Temple. This is believed to be the temple, where the Rajputs worshipped. Before the ritual was stopped in the 1980s, buffalo sacrifice was done in this temple by the rulers.
On the first courtyard, you can find the Ganesh Gate or Ganesh Pol. It is believed to be the entrance that removes all obstacles in life. This is the entry that takes you to the private palaces of the kings. It is a three-level structure with many frescoes. Above this gate, you can find the Suhag Mandir. From the latticed marble windows in this place, women from the royal family used to watch functions conducted in the Diwan-i-Aam.
Second Courtyard
Above the main stairway of the first courtyard, you can find Diwan-i-Aam, which is otherwise called Public Audience Hall. It has been constructed with a double row of columns. The king held the public here to get petitions and listen to their problems.
Third Courtyard
This is where the private courtyards of the king and his attendants and family were located. You can reach this courtyard through the Ganesha Gate. It is beautiful with sculptures and mosaics. There are a couple of buildings in this courtyard. They stand opposite to each other. These two buildings are separated by a garden designed in Mughal style.
One of the buildings is called Jai Mandir and the other is Sukh Mahal or Sukh Niwas. This hall of pleasure is reachable through sandalwood doors. The environs of this hall are cool as piped water supply flows through it via an open channel running through the edifice. The place is very cool as if it is air-conditioned.
The magic flower, the garden, the tripolia gate, the lion gate and the palace of Man Singh I are the other attractions you should explore when you are in Amar Fort. You can take part in an elephant ride inside the fort. Also, you have a lot of opportunities to take some stunning pictures.
Further, do not miss out on the Light and Sound Show conducted during the evenings. From this show, you can gain insights into the spectacular history of the fort.
Best Time & Season To Visit
Choose cooler months between October and March to visit Amer Fort. The weather will be pleasant during these months to explore the fort comfortably. The summers between April and June will be extremely hot and can hinder your exploration. When you choose the monsoon season between July and September, there will be occasional showers. So, walking around the palace can be challenging during this season.
Duration To See
You will need at least two to four hours to completely explore the Amer Fort. However, the time required might increase if you are more interested in exploring every section of the fort. If you are planning to attend the evening light and sound show, plan your visit to the palace accordingly.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- Jal Mahal Restaurant
- 1135 AD
- Kokum Bistro
- Café Coffee Day
- The Stag Rooftop Restro Café & Lounge
- A2A Café & Kitchen
- Royal Amer Restaurant
- Café Nescafe
- Moon Stone Restaurant
- House of Amer
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Hathi Mauja
- Le Méridien Jaipur Resort & Spa
- Umaid Haveli-A Heritage Style Hotel & Resort
- Buena Vista Luxury Resort
- Heiwa Heaven the Resort
- Khas Bagh
- The Kanchangarh Resort
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
The entry fee to Amer Fort for Indians is Rs.100 and Rs.500 for foreigners. For Indian students, the entry fee is ₹10, while for foreign students, the fee is ₹100 per person. Also, you will have to pay a separate fee if you wish to take the elephant ride. The fee for the light and sound show is also separate.
FAQ
What is the Opening and Closing Time of Amer Fort?
The fort opens at 8 am every day and remains open until 5.30 pm. The light and sound show in English is conducted at 8 pm every day. If you wish to attend the show in Hindi, the time is 7.30 pm.
Are There Other Tourist Spots Near Amer Fort?
Yes, you can find many tourist spots near the fort. Examples include the Jaipur Zoo and the Jaipur Wax Museum. Sisodia Rani Garden and Birla Mandir to name a few.
Check out my other blog posts on Rajasthan
Chittorgarh Fort: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Majestic Citadel
What is So Unique About Kumbhalgarh Fort and Why It Should Be on Your Budget List?
What Is So Unique About Bhangarh Fort and Why It Should Be on Your List?
Nahargarh Fort Guide – All you need to know about Nahargarh Fort near Jaipur
Udaipur Itinerary – Spending 4 Days in Udaipur to see best of the city
