Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort and Amer Ki Qila, is a phenomenal masterpiece that blends Rajput valour with Mughal elegance. Moulded by a seamless blend of pale yellow and pink sandstone, gilded palaces, and exquisite mirror works, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living testament to Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
The Amer Fort is lodged atop a hill of the Aravalli range and overlooks the scenic Maota Lake. As you tread through its corridors and halls, you turn the clock back to the era of mighty Rajput warriors, legendary battles, and opulent royal courts. The echoes of a glorious past still linger in its halls. Every stone here has stashed stories of a time long lost, and they are prepared to tell a tale to the curious ears. In short, the Amer Fort lives and breathes history.
Beyond its grandeur, there’s so much more lurking in the shadows of the Amer Fort’s sandstone walls. The fort is a storehouse of hidden stories, secret tunnels, and forgotten legends. Every corner of the Amer Fort stows a surprise for those willing to explore beyond the obvious. You might just come across a covert doorway, a lost story, or a whispering wall!
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or a seeker of unforgettable experiences, Amer Fort promises to captivate your imagination and leave you spellbound. So, let’s embark on a journey through its majestic courtyards, enchanting palaces, and lesser-known mysteries—unravelling the splendour of one of India’s most iconic and awe-inspiring forts.
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History of Amer Fort: The Legacy of Rajputana
The past of Amer can be traced back to the Meenas, an indigenous tribe of this region. They built a small settlement and dedicated a temple to Goddess Amba, from whom the name ‘Amber’ is derived. It was Raja Alan Singh, a Meena ruler, who laid the foundation of the Amer Fort in 967 CE.
In 1036 CE, the Meenas lost Amer to the Kachwaha clan who gradually transformed this sleepy town into their illustrious capital. Man Singh, one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in Emperor Akbar’s court, built the Amer Fort as we see it today. The construction kicked off in 1592 CE, influenced both by the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The stunning fort served both as a defensive fortress and also an opulent palace.
The Amer Fort was expanded, and improvements were made over the next 150 years, especially under the aegis of Jai Singh I and Jai Singh II. The fort gradually turned into a symbol of Rajput power and prosperity.
In 1727 CE, Jai Singh II founded the new city of Jaipur. The capital of the Kachwaha dynasty now shifted to Jaipur from Amer. Though no longer a capital city, the Amer Fort thrived as a significant cultural and military centre.
The Amer Fort played a crucial role throughout the flourishing of the Rajput-Mughal alliance. The Kachwaha rulers often engaged in Mughal courts and armies, while the Mughal rulers and nobility were often hosted at the Amer Fort. Thus, Amer reaped the benefits of this alliance and grew culturally and architecturally.
Architectural Marvels: A Walk through the Amer Fort
The Amer Fort is divided into four sections, each having its own courtyard. Each of these four sections has undergone two centuries of changes under the Rajput kings and has its unique features.
Suraj Pol & Chand Pol:
The fort has two entrances. The Suraj Pol, the gate facing the rising sun in the east, is the main gateway. The Chand Pol, the moon gate, stands on the other side.
Jaleb Chowk:
The Suraj Pol leads to the first and largest courtyard of the Amer Fort. Known as the Jaleb Chowk, here the Rajput warriors held their victory parades after returning from battles. A plethora of royal processions were also held in this courtyard.
Shila Devi Temple:
On the right side of the Jaleb Chowk, there is a small temple dedicated to Shila Devi. Man Singh had established this temple after his decisive victory against the Raja of Jessore in 1604 CE.
Ganesh Pol:
This is the most picturesque gate of Amer Fort. It is decorated with vibrant frescoes and depicts Lord Ganesha right above the door frame. The Ganesh Pol leads to the private quarters of the royal family.
Diwan-i-Aam:
It was the hall of public audience, where the king used to address his subjects. It is a raised platform furnished with 27 colonnades, featuring elephant-shaped capitals and floral arches.
Diwan-i-Khas:
Also known as Jai Madir, this was the hall of private audience where the king conducted secret sessions with his courtiers. The hall is smaller than Diwan-i-Aam but more ornately decorated with glass and marble panels.
Jas Mandir:
This lies on top of the Jai Mandir. It was also used for private audience with the king.
Sheesh Mahal:
This breathtaking palace is embellished with small convex mirrors, which used to reflect light beautifully thus creating an illusion of a starlit night with the flickering of a single candle. One interesting feature of this mirror palace is the ‘Magic Flower’. At first sight, this carved marble panel resembles a flower. But on a closer inspection, it reveals seven unique designs including a scorpion, fishtail, lotus, elephant trunk, hooded cobra, cob of a corn and a lion’s tail.
Sukh Mandir:
This hall of pleasure was the private chamber of the king. Here, water channels run through the marble floors, thereby keeping the interiors cool even during the harsh summer months. The highlight of this palace is the door panels made of ivory and sandalwood.
Zenana Mahal:
This was the royal women’s quarters, where the queens and concubines of the king resided. It is characterized by multiple interconnected chambers, ensuring privacy while providing the king easy access to each queen’s chamber.
Man Singh Mahal:
It is the oldest part of the Amer Fort and took 25 years to complete. The central attraction is the ‘baradari’ or pillared pavilion which was used as the meeting point of the female members of the royal family.
Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Facts:
Every fort in India is more than what the eyes meet. The Amer Fort is no exception. This fort is not just about lavish halls and grand palaces, it houses many mystical tunnels and forgotten chambers.
- The Secret Tunnel: A covert 1.5 km long underground tunnel has recently been discovered, which connects the Amer Fort with the Jaigarh Fort. It was a strategic escape route for the royal family and the army in case of an enemy ambush.
- The Hidden Water Harvesting System: Despite its proximity to the desert, the Amer Fort never faced scarcity of water thanks to its brilliant rainwater harvesting system. The fort has hidden reservoirs and channels that cleverly direct rainwater into Maota Lake, ensuring year-round water supply.
- The Hidden Room of Sheesh Mahal: Tucked behind intricately designed Sheesh Mahal, there was a hidden room used as a private retreat by the Maharaja. This secluded room, only accessible through a concealed doorway, allowed the king to enjoy peace and privacy while still being able to view the grandeur of his court through secret peepholes.
- The Whispering Walls: The Amer Fort is believed to have a natural acoustic system. Some walls and chambers were designed in a way that even a soft whisper could be heard from a distance, allowing secret messages to be passed without the need for guards or messengers.
- The Haunted Side of Amer Fort: Like many ancient places in Rajasthan, Amer Fort has its share of ghostly legends. Some locals and night guards believe that certain sections of the fort, especially the dark, deserted dungeons, have an eerie energy. One story suggests that the fort’s treasure was once cursed by a powerful tantric (sorcerer), while another tale speaks of a queen who never left the fort, even after death.
Best time to visit the Amer Fort:
Amer lies close to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The summer is unbearable here, as the temperature soars above 40 degrees Celsius. It is nearly impossible to explore the Amer Fort under the scorching sun. It is best to avoid the summer (April to September) completely.
The best time to visit the Amer Fort is winter (December to February) when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the fort. Needless to say, this is also the peak tourist season. You will find the attractions overcrowded and prices steep.
The shoulder months (October, November, and March) are also suitable, though weather remains warm in general.
Moreover, the aim is for the early morning and late afternoon when the crowd is barely there and the light is perfect for photography.
Entry Fee and Timings of the Amer Fort:
- The entry fees are INR 100 for Indians and INR 500 for foreign nationals.
- No ticket is required for children below 7 years.
- Students can get a concession on tickets after producing a valid ID card.
- You can book tickets online from here.
- The fort remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day. In the evening, it reopens for the light and sound show. The timings are 7 PM to 9-30 PM in summer, and 6-30 PM to 9 PM in winter.
How to reach the Amer Fort from Jaipur:
From Jaipur, you can reach Amer Fort by bus. From Hawa Mahal, AC/Non-AC buses run every day at an interval of 10 minutes. You can also hire an auto-rickshaw from the old city; the fare is roughly INR 200-250. You can also book a cab on Ola/Uber (Ola is a bit cheaper in Jaipur than Uber).
How to reach the top of the Amer Fort:
The majestic fort is situated atop a hill. You can reach the main entrance by selecting any of the following options:
- By walking: You can take a walk uphill. But the road is quite steep, so remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water.
- Hiring jeep: Jeeps are available and can be hired for a round trip at INR 500.
- Elephant ride at the Amer Fort: This costs INR 1100 for two persons for one way. Though an elephant ride at the Amer Fort exudes royal charm, it is best to avoid ethically. Riding on the elephant backs gradually deforms the bone structure of these gentle giants.
- Best option is to go for the back entrance of the fort. You can take your car through this road and use the parking at the top. In this case, you will be entering the fort through the Chand Pol.
Light and sound show at the Amer Fort:
One of the best experiences at the Amer Fort is to watch the light and sound show, which depicts its prestigious history and the valour of the Kachwaha kings. It also highlights the local legends and folklore. The show goes on for an hour. The timings are:
- October to February: 6-30 PM (English)/7-30 PM (Hindi)
- March to April: 7 PM (English)/8 PM (Hindi)
- May to September: 7-30 PM (English)/8-30 PM (Hindi)
The ticket is INR 250 per person.
Guided tour:
You can find many ASI-recognized guides on the fort premise. We suggest opting for the audio guide tour available near the Diwani Khas at INR 200.
What to see around the Amer Fort:
Panna Meena Ka Kund:
This 16th century stepwell is tucked away near the Amer Fort, barely a 5-minute drive. It features perfectly symmetrical steps in a crisscross pattern that creates an optical illusion.
Jagat Shiromani Temple:
Much like the Panna Meena Ka Kund, this exquisite temple is nestled near the Amer Fort. It was built between 1599 and 1608 CE. Queen Kankawati, the consort of Raja Man Singh I, commissioned this temple in memory of their son, Jagat Singh. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, Shree Krishna, and Meera Bai.
Jaigarh Fort:
Situated on the Cheel Ka Teela (Eagle’s Hill) of the Aravalli, it overlooks the Amer Fort and Maota Lake. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726 for defending the Amer Fort.
Nahargarh Fort:
Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong ring of defence around the city. Built mainly in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the king of Jaipur, the fort was constructed as a place of retreat on the summit of the ridge above the city.
For more about Jaipur’s best-kept secrets, check our blog here.
Where to stay near the Amer Fort:
There is no proper accommodation near the Amer Fort. It is better to stay in Jaipur and visit the fort as a day trip.
From luxurious heritage hotels to budget-friendly stays, Jaipur has it all.
- Heritage Hotels: If you want to soak yourself in the royal vibe of Jaipur, stay in Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, and Jai Mahal Palace.
- 5 Star Hotels: All the 5-star hotel chains have their hotels in Jaipur, such as The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Marriott Hotel, The Lalit, Radisson Blu, and Hilton.
- Mid-range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range hotels in Jaipur such as Parkota Haveli, Pandya Niwas, Rajputana Haveli, and Haveli Kalwara.
- Budget Hotels: If you are looking for a budget stay, Jaipur has a handful of hostels and homestays such as Zostel Jaipur, Sunrise Guest House, Artbuzz Jaipur, Aura Homestay, The Hosteller Jaipur, and Pachamama Hostel.
- We stayed in Hotel Gandharva, located just beside the Chandpole Metro Station and Police Barrack. We selected this hotel given its proximity to the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and the old city.
Reserve your stays from Booking.com.
Where to eat near the fort:
- 1135 AD: A fine dining restaurant located inside the Amer Fort; the décor emanates royal grandeur while the food is quintessential Rajasthani. Relish a royal lunch here after exploring the fort. It opens after 1 PM.
- Kokum Bistro: It is tucked away near the Panna Meena Ka Kund and dishes various types of cuisine such as Italian, Mediterranean, and South Indian.
- Garh The Rooftop Café: Along with spectacular views of the Amer Fort, this café serves delicious Rajasthani food as well as contemporary dishes.
- Royal Rajwada: Try their elaborate Rajasthani veg and non-veg thalis while enjoying live Rajasthani folk songs.
Have you visited Amer Fort? What was your favourite part of this royal fortress? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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