The Amer Fort

Amer Fort

Amer Fort (also spelled and pronounced as Amber Fort) is located in Amer (a town with an area of 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi)), 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from  Jaipur,  Rajasthan state,  India.  It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I. Amer Fort is known for its artistic style of Hindu elements. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront.

The aesthetic ambiance of this formidable fort is seen within its walls on a four level layout plan (each with a courtyard) in a well turned out opulent palace complex built with red sandstone and marble consisting of the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience",  the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The palace was lived in by the  Rajput Maharajas and their families. At the entrance to the palace near the fort’s Ganesh Gate, there is also a temple dedicated to Sila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult which was given to Raja Man Singh when he had defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal in 1604. (Jessore is now in Bangladesh).

This fort, along with Jaigarh Fort, located immediately above on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the same Aravalli range of hills, is considered as one complex, as the two are well connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war for the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort to shift to the more redoubtable Jaigarh Fort.

Annual tourist visitation to the Amer Palace in Amer  town  was  reported  by the Superintendent of Department of Archaeology and  Museums  to the  Amer  Palace  as  5000 visitors  a  day,  and 1.4 million  visitors  were  reported  during  2007.

Geography

Amer Fort is situated on a forested hill premonitory, above the Maota Lake near Amer village, about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Jaipur city, the Capital of Rajasthan. It currently sits near the National Highway, which goes to Delhi.  A narrow jeepable road leads up to the entrance gate, known as the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate, of the fort. Elephant rides are also taken through narrow passage through the Sun Gate.

Etymology

Amber or Amer Fort's name is derived from Amba, the Mother Goddess.

Amber fort’s History

Amber Fort is located Amer is placed at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Amber was the capital of the Kachhawaha till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. Amber is generally pronounced as Amer. It is situated about 10 km away from Jaipur on Jaipur-New Delhi road. It was governed by Kachawaha rulers and also was the capital of old Dhundar state of Jaipur. The town was originally named Ambikeshwara and was later abridged to Amber or Amer.

Establishment of this fort was done in 16th century and was initiated during the reign of Raja Man Singh. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder and the ruler of Jaipur city under his resign the fort was personalized. . Construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in the year 1592. The Amber fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th Century. Amber Fort was completed within two centuries by consistence efforts of three consequent kings following Raja Man Singh.

Major attractions of Amer are : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Jai Mandir, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodhi .

Initially, the palaces at Amber were constructred by Raja Bharmal in 1558 and his successor Raja Man Singh. Later on their descendents added some structures. Some of the structures get destroyed with the time and some of the structures changed. But most of the structure is preserved and is now maintained by the state government. The Amber fort as it exists today has been shaped by mainly Raja Man Singh, Jai Singh I, and Jai Singh II.

Amber palace complex mainly includes Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi temple, Baradari, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodi (women’s apartments). Indian Vastu can be practically approached if one experiences the Jaipur tour. And the architectural excellence and fabulous stone carving work accomplished manually at Amber palace around four centuries back.

There were two ways to reach the Amber fort as it is situated on a hill. One was for elephant riding, and another was walk-way which was in natural raw shape of hill and rock way. Now, the walk-way is modified in shape of new cemented staircases. Now, one road from bottom of the hill to Amber fort for vehicles also has been constructed, but to enjoy the trip of Amber fort, the walk-way or elephant riding is most preferable. Riding an elephant uphill seems a cliche for tourists. But it really helps feeling the ambience and plunging deeper in India. The elephant ride offers a skyline view of the Pink city and a mesmerizing sight over Maotha Lake. We can choose a guide to assist, or an audio guide is even a good option which is available at the doorstep of the  fort.  To make your trip more spectacular and memorable one, elephant safari will be the best and it provides a royal feeling as well.

 Around half an hour's drive from the city center, like something out of a fairy tale, Amber Fort is set on a hill top overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed, and contains a number of breathtaking palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Inside, the elaborate mirror work adds to the grandeur. The fort entrance is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, or taking a lurching elephant ride. The evening sound and light show, which brings alive the Fort's history, is impressive. If you're interested in the art of traditional block printing, also don't miss the Anokhi Museum near Amber Fort. Workshops are held there.

·       Location: North of Jaipur. Frequent buses depart from the Palace of the Winds to Amber Fort. Taxis are also available.

·       Entry Cost: 200 rupees for foreigners. Elephant rides are 900 rupees for two people.

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily. Note that elephant rides are only possible in the mornings until 11.30 a.m. Be sure to be there early to get one, as it's not possible to pre-book and demand is high. Take this Amber Fort and Jal Mahal Including Elephant Ride Tour from Viator to save on hassle.