Hill fort · Jaipur

Amber Fort, Jaipur

A honey-coloured fort-palace on the hills above Maota Lake, and the finest introduction to Rajput architecture.

Location11 km north of Jaipur

BuiltFrom 1592, Raja Man Singh I

UNESCOHill Forts of Rajasthan

Time needed2–3 hours

The story

A little history.

Amber (also spelled Amer) was the capital of the Kachhwaha rulers before Jaipur was founded in 1727. Raja Man Singh I, a general in Emperor Akbar's court, began the present fort-palace in 1592, and his successors kept adding to it for more than a century.

Built of red sandstone and white marble, it blends Rajput and Mughal styles: grand halls for public audience, private apartments set around gardens, and a mirrored palace that glitters by candlelight. In 2013 it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

What to see

Don't miss.

Jaleb ChowkThe great first courtyard where returning armies paraded, entered through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate).
Diwan-i-AamThe Hall of Public Audience, with rows of carved columns where the ruler met his subjects.
Ganesh PolA painted gateway decorated with frescoes and fine latticework, leading to the private palaces.
Sheesh MahalThe Mirror Palace, its walls and ceilings inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrors.
Sukh NiwasThe Hall of Pleasure, cooled by water flowing through channels cut into the floor.
Maota Lake & Kesar KyariThe lake below the fort and its geometric saffron garden, best seen from the ramparts.