Monument Name Amber and Jaigarh Fort Location Jaipur State Rajasthan Timings Open on all days, except Holi 9.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. Coordinates 26.9862  75.8484 Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber_Fort http://wikitravel.org/en/Amber_Fort Entrance Fee Admission : Citizen INR 10/ Foreigner: INR 50 Photography charges : Citizen/foreigner: Rs 40/25 Video charges : Citizen/foreigner: Rs 100/150 but it includes all the three charges (entrance, still camera and video camera). Other Details Amber, 11km from Jaipur, Rajasthan

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Amber fort, Jaipur is situated approximately 11 km from the city of Jaipur. It was the citadel of the Kachhawa rulers of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. A blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Amer fort offers a visual treat to the eyes. Raja Man Singh I got the fort constructed in 1592. However, Sawai Jai Singh did the completion work for the fort. The fort contained all the necessities and luxuries required by the royalty as well as the other people living inside.

Overlooking the Delhi Jaipur Highway, the image of the Amber Fort is beautifully reflected in the lake below. Within the Fort lies the famous Jai Mandir (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of Mirrors.

The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. Located 9 Kms north west of Jaipur, the Amber Fort was once the Capital of the Minas.

Falling under the Golden Triangle, and being visited by millions of domestic and foreign tourists, the city of Jaipur is a place of high tourist interest. The Pink City, as commonly known, has all sorts of amenities for domestic and foreign tourists. Hotels ranging from 5 star to low budgets are available, as it attracts high tourist traffic in winters.

Made up of red sand stone and white marble, the Jaipur Amber fort palace presents a picturesque site. Covering the interior walls of the palace are painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. The Maota Lake, in the foreground of the court, offers an amazing sight. There are four sections in the Amber fort. Leading up to the palace is the main stairway situated in Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard. Jaleb Chowk also served as the area for welcoming the armies returning after winning. The main gate that leads to the Jaleb Chowk is known as Surajpol

Shila Devi Temple

Just before the entrance to the fort, on the right side, is a staircase leading up to the Shila Devi Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is very famous for its huge silver loins and silver doors. On the doorway of the temple, is an image of Lord Ganesha, carved from a single piece of coral.

Diwan-e-aam

In the second courtyard of the fort, is situated the Diwan-e-aam, hall of public audience. In this hall, the king received his subjects and listened to their problems. The hall has a lattice gallery and pavilion having elephant shaped columns

Jai Mandir

Behind the exquisite Ganesh Pol, a gate, are the residential apartments of the Maharaja. Amongst them, is the Jai Mandir, the hall of victory. It is known for its inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceiling.

Sukh Niwas

Sukh Niwas was the pleasurable residence of the Maharaja. For the purpose of cooling the palace, a channel for water flow was laid in the palace. The palace also has an ivory inlaid sandalwood door.

Zenana

The fourth courtyard houses Zenana, the palace of the women. A common corridor connects all the rooms of the palace. This was done to provide privacy to the Maharaja while visiting his Queens.

Amber palaceAmbar palace is situated in Amber, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Its construction was started by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1592 and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble.

The palace or the royal apartments lies inside the massive Amber fort complex with gateways, gardens, halls, stairways, pillared pavilions, temples and palaces. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex are the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir' with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata Temple and Kali temple and the well laid out garden the 'Kesar Kyari'.

The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid out in the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight of stairs leads to the 'Diwan-E-Am' (hall of public audience) which has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and prayed to the goddess for victory during battles. The temple has huge doors made of silver. The larger white marble Shila Mata temple, has the image of Goddess Kali, brought by Raja Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

The emperors apartments lies on a higher terrace beyond a two tiered decorative Sheesh mahal mirror work gateway, 'Ganesh Pol, covered with elegant frescoes and pavilions having fascinating jali (Lattice worked) screens. The 'Jai Mandir' (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling with mirror pieces on stucco and elegant inlaid panels. The 'Diwan- E- Khas', hall of private audience is similar in ornamentation to Jai Mandir and the 'Seesh Mahal', hall of Mirrors known for its craftsmanship in mirrors, is the most spectacular of the lot. Thousands of mirror pieces adorn the walls and the ceiling that, any streak of light makes them sparkle and illuminates the entire room. In front of the Jai Mandir is the 'Sukh Niwas' (hall of pleasure) with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory with a channel running through, which formerly carried cool water acting as an air cooler.

The zenana or the women's apartments and frescoes depicting Krishna Leela scenes surround a spectacular courtyard. There are private chambers from where the royal women could watch the proceedings of the royal court in privacy. The well-proportioned garden, Kesar Kyari in the center of Maotha lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provide a spectacular view of the palaces.

Amber (pronounced Ahm-bear', not Am'-ber) was the capital of the Rajput Kucchwaha dynasty from 1037 to 1728, when Jai Singh founded a new capital 11 km away at Jaipur. The oldest part of the palace dates from Man Singh (ruled 1592-1615), but several halls were added later by Mirza Jai Singh (ruled 1623-1668).

The sprawling Amber Fort is a typical example of what the lives of our gallant Rajputs were like militant, adventurous, temperamental and also self-indulgent. It is among the best hilltop forts in India. Within the stern exteriors that seem to grow out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens and even a ramp to take you to the hilltop palace! and guess who climbs the ramp? Elephants. Yes, beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and down carrying visitors to and fro. These well cladded elephants make a joyride to Amber fort and in turn makes your travel to Amber fort a fascinating experience. This some thing which you cannot afford to miss in any Rajasthan itinerary.

Just 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber fort is a splendid fort constructed in a scenic locale. Being a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, Jaipur attracts travellers from around the globe. Built in 16 the century by Raja Man Singh, the fort stands as a proud reminder of the exotic building skills of the artisans of the yesteryears. This fort from yore days unfurls the legacies of the time when the august rulers imagined the unmatched craftmanship.

Old Amber Palace

The Old Palace lies at the base of the Jaigarh Fort. This area was the original Amber before Man Singh I came along and went on a building spree. The early 13th century palace here is not very interesting as compared to the grand Amber Fort-palace, yet you could do with a visit. This Old Palace can be reached from the Amber Palace too there's a stone path leading from the Chand Pol to these ruins at the base of the hill. The road is currently being restored. Here lie the remains of ancient Amber which include temples and crumbling palaces and patches of walls. The cobbled streets and broken down havelis (mansions) give it the aura of a medieval town. But these mute remnants of a bygone golden era seem to speak volumes.

Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience

This is a delicate palace which you would come across on your travel to Amber fort. This forty pillared pavillion is perfect example of intricate craftmanship and was constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The pavilion worked as a place where Maharajahs used to recieve its general public and used to hear their pertaining problems. The southern area of this palace was kept clear so that the royal ladies could watch the proceedings of Diwan-I-Am from the Zenana house ( Women's quarters).

Shila Mata Temple

Entry into Shila Mata Temple is through Singh Pol. The temple is devoted to Shila Mata ( Goddess Kali), the goddess of victory and houses a black marble idol of the goddess which was brought here from Jessore by Raja Man Sigh in 1604. You would find nine images of Goddess Durga (strength) and ten forms of Goddess Saraswati (knowledge) which are carved on the silver gates of the temple. The mandap of this temple is made up of white marble contrasting the colours of the idols.

Ganesh Pol & Suhaag Mandir

Ganesh Pol forms another attractions in Amber fort and is an imposing gateway which lies south of Diwan-i-am. The gateway has been painted beautifully and endorse typical Rajasthani motifs. From Ganesh Pol, you can move to beautiful garden or Charbagh, which is based on the Mughal patten of gardens.

Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir & Jas Mandir

Diwan-i-Khas show cases a rich amalgam of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The architecture is showcased in the fascinating Diwan-i-khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir. Decorated with beautiful mirror work, Diwan -I - Khas has wonderful carvings on the walls and the ceilings. The major attractions of these halls are miniature murals made of coloured glasses which depicts Radha and Krishna.

Around The Palace

Jagatsiromani Temple

All around the place here are scattered bits and pieces of Amber's rich past. The old chhatris (cenotaphs), looking like domed pavilions, show some remains of paintings. Among the many temples near the Old Palace is the beautiful Jagatsiromani Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This shikhara (spired) temple was built by Man Singh in memory of his son Jagat Singh. It has some fine carvings and paintings and the black stone Krishna is said to have been worshipped by the saint-poetess Meera Bai of Chittor. It is also famous for its intricately carved marble gateway guarded by stone elephants.

Temple of Sanwalji

Across the road is the JainTemple of Sanwalji. Nearby are the old Temple of Narsinghji with its marble jhoola (swing), the Temple of Ambikeshwara and the Lakshmi Narayanji Temple. The latter has a Shiva lingam installed by Raja Kakil, the first Kachhawaha to rule from Amber. and according to some, Amber even gets its name from this temple. An ancient Sun Temple lies as an outcrop.

Panna Mian ki Baoli- Stepwell

One marvel of designing is the 17th century ornate step-well Panna Mian ki Baoli. Stepwells were like community centres in the past, and constructing them was considered an act of great generosity and benevolence. Panna Mian is one such water tank surrounded on three sides by criss-crossed steps. It also has octagonal corner kiosks and a double-storey verandah. The only mosque in the area is the old but picturesque Jami Masjid (1569), built by Bihar Mal in the honour of Akbar. After all the Mughal king would need some place to say his prayers if he went visiting his Rajput friends.

How to get there

Amber fort and palace is a 10 minute steep climb through Jai pol (Gate of Victory) from Amber/ Ambar / Amer, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi- Jaipur road. Facilities available for elephant back ride up to Amber fort.

Air

Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.

Rail

The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.

Road

Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.