Amer Fort Jaipur

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort locally, is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Jaipur which attracts tourists not just from all parts of India, but from around the world. It is a well-known and highly regarded spot in the whole of Rajasthan and holds great importance in the tourism industry of Jaipur. Any Jaipur tour package is incomplete without spending a good one day at the Amer Fort, which goes by in the blink of an eye. Thousands of tourists visit Amer Fort in Jaipur every day to experience its royal splendour and witness the historical majestic structure. It is most famous for its elephant rides and the light and sound show in Amer Fort that draws the tourists every day. The fort features large gateways, minute and intricately carvings, royal designs, and other attractions that give it a stately vibe.

If you are looking for things to do in Jaipur, then Amer Fort is a great option to spend your day revisiting the past. It gives a peek into the city’s past, its rich culture and undying heritage, and has been inspiring people for years. Amer Fort is one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan and says a lot about the state’s glorious past. It was a gift to Jaipur city by Raja Man Singh I and has been shining magnificently ever since. The fort is a famous historical monument and a reflection of Rajputana style architecture. It has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with five other forts from Rajasthan.

Amer Fort History
Amer city was a small town before the Kachwahas's rule, built by a small tribe named 'Meenas'. The Amer fort gets its name after Ambikeshwar, another name of Lord Shiva, however, the locals also believe that the name has been derived from Amba, another name of Goddess Durga. Once named as Dhundar, the city was ruled by the Kachhawahas during the 11th century to the 16th century when ultimately the capital was moved to Jaipur.

It was in the year 1592 AD that Raja Man Singh built the fort with expansion and renovation efforts carrying on for the next 150 years by his successors. The older palace named 'Kadimi Mahal' is regarded as the oldest palace of the country. A small temple dedicated to his patron Goddess 'Sheela Mata' was also commissioned by Raja Man Singh. With several old structures destroyed and new ones brought up, the Amer Fort stood against all the odds with great fervour.

Amer Fort Architecture
Amer Fort has a traditional Hindu and Rajputana style of architecture. It is aesthetically crafted out of marble and red sandstone giving it a rustic and mysterious look. There are intricate paintings of ancient hunting styles and portraits of significant Rajput rulers. Amer Fort is divided into four sections, each adorned with its separate entrance and courtyard. The main entrance to the fort is called 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which leads to the main courtyard. An east-facing gate, this entrance has its name owing to its position with respect to the rising sun. Imposing stairways would lead you to the palace complex to an impressive courtyard named 'Jaleb Chowk' while the steps to the right lead to Siladevi Temple. Jaleb Chowk was used by the army to display their war booty back in time where women were allowed to watch the proceedings only through the windows.

Diwan-e-Aam (Public Audience Hall) forms the second level of the Amer Fort. It is a massive hall open on three sides. With extensive mosaic glassworks, it stands on the support of two columns of pillars with mounted elephants. The third courtyard of the Amer Fort is around the royal quarters. Entrance to this level is through the Ganesh Pol. 'Sheesh Mahal' is the most beautiful attraction in the entire complex and is left to the entrance gate. The walls and ceilings have beautiful carvings of flowers and glass paintings. The Sheesh Mahal gives beautiful illusions and you may hear people discussing that if you lit two candles inside the hall, the ceilings feel like a thousand glittering stars.

'Sukh Mahal' is another hall opposite to the Sheesh Mahal and is built of sandalwood and ivory. It has numerous channels with running cold water. Another highlighting feature of the Amer Fort is the 'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble and a delicate carving of Lord Ganesha out of a single piece of coral. South of this courtyard lies the oldest part of the complex and the main palace used by Man Singh I. The exit of the main palace leads directly to the city of Amer. The final level of the Amer Fort was built for Royal women. It has a courtyard surrounded by several rooms. There is also a hall known as the Jas Mandir which was used for a private audience back in time.