The Majestic Amber Fort: Jewel of Jaipur

 

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, is a majestic fort located in the town of Amer, just 11 kilometers from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Built with a combination of red sandstone and white marble, the fort stands on a hill and is an excellent example of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Overlooking the Maota Lake, the fort offers a stunning reflection in the water, making it a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. The fort is known for its artistic elements, including ornate gateways, beautiful courtyards, carved pillars, mirror work, and frescoes.

The construction of Amer Fort was started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, a trusted general in Emperor Akbar’s army. Later, his descendant Raja Jai Singh I made significant additions and improvements to the structure. The fort is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. The main entrance, Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), leads to the first courtyard, known as Jaleb Chowk, where the royal army would assemble. From here, a grand staircase leads up to the second courtyard, which houses the Diwan-e-Aam or Hall of Public Audience.

One of the most popular attractions inside the fort is the Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace. This hall is beautifully decorated with thousands of mirror tiles and colored glasses that reflect light in stunning patterns. Another highlight is the Sukh Niwas, a room designed to remain cool even during the scorching summers by using water channels and scented air circulation. The fort also includes the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), where the king would meet important guests and ministers.

In addition to its royal halls and palaces, Amer Fort also has a temple dedicated to Shila Devi, a form of Goddess Durga, which holds significant religious value. The fort complex is connected to the nearby Jaigarh Fort through a hidden underground passage, which was used as an escape route during enemy attacks. Today, Amer Fort is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rajasthan and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the group “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.” The fort's historical significance, architectural brilliance, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers alike.

History of Amer Fort

The history of Amer Fort is deeply rooted in the legacy of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty. The region of Amer was originally ruled by the Meena tribe before it was taken over by the Kachwahas in the 10th century. The early capital of the Kachwaha rulers was Amer, and they ruled from here for several centuries before shifting the capital to Jaipur in the 18th century.

The construction of the present-day Amer Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. He was one of the nine gems in the court of Emperor Akbar and played a crucial role in Mughal campaigns. He chose the site of Amer, nestled in the Aravalli Hills and protected by natural terrain, as an ideal location for building a grand fort. The initial structure laid by Man Singh was relatively modest, but over time, his descendants, especially Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II, expanded and beautified the fort with Mughal-style gardens, marble decorations, and artistic embellishments.

Amer Fort served as both the military stronghold and the royal residence of the Kachwaha rulers. Its architecture reflects the opulence and sophistication of the Rajput lifestyle, with features like intricately carved jharokhas (balconies), courtyards, and temple shrines. The fort also had strong fortifications to withstand attacks and housed soldiers and elephants in large numbers.

One of the unique aspects of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Palace, where the walls and ceilings are inlaid with thousands of small mirrors. Legend says that just one candle lit in the Sheesh Mahal could illuminate the entire room due to the mirror reflections. Another key part of the fort is the Sukh Niwas, where a water-driven air-cooling system kept the rooms comfortable during the hot summer months.

The Shila Devi Temple inside the fort is also of historical and spiritual importance. Raja Man Singh brought the idol of the goddess from Jessore in Bengal after a military victory. The temple sees thousands of devotees during the Navratri festival each year.

As the city of Jaipur developed under Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, the capital was officially moved from Amer to Jaipur. However, Amer Fort continued to be a symbol of Rajput pride and cultural richness. In modern times, it has become one of the most iconic tourist destinations in India. The fort is beautifully lit in the evenings, and sound and light shows are conducted to narrate its rich history to visitors.

In 2013, Amer Fort was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan World Heritage Site. Despite the challenges of time and nature, the fort stands tall and majestic, preserving the legacy of a glorious past.

Nearby Tourist Attractions in Amer

Jaigarh Fort:

Situated above Amer Fort, Jaigarh was built for military defense. It houses the world's largest cannon on wheels, Jaivana. The fort offers stunning panoramic views and has underground tunnels connecting it to Amer, used in times of war or emergency escape.

Nahargarh Fort:

Located on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort overlooks Jaipur city. It was built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. The fort once acted as a retreat for the royal family and now offers beautiful sunset views and scenic beauty.

Kanak Vrindavan Garden:

A beautifully maintained garden complex, built in a valley surrounded by hills. It features fountains, marble walkways, and temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a peaceful and green retreat away from the city crowd.

Maota Lake:

Located at the base of Amer Fort, Maota Lake was the main water source for the fort. It also has a small garden island known as Kesar Kyari. The lake’s reflection of the fort is a sight to behold, especially at sunrise.

Jagat Shiromani Temple:

This historic temple is dedicated to Meera Bai and Lord Krishna. Built in the early 17th century, it showcases intricate carvings and Rajput temple architecture. It is located very close to Amer Fort and holds religious as well as historical importance.

Panna Meena ka Kund:

This is a stepwell near Amer Fort built in the 16th century. It was used for water storage and community gatherings. Its symmetric staircases and architectural beauty make it a favorite spot for photography and tourist visits.

Jal Mahal:

Built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a five-storey palace, with four floors submerged underwater. Although entry is restricted, it can be admired from the roadside. It's especially beautiful during sunset.

Shopping

Though Amer Fort doesn’t have a big market, nearby shops sell traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, paintings, textiles, silver jewelry, and miniature souvenirs. Jaipur city is just 30 minutes away and offers bustling markets like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar where you can buy block-printed fabrics, mojaris, bangles, and decorative home items.

How to Reach Amer :

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located about 20 km from Amer. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use app-based cab services (like Ola or Uber) to reach the fort in approximately 30–40 minutes.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Jaipur Junction, about 13 km from Amer. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bus to reach the fort. Jaipur is well connected by train to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Agra.

By Road:

• Take a local bus from Jaipur city (buses run from Ajmeri Gate, Hawa Mahal, or MI Road).
• Hire a private taxi or auto-rickshaw.
• Use jeep services for a royal-style ride up to the fort.
• If driving yourself, Amer is about 30 minutes from central Jaipur via NH-248.