Amer Fort Jaipur

13 December, 2013

Must Visit Places

5074

A quick wrap up: Amer Fort

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built by: Raja Man Singh
Built in: 1592 AD
Renovated By: Jai Singh I
Timings & Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM everyday (except on Holi)
Entry fee: Rs.25 for Indians, Rs.200 for Foreign Tourists

The aesthetic Amer Fort is situated in Amber, 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Amer was the former capital of Rajasthan before Jaipur took over. The fort popularly known the Amer Palace as was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. Built completely in red sandstone and marble, the fort is a hot tourist destination of the country. The surrounding Maotha Lake make the fort look even more beautiful. The fort has a four level layout plan in the opulent palace complex. They include 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 that houses the cool winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The ‘Shila Devi’ Temple and the ‘Ganesh Pol’ leads to the private palaces of the kings in the fort.

History of Amer Fort Jaipur

Amer was formerly known as Dhundar during the days of Kachhwahas from the 11th to the 16th century. It was after their rule when the capital was moved to Jaipur. Raja Man Singh built this fort in 1592 AD and later Raja Jai Sigh I expanded and renovated it during his reign. This fort has been a pride of Rajasthan through ages.

Architectural Layout: Amer Fort Jaipur

The Amer fort is divided into four distinct parts. Each has a separate entrance to enter. The main entry is however through the ‘Suraj Pol’ or Sun Gate as it opens into the main courtyard. This is because it is the east-facing gate that witness sunrise every morning. The ‘Jaleb Chowk’ is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace. In the second courtyard lies the famous ‘Diwan-i-Aam’ (Public Audience Hall), the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and the ‘Sukh Mahal’. The ‘Sila Devi’ Temple is situated at the entrance to the main palace grounds. The fresco carved out of marble known as the ‘Magic Flower’ is another famous attraction of the fort.

Diwaan-e-Aam and Diwaan-e-Khaas: Amer Fort

The Diwan-e-Aam or the ‘Hall of Public Audience’ includes two rows of ornamented pillars and opens on three sides. The king used to listen about the needs and complaints of the general public here.

‘Diwan e-Khaas’ or the ‘Hall of Private Audience’ is surrounded by delicate mosaic work in glass. The king used to meet special guests from other states, ministers, and his friends here.

Sukh Niwas (Sukh Mandir)

Sukh Niwaas is filled with doors made of sandal wood and ivory. There is a cool water channel running through the hall that works as an air cooler with pleasant breeze. This artistic cool climate of the hall was artificially created. Sukh Niwaas used to be the place where kings spent quality time with their queens. Another reason why the niwas is known as the residence of pleasure or pleasurable residence in English.

Sheesh Mahal

The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is another famous and one of the most beautiful parts of Amber Fort. The legendry evergreen classic ‘pyaar kiya toh darna kya’ from the movie ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ it was shot in Sheesh Mahal. It was no doubt that the song was beautifully filmed, but a large portion of the credit goes to the beauty of Sheesh Mahal. The walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings and flowers. One of the major attractions is that it is made of pure glass. In the ancient days the queen was not allowed to sleep in open air but as she loved staring at the twinkling stars, the king came up with Sheesh Mahal. Another stunning attraction of the mahal is that if you burn two candles on the inside, the reflection can easily switch the small light into thousand of stars.

Mughal Garden

The Kesar Kyari Bagh, a beautiful garden on the Maota Lake just before the Amber Fort, in Jaipur used to be a star shaped flower bedded garden where the King planted saffron flowers. Hence the name Kesar Kyaari or ‘saffron fields’ in English. However, due to climatic changes, the weather no longer supports saffron plants.

Elephant Ride

You cannot miss the elephant ride if you are in Amber Fort. It will cost you 550 INR per ride. These rides are normally considered fun by the foreign tourists and remain the principle attraction. However you can only ride them from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Stunning Light and Sound show of Amber fort, Jaipur

The spectacular Son-et-lumière show is the lime-light of Amber fort. In a nut shell, it is a musical extravaganza that highlights the local legends, folklore, and a connoisseur of folk music reflecting the unique identity of Rajasthan.

To know more about this impressive show, click on Son-et-lumière show

Beautiful Royal Hotels near Amber Fort, Jaipur

There are numerous hotels near Amber Fort, Jaipur serving royal treat and accommodation to its guests. They are of all kinds from expensive to luxury to budgeted ones.

Hotel Amer View
53, Chattriya, Opp K K Royal Days, Jaipur, Amer, Rajasthan, 303101, India

Adhbhut Hotel
311, Badrinath colony, Amber, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

K K Royal Hotel & Convention Centre
Delhi Road, Amber, Amer, Rajasthan, India

The Gold Palace & Resorts
Jaipur-Delhi National Highway,Kukas, Jaipur, Rajasthan

RG Palace Jaipur – Amer
Near KK Royal Hotel Managment Inst Amer, Amer Rd, Amer, Rajasthan