Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber Fort (also called Amer Fort) is one of the most famous historical places in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, the fort was built in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I and later expanded by other Kachwaha rulers. It served as the royal residence before Jaipur became the capital in 1727. Today, the fort attracts visitors for its palaces, courtyards, and views of the surrounding hills, and it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Rajasthan.
Important Information about Amber Fort
- Location: It is about 11 km away from Jaipur city.
- Time: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
- Night Visit: You can also visit from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to see the lights.
Timings and Ticket Prices for 2026
The Amber Fort welcomes visitors each day and has an admission window from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. You can also visit the Amber Fort again at night; an additional opening from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM will provide a unique view of the Amber Fort, lit up at night.
Ticket Prices:
- Indians: ₹100
- Indian Students: ₹20
- Foreigners: ₹500
- Foreign Students: ₹100
- Composite Ticket: ₹550 for Indians / ₹1700 for Foreigners. (This ticket lets you visit many places in Jaipur for two days.)
It’s advisable to check for any changes in timings or ticket prices before planning a visit.
History of Amber Fort
Amber Fort was originally built by the Meena tribes before it was transformed into a magnificent structure by the Kachwaha Rajput Clan when Raja Man Singh I commenced construction of the fort in 1592. Over the next 100 years, successive kings added to the fort with elaborate halls and intricately designed marble palaces that have resulted in a unique blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort served as the seat of royalty until it was moved to the newly established city of Jaipur in 1727 because of its lack of water and increasing population. Today, Amber Fort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a monument to both the royal history of Rajasthan and the military strength of Rajasthan’s rulers.
Jaipur has many places to visit, and based on traveler interests, we’ve picked the top places to visit in Jaipur for you.
Top Attractions Inside the Fort
1. Ganesh Pol (The Gate of Lord Ganesha)
This gate has been photographed more than any other entrance at the palace, so it must be very impressive. The gate is decorated with magnificent frescoes, mosaics and elaborate tile patterns. Also, the gate leads directly into the private quarters of the Maharajas.
2. Sheesh Mahal (The Mirror Palace)
The Sheesh Mahal is among the most photographed parts of the entire fort; the walls and ceilings of the Sheesh Mahal are covered with many thousands of tiny shard-like pieces of mirror tile. Legend has it that in times gone by, one candle lit this entire hall by reflection.
3. Diwan-i-Aam & Diwan-i-Khas
They are the halls for public and private audiences. Diwan-i-Aam stands on 40 pillars and represents excellent craftsmanship during the Rajput period.
4. The Magic Flower Fresco
If you examine the base of the columns in the Sheesh Mahal closely, there is a magic flower that has been carved into the marble. If you can obstruct the view of some of the flower designs, you will see seven unique designs: a fish tail, a lotus flower, a cobra with a hood, an elephant’s trunk, a lion’s tail, a corncob, and a scorpion.
Significance
The historic significance of the Amber Fort is great, along with its cultural meaning. It demonstrates architectural excellence and artistic brilliance from the Rajput period. The fort has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its supreme meaning and qualifies as an example of cultural heritage. The Amber Fort offers insight into the lavishness of the Rajput kings and their courts, as well as their appreciation for various forms of art, architecture, and grandeur.
Rajasthan has a lot of tourism, which is supported by the fort, and its architecture is one of the main reasons that visitors come from all over the world, thus providing revenue to the local economy. The fort’s architectural beauty, historical relevance, and cultural importance are all reasons for history buffs, architects, and tourists to visit it.
Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Amber Fort Sound and Light Show: Every evening the stories of the Kachwaha clan come to life.
- English 7:30 pm | Hindi 8:00 pm (Timing varies according to season.)
- Elephant Rides: Early morning (7:30 am – 12:30 pm) rides are offered for deer-riding to reach the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk).
- Note: Cost is approximately ₹1100 per couple.
- The Secret Tunnel: The underground tunnel that was just restored runs between Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, providing a unique military view.
Best Time to Visit Amber Fort
The best time to visit Amber Fort is from October to March. From October until March, that is the best time to go visit because you will have good weather (cool). You can walk comfortably because temperatures will vary from 10° to 25° Celsius.
To minimize exposure to hot weather, visiting the fort at sunrise or sunset is encouraged because you can see its beauty at those times. In addition, the fort presents a beautiful light show in the evening featuring historical information about Amber Fort in a fun and exciting way.
How to Reach
Amber Fort is located approximately 11 kilometers from Jaipur city center. Visitors can reach the fort through various modes of transport:
- By Air: Jaipur’s airport has direct connections to India’s major airports and also has international flights from several cities. If you want to get here from the airport, you can either take a taxi to Amber Fort or use a prepaid service.
- By Train: Your nearest railway station is located at Jaipur. You have access to all major cities in India via frequent train service. You can get a taxi or auto rickshaw to the fort from the railway station.
- By Road: Jaipur has excellent road connections to its neighboring cities and states. Visitors can hire state-run buses, private buses or taxis to reach the Amber Fort. For those who drive their vehicles, ample parking space is available near the fort.
- Local Transport: Once in Jaipur, visitors can use taxis, autorickshaw rentals, or app-based cab services to reach Amber Fort. Additionally, the fort is accessible by elephant ride, which provides a unique and traditional way to reach the main entrance.
Nearby Attractions
Several other attractions surround Amber Fort, offering visitors a variety of experiences:
1. Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort has a large and strong structure with a wide view of the landscape around the fort, which is located on a hill above Amber Fort. It also holds the world’s largest cannon on wheels, known as the Jaivana. This demonstrates the Rajputs’ military strength and their ability to construct a fort that was extremely secure and difficult to conquer.
2. Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is located on the Aravalli hills, and from its position, you can see some fantastic views of Jaipur City. There are many palaces within the fort itself; they feature numerous courtyards and gardens that serve as great picnic locations as well as excellent locations to take photographs.
3. Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a beautiful palace that looks like it is floating on the surface of Man Sagar Lake. It can be viewed from the shore of the lake where you cannot enter the building but have the opportunity to take a boat to see the palace up close.
4. City Palace, Jaipur
Located in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace is a magnificent complex that showcases the grandeur of Rajput architecture. It houses several museums, courtyards, and palaces, offering a glimpse into the royal heritage of Jaipur.
5. Hawa Mahal
Known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is an iconic structure with a unique façade of 953 small windows. The palace was built for the royal women to observe street festivities without being seen.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: The fort involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Stay hydrated: Carry water bottles to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Hire a guide: To fully appreciate the history and architecture of Amber Fort, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
- Plan your visit: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit.
- Respect culture: Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
Conclusion
Amber Fort is one of the most well-known sites in Jaipur. Not only do its rich history, its position at the top of a hill, and its remaining buildings provide insight into the history of royalty in Rajasthan, but they also show visitors what life was like during the time when Amber Fort was home to many of their rulers and how Jaipur grew as a city over the course of the last few centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, both names refer to the same palace complex located in the town of Amer.
The Amber Fort is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm. Evening is the time for the Light & Sound show, and its start times vary depending on whether you want to see the show in English or in Hindi.
Yes, there is a entry cost to get into Amber Fort and the fees tend to vary depending on whether you’re a local or a foreign tourist and be prepared to pay a bit extra if you also want to catch the light and sound show
Yes, photography is allowed inside Amber Fort. However, there may be restrictions in certain areas, so it is advisable to check with the authorities.
Guided tours are an option at Amber Fort, and you can hire a licensed guide to give you the full lowdown on the fort’s history and architecture.
Yes, there is a parking facility available near the fort for visitors arriving by their vehicles.
Yes, there are specific ramps and accessible paths near the main entrances, though some higher levels may still require climbing stairs.
You should plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the main palace sections comfortably.
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