Amber Fort (Amer Fort)

Amber Fort, also written Amer Fort, rises above Maota Lake in the Aravalli hills about 11 km north of central Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. Begun in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha dynasty and expanded by later rulers, it served as the royal capital before the court moved to Jaipur in 1727. The fort is built of red sandstone and white marble and is laid out in successive courtyards climbing the slope. Visitors enter through Suraj Pol, the Sun Gate, into the Jaleb Chowk parade ground, then climb a staircase to the Singh Pol and the Ganesh Pol, a richly painted gateway that leads to the private royal quarters. The Diwan-i-Aam, a pillared public audience hall, stands in the main courtyard, while the Sukh Niwas and the celebrated Sheesh Mahal, the mirror palace, are decorated with thousands of tiny inlaid mirrors and carved panels. Upper terraces give views over Maota Lake, the Kesar Kyari garden and the long ridge walls that link Amber to Jaigarh Fort. Most visitors need three to four hours to walk the courtyards, palaces and ramparts without rushing. Morning is the best time to arrive because the east-facing courtyards are lit softly, the heat is lower and the queues for the ramp and the ticket counter are short. By late morning tour groups fill the Ganesh Pol and Sheesh Mahal, so a first-hour start gives space for photography. The walk up from the Maota Lake road takes about 15 minutes, while jeeps run from the parking area to Suraj Pol for those who prefer not to climb. Late afternoon light turns the walls golden, and after dark a light and sound show is staged in the Kesar Kyari garden. Rajasthan Tourism lists the site, which forms part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan World Heritage property. Food stalls and small cafes operate near the lower entrance, and several guides wait at the gate offering tours in English, Hindi and other languages.