Jaigarh ramparts

The ramparts of Jaigarh Fort run along the ridge of Cheel ka Teela above Amer, north of Jaipur in Rajasthan, and offer one of the region's finest walks for views. Built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh II to guard Amber Fort and the dynastic treasury, the fort has long stone walls with bastions and watchtowers that follow the crest of the hill. The western wall looks directly down over Amber Fort, Maota Lake and the Kesar Kyari garden, with the zigzag road, the town of Amer and the Aravalli hills stretching beyond. From higher points visitors can also see the line of walls that once linked the forts, and, on clear days, glimpses of the plain towards Jaipur. Walking the ramparts adds about 30 to 45 minutes to a fort visit, with time to stop at bastions and the Diya Burj watchtower. The paving is uneven and the walls are open to the drop on one side, so care is needed, particularly with children. Morning is the best time, when the air is cooler and the light falls on Amber Fort below, and October to March gives the clearest views. Crowds gather around late morning, when tour groups arrive, while the far stretches of wall are often almost empty. In summer the stone becomes very hot by midday, so hats and water matter. Photographers favour the western wall for the view of Amber with the lake, and the cannon platforms for framing the hills. The ramparts are inside Jaigarh Fort, so the fort ticket covers them; camera fees apply on top of the entry price.