Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort. All the means of survival & luxuries for the royal families and the people who were concerned with the functioning of this small kingdom of the Kachhawas were well provided.

The Rajputs who had apparently won a small structure passed on by Meena tribes, later on renovated it into the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history so old as 7 centuries, this place vibrates with its legendry past, in the archaeological history. Although many of the early structures have been literally ruined but at the same time, those dating from the 16th century on are remarkably preserved by sincere efforts. The fort has 4 sections; each with the premises and one has to climb up through the imposing stairway or else the broad aisle, where one can ride on the elephant back for royal feel. The main gate Surajpol that leads to the Jaleb chowk, which is the main courtyard from where one can walk up the stairway, that leads to the palace. Jaleb Chowk was also the area where returning armies were welcome and they would display their war earnings to the population at large.

» Other Attractions in Jaipur

Shila Devi Temple : IJust before the entrance to the fort, on the right side, is a staircase leading up to the Shila Devi Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is very famous for its huge silver loins and silver doors. On the doorway of the temple, is an image of Lord Ganesha, carved from a single piece of coral.

Diwan-e-aam : In the second courtyard of the fort, is situated the Diwan-e-aam, hall of public audience. In this hall, the king received his subjects and listened to their problems. The hall has a lattice gallery and pavilion having elephant shaped columns.

Jai Mandir : Behind the exquisite Ganesh Pol, a gate, are the residential apartments of the Maharaja. Amongst them, is the Jai Mandir, the hall of victory. It is known for its inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceiling.

» Places to Stay in Jaipur

There are several budget hotels and paying guest accommodations available in Jaipur.

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» How to Get there

Air : The nearest airport to Jaipur is the Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, 10 km from the city. Domestic flights connect Jaipur with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Rail : Jaipur is well connected by trains to all the major cities of Rajasthan and India such as Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Udaipur, Bikaner and Ahmedabad.

Road : A well-developed network of road connects Jaipur to important tourist towns of Rajasthan and north India. There are private as well as government buses that connect Jaipur to all the nearby major cities such as Delhi and Agra.

» Climate of Jaipur

Jaipur weather is quite moderate. The summer season in Jaipur extends from April to July and is pretty hot and humid. The average temperature in summers falls in the range of 45° C (max) to 25.8° C (min). The climate of Jaipur in winters is pretty cold. Lasting from October to March, the winter season experiences average temperature in the range of 22° C (max) to 8.3° C (min). The climatic conditions of Jaipur, Rajasthan during this period lead to sunny day and chilly nights. Monsoons start around the latter half of July. However, the city of Jaipur does not receive much rainfall. Best time to visit Jaipur is during the winters.