Amer Fort or Amber is an iconic tourist attraction in Jaipur. It is reminiscent of the grandeur of a bygone era. Its presence is hard to ignore as the architecture of Amer Fort is captivating. What makes Amer Fort so popular among tourists and travelers? This Jaipur travel blog takes a closer look.

The charm of the Amer fort starts to build up once you drive past the Jal Mahal or Water Palace. The road winds through the beautiful valley of the  Kanak Ghati leading to the Ghati gate. (Ghati in Hindi means Valley)

Once you cross the Ghati gate you enter the narrow  Amer valley with hills on either side.

The road meanders through with the gentle turns until you reach the Maota lake. It is here that you get an expansive view of the Amer valley with the majestic Amer Fort and the towering Jaigarh Fort just above.

 

Do read detailed Amer Travel Guide

In my opinion, here are 5 reasons why I love Amber Fort, the most popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.

• Amer Fort Elephant Ride

Elephant ride at the Amber Fort is one of the most sought after experience. It’s not uncommon to find long queues of tourists during the peak tourist season waiting for their turn for the elephant ride. There are very few places in India where one can undertake an elephant ride; the one at the Amer Fort is  easily one of the most convenient & easy of all. There are many tourists who prefer not to undertake an elephant ride at Amber Fort because they are against the animal cruelty. Some organizations have demanded halting elephant rides at the Amber fort citing the same reasons. The decision is yet to be arrived at.

• Ochre color of Amer Fort
  

The pastel Ochre color  looks stunning when the soft sunlight strikes the walls of the Amer Fort. It looks fabulous & Magical. Ochre color is quite unique and there aren’t many heritage palaces, forts & buildings which sport this mystic shade in India. Even though Jaipur is famous as the Pink City, the buildings and Havelis in the by-lanes of the old city of Jaipur  were painted in Ochre color.   Have a look at these pictures of the Amer Fort.

• Amer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site

Amer Fort is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, which speaks  a lot about this place. Very few forts in India have made it to this list. Amer Fort is classified under “Hill forts of Rajasthan” along with the forts at Ranthambore, Kumbhalgarh, Jaiselmer, Chittorgarh and Gagaron.

• Sheesh Mahal

  

Sheesh Mahal is synonymous with the Amer Palace. Sheesh Mahal refers to a section inside the Amer fort where walls and ceilings are embellished with  the concave shaped mirror in the form of inlay work. It requires a great skill and workmanship to create such a stunning piece of art.

• A unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles

Amer fort architecture features a unique combination of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Its a fine specimen of two different architectural styles. Mughal architecture needs no introduction; world-famous Taj Mahal is one its finest examples.

• Beautiful Views of Amer
  

The entire setting of the Amer Fort with its surroundings is beautiful.  Where else can you witness the grandeur of Maharajas?   For many people, the first look of Amer Fort is nothing less than a fairyland with elephants moving in a line, ferrying tourists through the ramp that leads to the palace.

In short, Amber Fort has a mysterious charm which attracts many  tourists visiting Jaipur. Amber Fort was abandoned at the start of the 18th century. Some years ago, the fort was renovated beautifully, giving it a new life.

It is still visited by the locals, not as a tourist, though. Devotees throng the ever popular Shila Mata temple inside the Amer Fort. During Navaratras, thousands of devotees visit this temple for Darshan due to which Elephant ride at Amer remains suspended.

The beauty of Amer Fort can neither  be described in words nor by pictures. You’ve got to experience it in person. Have you been “Amber’ed”?

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Read the related post :  Pigeons, Amer and Jaigarh Fort

 

Travel Tips for Amer Fort.

Amer Fort Timing

Amer Fort is open from 8 AM- 5 PM and is part of night tourism programme. Amer Fort can be visited between 7 PM to 10 PM.

Amer Fort Entry Fee

Amer Fort Entry ticket is priced at Rs 100 for Indian visitor, Rs 500 for a foreign visitor, Rs 100 for foreign students, and Rs 10 for Indian students ( student/ school identity card is mandatory for availing subsidized price).