AMBER FORT
INTRODUCTION
One of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur, Amber Fort
is a magnificent structure situated 11 kilometers from the
state capital. Built in red sandstone and white marble,
the fort looks spectacular with the scenic Maota Lake in
the foreground. The Amber Fort is a popular tourist spot
of Rajasthan. 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.
HISTORY OF AMBER FORT
Built by Maharaja Man Singh in the 16th century, Amber Fort
represents a blend between Hindu and Muslim architectures.
The construction of the fort began in 1592 by Man Singh
I but was completed by his successor Jai Singh I. It was
originally the old fort of the Kachhwala clan of Amber.
DESCRIPTION OF AMBER FORT
 Located
up on the hills that surround Jaipur, the fort, sprawled along
the Maotha Lake, boasts of a massive complex gateways, courts,
stairways and pillared pavilions, and palaces that recall
the glory and wealth, of Amber's association with the Mughals.
This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh
and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries.
The front courtyard of the complex, is adorned with the magnificent,
pillared hall of the Diwan - i - Am, and the two - tiered
painted gateway Ganesh Pol. The palace of mirrors, Sheesh
Mahal, is of special interest. It has walls inlaid with exquisite
mirrors. The Jas Mandir, perched on the upper floor, is a
superb amalgam of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture,
as is evident from the exquisitely carved Jali screens, and
fine mirror and stucco work.
The fort is entered through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid
out in the traditional Mughal style. An imposing flight
of stairs leads to the 'Diwan-E-Am' (hall of public audience)
which has latticed galleries and double row of columns each
having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To
the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple.
Maharaja Man Singh was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and
prayed to the goddess for victory during battles. The temple
has huge doors made of silver. The larger white marble Shila
Mata temple has the image of Goddess Kali, brought by Raja
Man Singh from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
HOW TO REACH AMBER FORT
Air- The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport,
Sanganer which is at a distance of 11 km from where regular
flights connect Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major
destinations of India.
Rail- Trains are available from all the
major parts of India. The luxury train the "Palace
on Wheel" also covers the city.
Road- Jaipur can be accessed from all
the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai
by bus.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to February
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