Amer Fort: History, Timings, Entry Fee, Light and Sound Show!

Visit to the Pink City is not complete unless one explores the marvel that is Amer Fort. Listed as one of the top things to do in Jaipur, the fort is only 11 km from the city centre.

Spread across 4 square km, this fort-cum-palace is a spellbinding reminder of the royal era and its grandeur. What makes the Amer Fort even more splendid is its hilltop location, making it an all-time favourite tourist spot. The fort is known by many names, including Amer ka Kila, Amer Palace, Amer Fort and Amer Palace. Despite its name, the Amer Palace was a residential abode for the royal family of Rajasthan. Amer Fort is one of the famous places to visit in Jaipur.

About Amer Fort

Amber Palace aka Amber Fort was constructed in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. Later it was expanded and renovated by Raja Jai Sigh I. Situated at a distance of 11 km from the city, it carries the pride of Jaipur.

Set amidst the hills and overlooking the Maota Lake, Amer Palace is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Within the vicinity of the Amber fort there are 4 courtyards. There are various other buildings within these courtyards i.e., Palace of Man Singh I, Garden, Tripolia gate, Lion gate, Diwan-I-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mahal, etc. Jaipur trip is incomplete without visiting the light show at this grand fort.

Amer Fort Photos

Amer Fort, Rajasthan Information

Location	Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur
Timings	8 AM to 7 PM
Entry Point	Sun Gate, Suraj Pol
Entry Fee	Foreigners – INR 550 per personForeign Students – INR 100 per personIndians – INR 50 per personIndian Students – INR 10 per person
Still and Video Cameras	Allowed
Commissioned by	Raja (King) Man Singh
Architectural Style	Blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture
Status	UNESCO World Heritage Site
Area	988.422 acres
Year of Establishment	1592
Material Used	Red sandstone and marble
Best Time to Visit	Winters – (October to February)
Places to Stay	Hotels in Jaipur, Budget Hotels in Jaipur, Couple Friendly Hotels in Jaipur

Amber Fort Location

Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Amer Fort History

Amer Fort’s history is quite fascinating and it can be traced back to 967 CE. Alan Sign, the ruler of the Chanda clan of Meenas, was the first to build the fort, and they were also responsible for the settlement of Amer.

Fast forward to 1592, when Raja Man Singh of the Kachwaha clan, one of Emperor Akbar’s nine jewels (Navratna), built Amer ka Kila on the remnants of the old structure.

During the Rajput rulers’ reign, the fort was constantly renovated. Sawai Jai Singh, Raja Man Singh’s descendant, completed the last additions to the Amber Fort and built the Amer Palace as we know it today.

Because the kingdom’s capital was later relocated to Jaipur, no further renovations to the fort were carried out.

Are you curious as to why Amer Fort is also referred to Amer Fort or Amber Palace? Well, the story behind the name is quite interesting. The kingdom was previously known as Dhundhar, and the capital was named Ambikeshwar – after the Amba Mata Temple, which was built on a hilltop. Later, the capital’s name was shortened to Amber, and then to Amer, as it is known today.

Amer Fort Architecture

Built with red and white sandstone and marble, Amer Fort architecture is a perfect blend of Hindu (Rajputana) and Mughal styles. From the hilltop, the fort flaunts its colourful and vibrant designs.

One of the palace’s key attractions is the carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls and ceilings.

The Amber Palace is divided into four sections, each of which is known as a courtyard. The entry gates of the palace’s courtyards are designed with beautiful Rajput structures that add character to each gate.

The palace features mesmerising structures like Sukh Mandir, the famous Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, and many more that we will cover later. A step inside the palace transports you to the glorious era of Rajput kings, where you can see the luxury they lived in.

The paintings of the famous Rajput rulers and ancient hunting styles adorn the palace’s walls, giving it a vibrant look, but a deeper look reveals the Rajput culture of the ancient times.

The Amber Palace overlooks Maota Lake, which was once the Amber Palace’s major source of water supply. The lake view and lush green garden add a soothing charm to the place.

Amer Fort has four courtyards, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. First Courtyard:
   • Suraj Pol (Sun Gate): Faces east, welcoming sunrise.
   • Jaleb Chowk: Soldiers celebrated victories; royal women watched from jharokhas.
   • Sila Devi Temple: Marble carvings with silver doors; animal sacrifices during Navratri (now banned).
   • Suhag Mandir: Reserved for royal women’s prayers.
     
2. Second Courtyard:
   • Diwan-e-Am: Rulers addressed public issues.
   • Diwan-e-Khas: Discussed state policies with officials.
   • Jai Mandir: Decorated with floral glass tiles, reflecting Mughal influence.
     
3. Third Courtyard:
   • Ganesh Pol Entrance: Leads to royal residences.
   • Sheesh Mahal: Mirror-covered walls illuminated by candles.
   • Sukh Mahal: Natural air-conditioning with water channels from Maotha Lake.
   • Raja Man Singh I Palace: Completed in 1599, the fort’s oldest structure.
     
4. Fourth Courtyard:
   • Zanana Dyodhi: Secluded area for queens with secret passages ensuring privacy.

Amer Fort Today

Today, Amer Fort is among the top tourist attractions in Jaipur. The palace’s rich history, combined with the scenic beauty of its location, attracts visitors from all over the world. It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is also a favourite destination for Bollywood’s filmmakers to shoot period movies, with appearances in films like Jodha Akbar, Baji Rao Mastani, Bhool Bhulaiya, and many more. You can visit the palace by paying the Amer Forts’ ticket price. Many shops around the fort sell beautiful Rajasthani handicrafts and home decor.

How to Reach Amer Fort?

Amer Fort is situated 11 km away from the Pink City. To get to Amer, you can take a private vehicle or the city bus, which runs every day.

The fort is situated on the hilltop, and there are three ways to reach the top-

• Amer Fort elephant ride to experience the royal way of entering the palace.
• Ride a jeep vehicle available, which will take you up the Amer Fort.
• To climb the fort via a smaller route that ascends the old steps.

Amer Fort Light and Sound Show

The play of laser lights on the fort’s walls accompanied by stories from Rajputana times is a must-watch in the Amer Fort. This show highlights local legends, folklore, and celebrates the maestros of folk music, giving us a taste of Rajputana glory. The light and sound show in an otherwise pitch-black atmosphere creates a surreal experience.

The performance takes place at Kesar Kyari, on Maota Lake, at the foot of Amer Fort. It is recommended that you arrive at least 25 minutes in advance. The seating is outdoors, with water on three sides of you.

• Timings: 50 minutes; twice a day
• Shows: English (7:30 PM) and Hindi (8:30 PM)
• Tickets: ₹295

Amer Fort Best Time to Visit and Time Required

If you truly want to enjoy the awe-inspiring Amer Fort, make sure to have at least 3 hours’ time in hand.

Fort is best visited around 4 PM, when the sun is not directly overhead but there is still enough light to explore.

After you have explored the fort, climb to the top for a breath-taking view of the beautiful sunset. You can then grab a bite to eat while you wait for the light and sound show to begin.

Things to See at Amer Fort

It will take you more than 3 hours to explore this magnificent fort. Here are a few must-see attractions at Amer Fort.

• Suraj Pol – The entry gate of the fort. This zig-zag path is frequently used for the historical setting of many Bollywood movies. You can take an elephant ride to reach here.
• Jaleb Chowk – The fort’s first major courtyard. It was earlier used as a gathering place for soldiers. The Jaleb Chowk is home to the famous Shila Devi Temple, which is famous for its animal sacrifice ritual – a short flight of steps will take you to the fort’s second courtyard. 
• Ganesh Pol – Because of its artistic excellence, it is the most Instagram-famous gate of Amer Fort, Jaipur. It is also the main gate of the palace and has small windows that were built for the royal women to see around.
• Deewane-E-Aam – The hall of common audience. This is situated right opposite the Ganesh Pol. This is the palace where the king would address the common public and hear their grievances.
• Jai Mahal (Deewane- E- Khas and Jai Mandir) – The beautiful Deewane-A-Khas, the hall of private audience, was lavishly decorated – this is where exclusive and private meetings with the king were held. The famous Mahal’s magic flower can be found on the pillars of Deewane- E- Khas. Jai Mandir is another part of Jai Mahal that was used for relaxation. It also had bathing chambers with khus curtains.
• Sheesh Mahal – The Sheesh Mahal is the most talked about and visited section of the palace. One candle lights up the entire palace, and the ceiling resembles a night sky full of twinkling stars.
• Sukh Niwas – It is the king’s resting quarters, located directly across the working chamber. Along the Sukh Niwas were the rooms of the king’s various queens.
• Zeena Mahal – This is where the queens and women of the royal family resided. The outer courtyard was where the queens and kings would relax. Each Zeena Mahal room had its own kitchen and sitting area. You can think of it as royal row houses.

Facts about Amer Fort

• Secret tunnel connects the Amer Fort to Jaigarh Fort.
• Fort is said to have a stone (Lingam) that will mark the end of the Amer.
• Sheesh Mahal, which can be illuminated with a single candle, is used in many Bollywood movies.
• Carved magic flower at the base is known for showing seven pictures in one. You can see seven different images at different angles.

Attractions near Amer Fort

• Jaighar Fort (6.9 km)
• Nahargarh Fort (10.6 km)
• Panna Meena ka Kund ( 1.3 km)
• Jagat Shiromani Temple (1.7 km)
• Jal Mahal (3.8 km)

FAQs

What is Amer Fort famous for?

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, is famous for its stunning blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, intricate carvings, mirror work, and scenic location overlooking Maota Lake. It is renowned for attractions like Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Diwan-e-Aam, and its elephant rides to the entrance.

What are the Amer Fort visiting hours?

Amer Fort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM for sightseeing. The light and sound show takes place in the evening, with the Hindi show starting at 7:30 PM and the English show at 8:00 PM.

What is the entry fee for Amer Fort?

• Indian tourists: ₹100 per person
• Foreign tourists: ₹550 per person
• Students (with valid ID): ₹10 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)

How to reach Amer Fort from Jaipur city?

Amer Fort is approximately 11 km from Jaipur city center. Visitors can reach by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses. Many tourists opt for cab services for convenience.

Is elephant ride available at Amer Fort?

Yes, elephant rides to the fort entrance are available from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. It’s recommended to arrive early as rides are limited and subject to ethical considerations and weather conditions.

What is the best time to visit Amer Fort?

Best time to visit Amer Fort is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant. Morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and heat.

How long does it take to explore Amer Fort?

Thorough visit to Amer Fort typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the level of exploration and photography stops.

Are there guides available at Amer Fort?

Yes, official guides are available at the entrance. Audio guides are also offered for self-paced tours. Hiring a guide is recommended to understand the fort’s rich history and architecture.

Is photography allowed inside Amer Fort?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas of Amer Fort. However, photography may be restricted in certain parts, so watch for signage.

Is there any light and sound show at Amer Fort?

Yes, the light and sound show narrates the fort’s history in both Hindi and English. It provides an enchanting experience under the night sky, with the fort beautifully illuminated.

Is parking available near Amer Fort?

Yes, a paid parking area is available near the fort entrance for cars and two-wheelers. It’s advisable to park early during peak tourist seasons.

Are food and refreshments available near Amer Fort?

Yes, several cafés and restaurants are located near the fort entrance and parking area. The renowned 1135 AD restaurant inside the fort offers royal dining experiences.

Is Amer Fort wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is limited due to the fort’s steep climbs and uneven paths. However, efforts are being made to improve facilities. Visitors with mobility concerns may find it challenging to explore all areas.

Can I buy tickets for Amer Fort online?

Yes, online ticket booking is available through official Rajasthan tourism websites and popular travel platforms. Pre-booking can save time, especially during peak tourist seasons.