Amber Fort Jaipur
The sprawling Amber Fort is a typical
example of what the lives of our gallant Rajputs were like
militant, adventurous, temperamental and also self-indulgent. It is
among the best hilltop forts in India. Within the stern exteriors that
seem to grow out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge
ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens and even a ramp to take you
to the hilltop palace! and guess who climbs the ramp? Elephants. Yes,
beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and down carrying visitors to
and fro. These well cladded elephants make a joyride to Amber fort and
in turn makes your travel to Amber fort a fascinating experience. This
some thing which you cannot afford to miss in any Rajasthan itinerary.
Just 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber fort is a splendid fort constructed in
a scenic locale. Being a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim
architecture, Jaipur attracts travellers from around the globe. Built
in 16 the century by Raja Man Singh, the fort stands as a proud
reminder of the exotic building skills of the artisans of the
yesteryears. This fort from yore days unfurls the legacies of the time
when the august rulers imagined the unmatched craftmanship.
¤ Fort Attractions
Old Amber Palace : The Old
Palace lies at the base of the Jaigarh Fort. This area was the
original Amber before Man Singh I came along and went on a building
spree. The early 13th century palace here is not very interesting as
compared to the grand Amber Fort-palace, yet you could do with a
visit. This Old Palace can be reached from the Amber Palace too
there's a stone path leading from the Chand Pol to these ruins at the
base of the hill. The road is currently being restored. Here lie the
remains of ancient Amber which include temples and crumbling palaces
and patches of walls. The cobbled streets and broken down havelis
(mansions) give it the aura of a medieval town. But these mute
remnants of a bygone golden era seem to speak volumes.

Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience :This is a delicate
palace which you would come across on your travel to Amber fort. This
forty pillared pavillion is perfect example of intricate craftmanship
and was constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The pavilion worked as a
place where Maharajahs used to recieve its general public and used to
hear their pertaining problems. The southern area of this palace was
kept clear so that the royal ladies could watch the proceedings of
Diwan-I-Am from the Zenana house ( Women's quarters).
Shila Mata Temple : Entry into Shila Mata Temple is through
Singh Pol. The temple is devoted to Shila Mata ( Goddess Kali), the
goddess of victory and houses a black marble idol of the goddess which
was brought here from Jessore by Raja Man Sigh in 1604. You would find
nine images of Goddess Durga (strength) and ten forms of Goddess
Saraswati ( knowledge) which are carved on the silver gates of the
temple. The mandap of this temple is made up of white marble
contrasting the colours of the idols.
Ganesh Pol & Suhaag Mandir : Ganesh Pol forms another
attractions in Amber fort and is an imposing gateway which lies south
of Diwan-i-am. The gateway has been painted beautifully and endorse
typical Rajasthani motifs. From Ganesh Pol, you can move to beautiful
garden or Charbagh, which is based on the Mughal patten of gardens.
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir &
Jas Mandir : Diwan-i-Khas show cases a rich amalgam of Rajput and
Mughal architecture. The architecture is showcased in the fascinating
Diwan-i-khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir. Decorated with
beautiful mirror work, Diwan -I - Khas has wonderful carvings on the
walls and the ceilings. The major attractions of these halls are
miniature murals made of coloured glasses which depicts Radha and
Krishna.
Quick bytes
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Location : |
On Delhi-Jaipur highway, 11 kilometers away
from Jaipur
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Time to Visit :
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Open on all days, except Holi |
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Preferred Timings : |
9.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. |
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Admission : |
Citizen INR 10/ Foreigner: INR 50 |
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Photography charges : |
Citizen/foreigner: Rs 40/25 |
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Video charges : |
Citizen/foreigner: Rs 100/150 but it includes
all the three charges (entrance, still camera and video camera).
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How to Reach : |
Tourists can either take local buses from
various points within the city to reach the central museum or they
can hire rickshaws, tempos and taxis |
¤ Around The Palace
Jagatsiromani Temple : All
around the place here are scattered bits and pieces of Amber's rich
past. The old chhatris (cenotaphs), looking like domed pavilions, show
some remains of paintings. Among the many temples near the Old Palace
is the beautiful Jagatsiromani Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This
shikhara (spired) temple was built by Man Singh in memory of his son
Jagat Singh. It has some fine carvings and paintings and the black
stone Krishna is said to have been worshipped by the saint-poetess
Meera Bai of Chittor. It is also famous for its intricately carved
marble gateway guarded by stone elephants.
Temple of Sanwalji : Across the road is the JainTemple of
Sanwalji. Nearby are the old Temple of Narsinghji with its marble
jhoola (swing), the Temple of Ambikeshwara and the Lakshmi Narayanji
Temple. The latter has a Shiva lingam installed by Raja Kakil, the
first Kachhawaha to rule from Amber. and according to some, Amber even
gets its name from this temple. An ancient Sun Temple lies as an
outcrop.
Panna Mian ki Baoli- Stepwell : One marvel of designing is
the 17th century ornate step-well Panna Mian ki Baoli. Stepwells were
like community centres in the past, and constructing them was
considered an act of great generosity and benevolence. Panna Mian is
one such water tank surrounded on three sides by criss-crossed steps.
It also has octagonal corner kiosks and a double-storey verandah. The
only mosque in the area is the old but picturesque Jami Masjid (1569),
built by Bihar Mal in the honour of Akbar. After all the Mughal king
would need some place to say his prayers if he went visiting his
Rajput friends.
Major Tour Packages To Amber Fort
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