About Amer Fort

The Kachchawahas ruled from Amer, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries with Jaipur history, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological history. Amer fort is a splendid fort constructed in a scenic locale and aprt of heritage forts of Jaipur history. Being a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, Jaipur attracts travellers from around the globe. While many of the early structures have either disappeared or ruined, those dating from the16th century on are in a remarkable state of preservation. Built by Raja Man Singh. Amer as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh, and Jai Singh I and II.  the fort stands as a proud reminder of the exotic building skills of the artisans of the yesteryears.

This amber fort from yore days unfurls the legacies of the time when the august rulers imagined the unmatched craftmanship. The amber fort jaipur approached from a steep ramp, visitors ride up on elephant back, entering from the heritage places or the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they disembark from the pachyderm. they are faced wit two flights of steps, one leading to the Jaipur history as Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the other to the main palace complex or the heritage forts.

Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval flavor, though it has few buildings of majestic proportion that are still extant. However, a walk through the rambling lanes will reap rich rewards for the curious besides a large number of temples there are also step-wells, memorials.

The sprawling Amer 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 and top of rajasthan forts. 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 Amer fort and in turn makes your travel to Amer fort a fascinating experience. This some thing which you cannot afford to miss in any Rajasthan itinerary and any other rajasthan forts and palaces.

Fort Attractions
Old Amer Palace : The Old Palace lies at the base of the Jaigarh Fort. This area was the original Amer 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 Fort Amer-palace, yet you could do with a visit. This Old Palace can be reached from the Amer 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 Amer 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 of Amber Fort which you would come across on your travel to Amer 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). the Diwan-i-Am or hall of the public audience with its spectacular display of pillars.

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 Amer Fort and is an imposing gateway which lies south of Diwan-i-am. The gateway has been painted beautifully  and endorse typical Rajasthani motifs. Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god. Ganesh, takes pride of the place. 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.

Around The Palace
Jagatsiromani Temple : All around the place here are scattered bits and pieces of Amer'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 Jain Temple 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 Amer. and according to some, Amer 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.