Amber Fort

Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is a fortified palace complex in Amer, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, built largely of red sandstone and marble. The site is a significant example of Rajput military architecture combined with ornate palace decoration.

The fort complex contains courtyards, halls, private chambers and decorative palaces including the Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas. Visitors follow a sequence of gateways and terraces that rise from the base of the hill to the main palace precincts; the exterior fortifications and ramparts are prominent features. The fort is a major tourist destination in the Jaipur area.

Construction work on Amber began in the late 16th century under Raja Man Singh I and continued under subsequent Kachwaha rulers through the 17th century. The site served as the residence of the Rajput rulers before the capital moved to Jaipur and has been altered and restored in later periods to preserve its structures.

Amber Fort sits on a ridge above Maota Lake just outside the town of Amer, around 11 kilometres from central Jaipur in northeast Rajasthan. The fort overlooks a semi-arid plain and is approached by a series of winding roads and ramparts.

• Best viewpoints: Approach views from the road and from Maota Lake provide the classic vistas; early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography of the fort's sandstone facades.

What to See #

• Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors): A large mirrored private chamber famous for its glass and mirror inlay, decorated in the late 16th and early 17th centuries as part of the palace complex.
• Diwan-e-Aam: An open audience hall used for public functions and ceremonies, located near the main gateway of the fort.
• Diwan-e-Khas: A more ornate private audience hall with decorative carving and inlay used by the ruling family for private audiences.