Amber Fort

Amber Fort (also known as Amer Fort) is located 11 km from Jaipur. Set on the banks of Maota Lake, this grand fort was built by Raja Man Singh with later additions by Raja Jai Sigh I and Raja Jai Singh II. Raja Man Singh, who was an important military leader in the army of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, began this fort in 1592. Amber Fort was later used by the Kachwaha rulers as their capital. Tourists can enter Amber Fort by riding on elephant back up to the impressive Singh Pol gateway. After entering the gateway, visitors can dismount from elephant back in the courtyard or Jaleb Chowk. The Amber Fort is an impressive structure, which showcases the best of the Rajput architectural heritage. The grand battlements, towers and defensive structures of the fort are worth exploring to get a sense of what life must have been like for the defenders of the fort. The Ganesh Pol, a grand gateway decorated with paintings of Ganesha, the elephant headed God, is an impressive sight. Further within the fort are many-pillared Diwan-i-am or hall of public audience and the Diwan-i-Khas or hall of private audience. There are formal gardens such as the Charbagh Garden and palaces where the royal family stayed within the fort. The Sukh Nivas and Jag Mandir Apartments within Amer Fort are examples of the fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. This grand fort near Jaipur is a monument where history comes alive in resplendent colors.