Just outside the busy city of Jaipur, sitting high on a hill, is one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful treasures—Amber Fort. Also called Amer Fort, this stunning palace looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. With its large gates, decorated walls, shining mirrors, and peaceful lake below, Amber Fort takes you back in time to when kings and queens lived here in royal style.
Amber Fort was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, a brave Rajput general who worked closely with Emperor Akbar. Later, his descendants added more to the fort, making it even more grand and artistic. The fort is made of red sandstone and white marble and combines both Rajput strength and Mughal beauty. From the outside, it looks strong and mighty—but inside, it feels calm, royal, and full of charm.
As soon as you enter through the Sun Gate (Suraj Pol), you see the beautiful Maota Lake below the hill, reflecting the fort’s walls. Inside, the fort is divided into sections with courtyards, temples, halls, and private rooms. One of the most magical places is the Sheesh Mahal, or Mirror Palace—a room covered in tiny glass pieces that sparkle with just a little light. It’s said that queens used to sit here and enjoy the view of moonlight dancing on the walls.
Another special place is the Sukh Niwas, where the kings stayed cool even in the hot summer, thanks to water flowing through marble channels that created cool air. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) were used for meeting people and important guests. Every part of the fort shows the smart and artistic thinking of the Rajput kings.
🏰 A Story from the Fort’s Past
One of the most famous legends of Amber Fort is the story of Rani Shila Devi, the goddess idol brought to the fort by Raja Man Singh after winning a battle in Bengal. He believed the goddess gave him strength in war, so he built a temple for her right inside the fort, where it still stands today. Every morning, the gates of the Shila Devi Temple open for visitors and prayers—people still come here with great faith.
Another well-known tale is of the secret tunnel that connects Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort, which was used by the royal family during attacks. The tunnel is hidden and runs through the hills—it’s said that it saved many lives during enemy invasions. This underground path made sure the queens and children could escape safely without being seen.
There’s also a story about the Mirror Palace, where it’s believed that the queen, who wasn’t allowed to sleep in open courtyards, asked for a way to enjoy the night sky. So, the walls were decorated with tiny mirrors that reflected the glow of just one candle or the moonlight, making the entire room look like a sky full of stars. Isn’t that beautiful?
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to visit Amber Fort is between October and March. During these months, the weather is cool and comfortable, making it easier to explore the fort’s large areas without feeling tired or hot. The skies are usually clear, the lake looks lovely, and the sunsets are magical from the top of the fort. Avoid visiting in summer, as it can get very hot.
🎭 Don’t Miss
Before you leave, stay for the Sound & Light Show in the evening. It plays in both Hindi and English and tells the stories of Amber Fort with lights, music, and drama. As the sun sets and the fort lights up, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Amber Fort is more than just stone and walls—it’s a living story of bravery, love, art, and royal pride. Whether you’re a history lover, a traveler, or someone who enjoys beauty and peace, this fort will stay in your heart forever. It’s truly one of the best places to experience the magic of Rajasthan.