Amber

Situated 11 km from Jaipur, Amber is the place that will actually commence or complete your trip to Jaipur. Though Rajasthan has many magnificent palaces and forts that ornament its rugged terrains like a bride and sing the glory of the chivalrous Rajputs, but an unceasing charm can be witnessed when one scales the heights of the Amber Fort.

The citadel of Amber is a stunning creation of the Kachhwaha Rajputs, who had their administrative capital here before shifting their base to the plains of Jaipur. The fort's location is quite appealing as it lies on a rugged hilltop, with its rustic countenance mirrored in the picturesque Maotha Lake. Its red sandstone exteriors define the valor of the Rajput kings while its soft white marble interiors pronounce the beauty and romance of that era.

The history of Amber has strong links with the Kachhwaha rulers, who belonged to Gwalior province. They were known for using their strategic alliances and marriages to get military and political advantage. With Mughal too, they always did maintain cordial relations, as they knew it would being them riches and military support.

The marriage of Kachhwaha prince Taj Karan with a Rajput princess, brought them Dausa. Later, the descendants of prince Taj noticed the advantageous location of Amber for a fortified military structure. After acquiring the territory from the Meenas, who founded Amber in the 10th century, the construction of a massive citadel was initiated here by Maharaja Man Singh in 1592. Later, it was modified by several rulers, with major contribution coming during the reigns of Maharaja Jai Singh.

Sights
Amber Fort
An architectural extravaganza, Amber Fort has its bastions built in pure Rajputana style while its delicate palaces and gardens have a blend of both Mughal as well as Rajput architectural styles. After a stretch of escalating road to the hilltop, which can be traversed by jeeps, camels or by foot, one will reach the main entrance gateway, named Suraj Pol. Throughout the pathway you will find lines of uninterested camels and petty shops selling souvenirs.

The imposing fort's interiors are segregated mainly into four sections, each one proceeded by a fleet of stairs. The first section is the main palace and to its right is a temple of Goddess Kali. This royal place of worship has been beautifies with silver doors, statues and repousse work. The place has seen many goat sacrifices between the 16th and the early 20th century.

The second courtyard is the lavish Diwan-i-Am or the 'Hall of Public Audiences' which showcases the Mughal architectural trend and finesse. It is adorned with latticed galleries and double row columns surmounted by elephant structures. The third courtyard possesses the royal chambers of the Maharaja, which were entered by a more intricately worked up Ganesh Pol.

Jai Mandir is also placed near the Diwan-i-Am, which will attract your attention with its ornate ceilings and marble panels. From here you will be lured by picturesque view of the lake. Sukh Niwas or the 'Pleasure Hall' lies facing the Jai Mandir. It can be observed from the hall's elaborate planning that royals really enjoyed some pleasure moments here, The scientifically prepared water cooling system and the ivory inlaid sandal wood doors are the prime attractions of this room.

The fourth courtyard has the chamber for the royal womenfolk that was called 'Zenana'. One can see confusing channels of pathways leading to several regal rooms meant for the queens. These were structured specially in such a way that the King could easily slip into any of his queen's rooms, without the others having a slightest hint of the same.

Getting There & Away
Regular buses are available from Hawa Mahal in Jaipur for Amber Fort. Taxis are also available from the Jaipur Railway Station. An autorickshaw from Hawa Mahal will cost you Rs 100 for a return trip. RTDC tours and other packaged tours of Jaipur also include a visit to Amber. The fort is a 10 minutes climb from the plain road. Here you can enjoy camel, elephant and jeep rides.