Amber Fort Palace

Amber Fort Tour (Rajasthan)

The Amber Fort is a stunner standing in sheer brilliance all-built in white marble and red sandstone. The sprawling complex comprises huge gates, grand temples, ornate halls, gardens and a ramp that leads to the hilltop fort. Maotha Lake spreads out in the foreground reflecting the image of the fort in its still waters.

Amber Fort Palace looks rugged on the outside but once inside visitors are mesmerised by the meticulous intricate works of murals and frescoes, paintings from scenes of everyday life, carvings, mosaic and detailed minute mirror work splattered all over the walls. The architectural wealth of the fort is no surprise considering the fact that it was designed based on both Hindu and Mughal elements. Amber Fort figures among the best hilltop forts in India.

Initially, the Amber Fort was a palace complex within the original fort of Amber known as Jaigarh Fort overlooking from the hill above. The two structures are connected with an intricate network pf passages. The Fort is roughly divided into four sections all interconnected by large staircases from a central location. The main entrance Surajpol leads to the main courtyard Jaleb Chowk where the staircase connecting the palace is located.

Another huge attraction is the Kali Temple. The temple is steeped in history believed to have been constructed by the Maharaja who was promised by the goddess Kali victory against the Bengal rulers if he recovered her statue from a seabed and put it in a temple.

There is also an image of Ganesha at the entrance carved from a piece of coral.

The hall of public audience or Diwan-i-Am is magnificent with its intricate works seen all over the forty pillared pavilion where the Maharajas used to address the public. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) is splattered with mirror works and carvings all over the walls and ceilings. The Ganesh Pol (gateway) is a grand work of art with paintings of Rajasthani motif. But topping all these are the hugely adorned elephant rides that takes visitors up the fort.