High on a hilltop, towering majestically over the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, this 16th-century fort palace is worth visiting for its grand architecture that blends Muslim Mughal and Indian Hindu (Rajput) elements. Here, you’ll find labyrinthine passageways, elegant royal halls, and fabulous views of desert landscape.
The Basics
Dating from around 1592, Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's top tourist attractions and a standard stop on most North India itineraries. This enormous complex built under Raja Man Singh I blends red sandstone and white marble in four stories of magnificent architecture.
Highlights in the main palace include the Sheesh Mahal (or mirror palace), a small room covered with mirrored mosaics, and the Zenana, a maze of fresco-covered rooms that once served as a residence for royal concubines.
Visit as part of a full-day or multi-day tour, or book a package for Amber Fort’s light and sound show that includes dinner and private transportation. An excursion to the fort can also be paired with lunch and a camel ride.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Carry a hat or parasol and wear sunscreen. The sun here is powerful, and there’s not much shade.
- Bring water, as it’s not available for sale inside the fort gates.
- Comfortable shoes are a must, as getting up to the fort and around the grounds requires a lot of walking.
- Travelers with mobility concerns can take a jeep up to the top of the palace for an extra fee.
- Amber is pronounced “ah-meer.”
How to Get There
Amber Fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Pink City, just past Maota Lake, near Jaigarh Fort, on the road that leads out of town toward Delhi and Agra. Most visitors come here as part of a larger day tour, although those wanting to see the fort can always hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to drop them off.
When to Get There
Amber Fort is open throughout the year. However, its high elevation, lack of shade, and desert location can lead to some oppressively hot and sunny conditions, so it’s a good idea to arrive at sunrise to avoid the worst heat of the day. This is especially advisable if you’re visiting during the hot months of April–June.
Dine Like a Royal Inside Amber Fort
For a special, romantic, and regal experience, book a table at 1135 AD, housed in an elegant series of rooms right inside Amber Fort, just off the main courtyard. The menu here features rich Rajasthani dishes, many of which date back generations. However, it’s the ambience that really makes 1135 feel special, with elegant purple-and-gold chairs, crystal chandeliers, and archways and pillars covered with intricately detailed frescoes.
