Amer Things to Do

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The most opulent structure in Amber Fort is Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), the two-floored white marble pavilion overlooking Aram Bagh (third courtyard garden). It was built by Jai Singh I in the 17th century and consists of three parts: the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of the Private Audience) on the ground floor, a hall named Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) adjacent to Diwan-i-Khas, and the Jas Mandir (Hall of Glory) on the upper floor. Behind the polyfoil arches of Jai Mandir lies the dazzling interior of the structure. The walls and ceilings of all three parts are entirely covered in inlaid glass mirror mosaics (hence the name "Glass Palace") and white marble bas-reliefs. All three parts were used by the Maharajas to receive their close subjects.

For more detailed photos of the decorations, check out the travelogue: "Amber Fort - Jai Mandir".

Adjacent to Diwan-i-Aam, this hypostyle hall of beautiful columns and polyfoil arches is known as Sattais Katcheri. It is where scribes once recorded the revenues of the state, while enjoying breathtaking views over the valley of Amber.

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Much like other Indian palace fortresses, the Amber Fort possesses a Hall of the Public Audiences, Diwan-i-Aam, where the Maharaja received his subjects. The one here in Amber was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh I in the middle of the second courtyard of the palace. Although it is of the typical layout for a Diwan-i-Aam, i.e. an open hypostyle hall or pavilion, its architecture and decoration are purely Hindu-style, rather than the customary Mughal style. The columns, capitals and arches are similar to those found in Hindu temples, rather than the polyfoil Islamic-style arches seen elsewhere, for example, column capitals are in the form of elephant heads.

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The palace complex of Jaigarh occupies the northern section of the fortress. It was continually renovated and expanded over a period of 200 years while the fortress was in use. The complex contains temples, gardens, pavilions, royal apartments and even a puppet theatre! Although not as luxurious as the Amber Fort below, the architecture of the palace complex is nevertheless beautiful and makes good use of Mughal-style polyfoil arches.

For more photos, check out the travelogue: "Jaigarh - Arches of the Palace Complex."

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Amber Fort is a very well visited tourist site and deserves to be so. The honey coloured fort/palace is situated on a hillside above the village Amber, 11km north of Jaipur.

Construction of Amber Fort begun in 1592 by Raja Man Singh and it was later extended to its present form by Jai Singh I.

The fort/palace is a good example of Rajput architecture and both Hindu and Muslim style of decoration can be found. Inside there are wonderful carvings, paintings and mirror work. There are several courtyards, gates and audience halls. There are the women’s quarters and the Maharaja´s quarters and temples.

Amber Fort is open every day of the week between 9.00 - 17.30. Admission for foreigners was Rs 150 (August 2010). An audio guide is not included in that price, but as I didn’t pay extra for one I don’t know how much it cost.

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Jaigarh Fort, also called The Victory Fort, stands on the hill above Amber Fort. After visiting Amber Fort I walked the footpath up to Jaigarh. It is about 1km to walk, but it is also possible to go by car from another side. I was surprised that there were so much to see at Jaigarh Fort, it was larger than I thought. Approaching you can see a tall tower, the walls and battlement, but once inside you will see there are palaces, temples, an old cannon foundry and more. At one place there was a man showing a puppet show and there is also an Armoury Museum with armoury, coins and photographs of the royal kings. The view from the fort is great.

I was lucky to have my ticket from Jaipur City Palace still in my bag, because with such a ticket, which is less than two days, the admission to Jaigarh Fort is free. Otherwise it cost Rs 75 (August 2010). But I had to pay Rs 50 for taking photos.
The fort is open between 9.00 - 16.30.

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There are many battlements around Amber. When I first arrived with the bus I saw the stairs up to the battlement on the opposite side of the road from Amber Fort. I thought it could be good to start there to get good views over the palace and the surroundings. On my way up the stairs I passed two school boys, otherwise there was no one else there. That was surprising as it is really worth the effort to climb the stairs. The views are amazing over Amber Fort and you can even see Jaipur in the distance. I visited during the rainy season so the hills were green and beautiful.

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Anokhi Museum of Handprinting is situated in a beautifully restored mansion from the 16th century. The museum opened in 2005 and have excellent exhibitions about hand-block printing of textiles. There are both traditional and contemporary textiles on display and textiles made with different techniques. There are very informative signs in English and Hindu. There is a small workshop in the museum and when I came to the end of my tour a man demonstrated the block printing method and I got the small cloth he just printed.

When I visited I was the only customer. It is a lovely museum and should not be missed if you visit Amber.

The museum is open between 10.30 - 17.00 on Tuesdays - Saturdays and between 11.00 - 16.30 on Sundays. From the 1st of May to the 15th of July the museum is closed.

Admission was Rs 30 (August 2010), but I paid Rs 50 more to use the camera.

There is a gift shop and a café at the museum.