Among the best attractions in Jaipur is the historic Amer Fort. One of the best things to do in Jaipur. Why does Amer Fort have such a high profile? The Ministry of Tourism of India has included Amer Fort on a list of 17 must-see attractions in India. The “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” cluster, of which Amer Fort is a member, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amer Palace, Amer Ka Kila, Amer Fort, and so forth are only a few of the names by which it is known. However, the Amer Fort was the residence of the former kings of Jaipur and their families, despite its more usual designation as a fort.
History of the Amer Fort
Jaipur, Rajasthan, is home to Amer Fort. It is a significant part of Rajasthan’s history and one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks. It was named after the city of Amer in Rajasthan, the state capital before Jaipur. Amer is located around 7 kilometers from Jaipur. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, it is the oldest fort in the area and has beautiful Redstone and rare marble. Amer Kila is a stunning fortress that looks out over Maota Lake, where it gets most of its water. It has massive walls, winding walkways, and a plethora of gates.
There are four distinct sections to the Amer fort. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir (Temple of Victory), and Sukh Niwas (Place of Cool Wind) are all courtyards.
Even though it is often referred to as a fort, the Amer fort served as royal family housing. This fort, like Jaigarh Fort, may be found on the Aravali range of hills, namely on the Cheel ka Teela (or Hillside of Eagles). Among the many fascinating facts is that the Amer Palace and the Jaigarh Fort are connected via an underground tunnel. It was the means through which the royal family could flee to the more secure Jaigarh Fort during times of war.
Things You Must See In Amer Fort
Amer Fort is stunning, and it’s packed with exciting attractions. Nevertheless, the majority of the fort is off-limits to tourists. Movies like “Bajirao Mastani” and “Manikarnika” were shot at the historic Amer Fort. When it comes to well-maintained and repaired forts in India, this one is among the best.
The Attractions of Amer Fort in Jaipur are listed below:
1. Diwan e Aam
On joyous and momentous occasions, the King would come before significant individuals in the Diwan-e-Aam, a court where he would confer with his administrative officers. It is a stunning example of a synthesis of Mughal and Rajput styles and was constructed around the end of the 16th century. The hall’s pillars are a combination of red sandstone and white marble.
The pillars in this hall take architectural cues from both elephant heads and florally patterned vines. From Diwan-e-Aam, you can see Maota, the Dilaram garden, and the Jaleb Chowk.
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2. Sheesh Mahal
Amer Fort’s Sheesh Mahal is like the Kohinoor; it glistens in the sun. Put ancient India on the global tourism map with the help of this mirror palace.
As the mirrors in Sheesh Mahal kept the palace toasty warm, it served as a winter retreat for the royal family. To achieve its intended function while still being visually pleasing, Sheesh Mahal’s walls and ceiling are fashioned entirely of glass.
3. Shila Devi Temple
The spiritual energy emanating from the Shila Devi shrine is irresistible. Many people may attest to the special energy emanating from the first courtyard’s little but stunning shrine. Goddess Kali, renowned for eradicating evil, is the patron goddess of this temple.
This temple is associated with a wide variety of myths and stories. There are several stories about this goddess, but the one where she begs King Man Singh of Bengal to save her from the ocean appears to be the most well-known. This is the place for you if you’re looking for a spiritual experience along with your architectural marvel.
Read also: Visiting Jantar Mantar in Jaipur: What You Need to Know
4. Ganesh Pol
Ganesh Pol often enters King and queen’s private quarters. Beyond this barrier, only the highest-ranking officials were permitted to pass. It is one of the most photographed places in Amer Fort because it is stunning. This is also a popular spot for tourists to take pictures of themselves. In the native tongue, Pol means gate. You won’t find a better example than Ganesh Pol of how well Mughal and Rajput styles can be fused to produce a work of art.
The significance of the Hindu god Ganesha is represented by the name Ganesh Pol. Hindus believe that Ganesha, representing the removal of barriers, should be worshiped before beginning any good deed. Ganesha statues are often displayed in front of Indian households as a good luck charm. Since this gate is near the royal family’s residence, it would make sense to be named after him.
If you’re in the area, stop at Suhag Mandir, the observation deck atop Ganesh Pol. The royal ladies were not permitted to appear in public, so they utilized the latticed windows as a watching platform. The Mughal influence may be seen in the stunning paintings adorning the walls. The city of Bukhara in modern-day Uzbekistan is where the Mughal empire started in Central Asia.
5. Dilaram Bagh
Dilaram Bagh is the incorrect name for the area; the correct one is Dil-Aaram Bagh. A garden at road level must be traversed to reach the steps leading up to Amer Fort. The garden takes its inspiration from the Mughal-style design of Char Bagh.
On the left side, heading toward Maota lake, you’ll see several stunning pavilions made of red sandstone. These pavilions provide an ideal setting against which to have Instagram photos taken of the stunning Amer Fort.
6. Hammam
The bathhouse, or Hammam, of Amer Fort, is often neglected. The methods of enjoying both hot and cold baths without modern conveniences came as a surprise to me.
Artisans of the past could simulate our modern world by controlling the flow of water and air. The Sheesh Mahal had its own hammam, or bathhouse, attached.
7. Jaleb Chowk
No matter what kind of transportation you choose to go to Amer Fort, you will exit at Jaleb Chowk. The generals and troops would gather in this enormous courtyard for all the most momentous events.
Middle Easterners used the name Jaleb to describe a gathering spot for warriors. The elephant journey concludes at this courtyard’s northwest corner. Surajpol Gate and Chandpol Gate are the only gates that go into Jaleb Chowk.
What to Do in Amer Fort Jaipur?
One of the nicest things to do in Jaipur is to visit the Amer Fort and pay your respects. But do you know what to do and attempt once you set foot on its soil? No? Here then, are the best attractions in Amer Fort:
#1. Take An Elephant Ride As The First Step Of Your Amer Adventure
Riding an elephant in India is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Put on your best regal airs and march to the fort like a king or queen of old. Please be aware that the elephant ride concludes at 2:00 p.m. Before that time, be sure to make preparations.
#2. Learn More About India’s Past In The Museum Halls Of This Towering Fort
You may go back in time and imagine what it was like to live like a king or queen in the past. Whether you like gems or turbans, there’s something for you in the royal treasure trove.
#3. Soak All The Historical And Cultural Splendor Of This Impressive Fort
The area around the fort hosts a variety of entertainment options, including light displays, classical dance performances at Sukh Mahal, puppet shows, traditional melodies, and more. Men, indulge your inner cultural vulture a little more often.
Please be aware that tickets for this event may only be purchased in person at the fort.
#4. The Fort’s Regal Food Selection Is A Must-Try
Visit Surabhi and stuff your face with delicious dishes. Try dishes not just from Rajasthan but from throughout India.
#5. Visit The Fort’s Numerous Temples For Religious Purposes
Relax and take pleasure in having them talk about the fort in various locations. Focus, and let’s see if you can deduce its pattern. Relax and take pleasure in their presence and strategic placement throughout the fort. Focus, and let’s see if you can deduce its pattern.
How To Reach Amer Fort?
The grounds of Amer Fort are located on a remote high hill in the Aravalli range, some 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Located in the center of Amer, the fort overlooks the placid Maota Lake and may be mistaken for a work of heavenly inspiration. Although Amer Fort is just about a twenty-minute drive east of Jaipur, knowing how to get there is a huge advantage. As such, below are the few routes that go to Amer Fort:
By Buses
When money is tight, taking a bus across state lines is a lifesaver. Bus rides are cheap (one penny), but you’ll have to get used to the local crowds and mayhem. Getting where you need to go from Hawa Mahal requires hopping on a bus that leaves every few minutes and will cost you between INR 15 and 20.
By Rickshaw
Looking for a more tailored encounter? Then why not take a tuk-tuk from your hotel to the entrance of Amer Fort and back again? Isn’t this a wonderful plan if you aren’t strapped for cash? Yes, it does; thus, indulge in luxury.
By Taxi Or Cab
The most luxurious of our suggestions is taking a taxi to Amer Fort. It’s indeed more expensive than the other two possibilities. Even if you value convenience more than thrift, the trip to Amer Fort in an air-conditioned vehicle will be a delight.
Amer Fort, Jaipur: Visiting Time
You may visit Amer Fort during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. Going to Amer fort during the day is the best bet if you want to see the elephant ride, puppet acts, and breathtaking views of Jaipur from the hills. Due to the fort’s live night light display, many visitors opt to stay around until it’s dark outside. In the evening, at about 6.30 p.m. (depending on the season), the fort reopens for a performance that is a big draw for tourists.
Conclusion
Visitors to Amer Fort will be entertained, pleased, and surprised by its facts, actions, and beauty whether they arrive in the morning or the evening. The history of India is intertwined with that of the Amer Fort. If you want to learn more about the fort’s history and architecture, you should take a tour.
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