Discover Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur India: Elephant ride timings, tickets

One of the top tourist attractions in Jaipur, the magnificent Amber Palace (also known as Amer Fort) sits atop a small hill, just 11 km from the main city. This majestic Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur complex, built with pale yellow and pink sandstone alongside white marble, is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture. Divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard, the fort offers visitors a rich blend of historical and architectural marvels.

Amber Fort & Palace Jaipur: A Timeless Marvel

Amber Palace, also known as Amber Fort, was constructed in 1592 AD by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander in Akbar’s army. Later, it was expanded and renovated by Raja Jai Singh I. Located just 11 km from Jaipur, this stunning palace reflects the royal pride of the Pink City. Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Perched amidst the hills and overlooking the tranquil Maota Lake, Amer Fort is a breathtaking blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. The fort features four courtyards, each housing architectural wonders like the Palace of Man Singh I, the Garden, the Tripolia Gate, the Lion Gate, the Diwan-I-Aam, the spectacular Sheesh Mahal, and the serene Sukh Mahal. Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Since Amer Palace is nestled in the hills, visitors are advised to take a jeep ride or an elephant ride to reach the fort and fully enjoy its grandeur. Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Upon arrival at Amer Fort, most visitors enter through the Suraj Pol, while those arriving by car enter via the Chand Pol. Both these gates lead into the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard where victorious armies once displayed their plunder. The fort boasts numerous sections, including the King’s quarters, the zenana (women’s quarters), gardens, temples, and more. Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

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Overview:  Amer Fort (Amber Fort) 

Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Amber Fort Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
Entry Point: Sun Gate (Suraj Pol) Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Entry Fee:

• Foreigners: INR 550 per person
• Foreign Students: INR 100 per person
• Indians: INR 50 per person
• Indian Students: INR 10 per person

Key Information

• Camera: Still and video cameras allowed
• Commissioned by: Raja Man Singh Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Architectural Style: Blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture
• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Area: 988.422 acres Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Year of Establishment: 1592 Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Materials Used: Red sandstone and marble
• Best Time to Visit: October to February (Winter)
• Places to Stay: Hotels and budget accommodations in Jaipur.

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History of Amer Fort Jaipur

Amber Fort’s history dates back to 967 CE when it was first constructed by the Meenas of the Chanda clan, who settled in Amer. In 1592, Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha clan expanded the fort on its original structure, adding grandeur and Mughal influences. The last renovations were carried out by Sawai Jai Singh, but after the capital moved to Jaipur, no further renovations occurred.

The name “Amber” comes from the Ambikeshwar Temple, built on a nearby hill, dedicated to the goddess Amba Mata.

Architectural Marvel

Amer Fort is a splendid mix of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Made with red and white sandstone and marble, the fort features intricate carvings of Hindu deities on walls and ceilings, exuding cultural significance. It is divided into four courtyards, each with unique Rajput architecture, with stunning structures like Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Mandir.

Maota Lake, at the base of the fort, once served as the primary water source for the fort, offering a scenic view alongside the lush green garden. Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Top Attractions at Amer Fort

• Suraj Pol: The main entry gate, often featured in Bollywood films.
• Jaleb Chowk: The gathering place for soldiers, housing the Shila Devi Temple.
• Ganesh Pol: The most photographed gate, it leads to the palace.
• Deewane-E-Aam: The hall where the king addressed public grievances.
• Sheesh Mahal: Known for its intricate mirror work, where a single candle illuminates the entire hall.
• Sukh Niwas: The king’s resting chambers, located opposite the work chambers.
• Zeena Mahal: Residences of the queens, each with its own kitchen and sitting area.

Lesser-Known Facts

• Amer Fort is connected to Jaigarh Fort via a secret tunnel.
• The fort is believed to have a stone (Lingam) that will mark its end.
• The magic flower carving in the Sheesh Mahal reveals seven different images from various angles.

How to Reach Amer Fort

Located 11 km from Jaipur, Amer Fort is accessible by private vehicle or city buses. Visitors can reach the fort’s main entrance via:

• Elephant Ride Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Jeep Ride Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Climbing the stairs Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur

Best Time to Visit Amer Fort

It’s recommended to visit around 4 PM to explore the fort in pleasant weather, enjoy the sunset, and later experience the light and sound show.

Nearby Attractions

• Panna Meena ka Kund (1.3 km)
• Jagat Shiromani Temple (1.7 km)
• Jal Mahal (3.8 km) Amber Fort and Palace Jaipur
• Jaigarh Fort (6.9 km)
• Nahargarh Fort (10.6 km)

Amber Fort Light and Sound Show

A Jaipur trip is incomplete without experiencing the light and sound show at Amber Fort, which brings the fort’s rich history to life in a spectacular fashion.

To truly experience the essence of Amer Fort, visitors can attend the light and sound show held in the evening, where the fort’s fascinating history comes to life in a spectacular display. For anyone visiting Jaipur, Amber Palace is an absolute must-see, offering a deep dive into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

The light and sound show at Amer Fort narrates the region’s history, accompanied by traditional folk music. It takes place at Kesar Kyari on Maota Lake.

Amber Fort Timings:

• English: 7:30 PM
• Hindi: 8:30 PM
• Tickets: ₹295
• Duration: 50 minutes

Amber Fort Elephant Ride: Key Information 

At Amer Fort, around 80 elephants are available to carry visitors up the hill, accommodating up to 900 visitors per day. To prevent overworking the elephants and avoid possible animal cruelty, the Jaipur government has imposed limits on the number of journeys each elephant can make per day.

As a result, it’s strongly recommended to visit Amber Fort early in the day, preferably before 9:00 am, to guarantee a ride and avoid long queues. During peak tourist season, the elephants typically complete their quota of rides by 11:00 am.

Ride Experience and Costs

The Amer Fort elephant ride is a one-way journey from the car park up to the fort’s main courtyard. Each ride costs Rs 1,000 for two passengers, with no room for haggling due to the high demand.

Visitors should be prepared for the driver to ask for a tip, either for himself or to “feed the elephant,” and for photographers to offer their services during the ride.

Welfare of the Elephants

In recent years, the welfare of the elephants at Amber Fort has significantly improved. Previously, elephants worked throughout the day, carrying up to four passengers.

Today, they are limited to five trips per day, and each elephant carries only two passengers plus the driver. These improvements ensure that the elephants are not overworked and receive better treatment.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early (before 9:00 am) to ensure you get a ride and avoid long waiting times under the intense sun.
• Be prepared for tipping requests and extra services, like photography.
• The ride is a one-way journey, so plan accordingly for the descent or further exploration of the fort.

With these considerations in mind, the Amber Fort elephant ride remains a memorable part of any visit to Jaipur, blending cultural heritage with improved animal welfare.