The City: Amber, 11 km. from Jaipur, Rajasthan,
ancient capital of the Kachhwaha
Temples in the Palace: Jai Mandir, Shila Mata Temple, Jagat
Shiromani temple, Kali Temple
Garden in the Palace: Kesar Kyari
Other Attractions: Dil-E-Aaram & Diwan-E-Am, Sukh Niwas,
The Zenana
Nearest Airport: Sanganer Airport: Jaipur (domestic flights)
Best time to visit: October to February
Timings: Open 9.00 a.m - 4.30 p.m.
Amber Fort is situated in Amber, the ancient capital of the
Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km. from
Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. A beautiful complex of palaces,
halls, stairways, pillared pavilions, gardens and temples built by
Maharaja Man Singh I, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over
a period of about two centuries. Amber is the classic romantic
Rajasthan fort palace. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu
architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble.
The Amber Fort complex has very interesting apartments. The rugged
walls of this fort may not look beautiful from outside, but the
interiors are beautifully adorned with painted scenes of hunting and
wars adorn the walls along with precious stones and mirrors set into
the plaster.
Within The Complex
Within the complex, you will be able to see some of the
magnificient monuments that cajoles tourists from all over the
world. The Palace boost the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and
the 'Jai Mandir', the 'Diwan-E-Am', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata
Temple, Kali temple and the well laid out garden, the 'Kesar Kyari'
that makes it exotic.
Dil-E-Aaram & Diwan-E-Am
Entrance in the fort is through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, laid out
in the traditional Mughal style. A part of the complex is the "Diwan-I-Am"
or "Hall of Public Audience" with its spectacular display
of pillars.
Kali Temple
before entering the palace, to the right side of the fort is the
small Kali Temple. Maharaja Man Singh had worshiped the Goddess for
a victory during their balltes. The larger white marble Shila Mata
temple has the image of Goddess Kali, brought by Raja Man Singh.
Ganesh Pol
Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with
images of the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, takes pride of
place.
Jai Mandir, Diwan- E- Khas & Sheesh Mahal
The 'Jai Mandir' or "the Hall of Victory" endorses
glittering ceiling on stucco and elegant inlaid panels with mirror
pieces. Inside the complex, the 'Diwan- E- Khas' or the Hall of
Private Audience which is similar in ornamentation to Jai Mandir and
the 'Sheesh Mahal' known as for its craftsmanship in mirrors. A lot
of mirror pieces adorn the walls and the ceiling, so that, any
streak of light makes them sparkle and illuminate the entire room.
Sukh Niwas
The 'Sukh Niwas' or "the hall of pleasure" is in front of
Jai Mandir. The doors of Sukh Niwas are made of sandalwood, inlaid
with ivory with a channel running through, which formerly carried
cool water acting as an air cooler.
The Zenana
At the rear of Amber Fort is Zenana, or women's apartments and
frescoes endorsing scenes of Krishna Leela. The Zenana house have
some private chambers from where the royal women used to watch the
proceedings of the royal court in privacy.
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