The historic Amber Fort

A tour of Jaipur will be incomplete if one does not visit the historic Amber Fort. This magnificent fort was the capital of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Rajputs till it was shifted to Jaipur.

The architecture of the Amber fort is a unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The fort is built with white marbles and red sandstone. From the outside, the fort looks huge and rough but soon as one steps inside the fort, it is like a different world altogether. The interiors of the Amber Fort unlike its exterior are comfortable and splendid. There are water fountains, intricate carvings all over the place; the walls are filled with paintings of hunting scenes. The warmth and coziness of the interior is unparalleled. For a moment, one gets the feeling of being royal himself when he visits the grand Amber Fort.

The construction of the fort was started by Maharaja Mansingh in 1592. Maharaja Mansingh, the ruler of Amber was the chief commander of the Mughal army under Emperor Akbar and was one of the ministers of the famed nine Gems in Akbar’s court.
But it was one of his descendants, Raja Jaisingh who completed the fort.

At night when the reflection of fort Amber falls on Lake Maota on the foothills, it looks so unreal as if it is an illusion or a beautiful dream.

Nowadays, one can go from the foothills to the fort above on an elephant back. The ride reminds of the bygone era when the kings used to go there on elephant backs. From the top, one can see the skyline of the jaipur city.

If you want to see the best example of the blending of two different architectural styles or want to relive the pride, bravery of the Rajputs, then a visit to the Amber fort is an absolute necessary.