Hotels near Amber Fort

Amber Fort (also spelled Amer Fort) tops every list of places to visit in Jaipur, and for good reason. Built from red sandstone and white marble starting in 1592 under Raja Man Singh I, this sprawling hilltop complex blends Rajput military architecture with Mughal decorative flourishes. The fort sits on a ridge overlooking Maota Lake, and its honey-coloured walls catch the morning light in a way that makes the entire structure glow. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) inside the fort is the standout room - thousands of convex glass pieces cover the walls and ceiling, reflecting a single candle flame into a constellation of light. The Ganesh Pol gateway, painted with detailed frescoes of elephants and flowers, marks the transition from the public audience halls to the private royal quarters.

Amber Fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan group. The complex is enormous - allow a minimum of two hours to explore the four main courtyards, the Zenana (women's quarters), and the underground tunnel connecting to Jaigarh Fort above. Entry costs 500 INR (5.50 EUR) for foreign visitors, and the fort opens daily at 8:00.

Pro Tip: Arrive at 8:00 sharp when the gates open. By 10:00 the tour buses from Delhi arrive and the courtyards fill up. Walk up the cobblestone path rather than taking the paid jeep ride - it takes 15 minutes and you get better photo angles of the lake and surrounding hills.