Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is a 16th-century hilltop palace complex built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I and expanded by later Kachwaha rulers, who used it as their capital until Jaipur was founded in 1727. Perched above Maota Lake about 11 kilometers from central Jaipur, the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site prized for its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Inside, the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the star attraction, its walls and ceilings inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrored tiles that once turned a single candle’s flame into a starlit sky. Other highlights include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the ornate Ganesh Pol gateway, along with courtyards and terraces offering sweeping views over the lake and surrounding hills.
The fort is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with an evening light-and-sound experience running from 7 to 9 PM; plan on two to three hours to see the main palaces and courtyards, and visit between October and March for the most comfortable weather.
