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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

Pre-Independence Rajasthan, or ‘Land of the Princes’, comprised an intricate patchwork of princely states. Numerous maharajas’ palaces and forts still dot the landscape and among the most famous is 16th-century Amber (also known as Amer), a huge fortress-palace cresting a stark ridge above Amer village near Jaipur.

Enclosed by kilometres of walls snaking across the surrounding hills, at its heart the huge complex comprises audience halls, pavilions, royal ‘apartments’ and courtyards that collectively blend Hindu and Mughal motifs and architecture. Part-marble interiors boast decorative paintings, mirrored-glass mosaics and coloured glass. It’s a great place to wander and explore.

While you’re there

Every evening by the small lake at the foot of Amber Fort there’s a 50-minute sound and light show (in English and Hindi, times vary according to season) dramatising its history and folklore.

For an offbeat walk from Amber Fort and great views, continue up to Jaigarh Fort on the hill above Amber, then follow the level ridge-top path or road to Nahargarh Fort before descending to Jaipur’s outskirts.

If you’re fit and agile consider walking the Great Wall-like walls in the surrounding hills. They are accessible either from Amber village or by the clutch of stalls beside the main road from Jaipur.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Visitors usually come direct from Jaipur (about 15 minutes’ taxi or rickshaw drive outside town) and will either be dropped off by Amer village at the foot of the fort, or driven up to a small car park up near the main entrance.

Elephant rides to the fort from Amber village provide an alternative to approaching on foot, but they are of increasing concern to animal welfare groups, and the government is planning to withdraw them over time.

Local guides – useful but not really necessary – often tout for custom near the entrance; agree a price beforehand.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most pleasant. May and June can be ferociously hot and uncomfortable.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide

Jaipur

Jaipur Sightseeing By Car, Driver and Guide
Explore the enchanting city of Jaipur, In 9 Hour tour of Jaipur! In the morning, there will be a 8 - 10 AM pickup from your hotel by your Driver and Guide. Visit the highlights of the Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the Albert Hall.

Price: $15

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [23 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar — in addition to other top attractions on a private full-day tour of Jaipur. Your guide shows you the Amber Fort's Jai Mandir Temple and Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and more. Take breaks for shopping and great photo stops on a tour that includes lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Price: $36

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [23 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur Amer Fort, Jal Mahal & Stepwell Private Half-Day Tour
Enjoy a private heritage tour that captures the most important sites of Jaipur. Beat the tourists to get an aerial view of Jaipur from Jaigarh. Catch the most important highlights of Jaipur's history and royalty on a trip to Amer Fort and Jal Mahal.

Price: $39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace

Jaipur

Full-Day Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort and City Palace
Enjoy a memorable day of sightseeing and shopping on this guided tour of the highlights of Jaipur. Visit a variety of well-known historical landmarks including the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and more. This 9-hour tour includes transportation, admission to all listed monuments and an Indian buffet lunch.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [86 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide

Jaipur

Private Full Day Tour of Jaipur with Guide
Experience a private 8 Hour Tour of Jaipur!!! In the morning, there will be a 8:30 AM pickup from your hotel by your Driver & Guide. You will be driven in a Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle to the outskirts of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort - a World Heritage Site, the Rajput-style Jal Mahal (Water Palace), The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), The Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory) and The Old and New Part of Jaipur city. Later in the day, enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Jaipur where you will find an enticing variety of goods. Some of the most precious Gemstones, Silver Jewelry, Bangles, Clothes, Blu Pottery and Textiles etc.

Price: $48

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [228 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day Guided Jaipur City Tour including Lunch & Entry

Jaipur

Full Day Guided Jaipur City Tour including Lunch & Entry
A private city tour of Jaipur with private vehicle and driver along with a local guide who can give you every little details about the amazing city of Jaipur and its historical attractions. Highlights are: A) Private Vehicle & Driver B) Professional Guide For personalised experience. C) Lunch & Monument Basic Entry Fee (Option to Add) D) Visit to the major Monuments of Jaipur. E) Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off included.

Price: $52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive

Jaipur

Private Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Car - All Inclusive
Discover the best of the Pink City includes entrance to the Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall with a guide service to your package, which makes for convenient for Independent travelers will enjoy exploring the Amber Fort and Palace on their own time.

Price: ₹1,500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [26 ratings]

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