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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
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.

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Jaipur Full-Day Private Guided Tour

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Khas Bagh

Amer, Rajasthan, India[5.7 miles]

Resembling a cross between a noble’s mansion and a maharajah’s hunting lodge, this rural boutique hotel near Jaipur has the personable ambience of an upscale homestay.

Official star rating:

Samode Haveli

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[6 miles]

A beautiful boutique hotel combining heritage and romance in an atmospheric corner of the Old City.

Official star rating:

Diggi Palace Hotel

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[9.2 miles]

Characterful and charming heritage hotel in central Jaipur – a haveli, or mansion, originally built for a wealthy noble family. Excellent value for money.

Official star rating:

Rambagh Palace

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[10.6 miles]

Formerly the Maharaja of Jaipur’s palace, this superb heritage hotel boasts luxurious and characterful rooms, coupled with impeccable service and charming gardens.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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Rajasthan’s state capital is a compelling blend of huge hillside forts, extravagant palaces, bustling bazaars, memorable heritage hotels and almost comically thronged streets.

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City Palace

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.2 miles]

A fascinating, and among the best-preserved palace complex in Rajasthan, set in the heart of Jaipur’s Old City.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Palace of the Winds

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.3 miles]

Designed to lend seclusion to ladies of the royal court, the intricate lattice-screened and salmon-pink facade of the Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of Winds’, is among the most iconic of Jaipur’s buildings.

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Johari Bazaar

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[7.7 miles]

Vibrant Johari Bazaar encapsulates the city’s reputation as India’s main gemstone and jewellery centre, with artisans’ workshops dotting its lanes and alleys.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Raj Mandir Cinema

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India[8.8 miles]

One of India’s most famous and flamboyant cinemas, it remains a Jaipur landmark and often screens movies to a full house.

Best for ages: 18+ | £1 | 90+ minutes

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Round-ups that include this experience

101 World’s greatest historic buildings

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The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.

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