Amber, now officially known as Amer, was the old bastion of the Kachwaha rulers, before Maharaj Swai Jai Singh II decided to build himself a new capital – Jaipur, what is now known as the Pink City.
Surrounded entirely by hills it served as the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs from the 12th century for 600 years. Amer is now part of the Jaipur urban agglomeration. Famed for its grand fort it is part of several other Rajput fortresses that collectively were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
Defined by its stunning Mughal-Rajput architecture, its amazing Sheesh Mahal and other edifices around a vast courtyard or Jaleb Chowk, Amer is one everyone’s must-visit list. Its main features include the Baradari, Siladevi temple, Jai Mandir, Sukh Nivas, the Zenana quarters, along with the Suraj Pol, Chandpol and Ganesh Pol.
A lesser trumpeted attraction is what is known as The Great Wall of Amer, a miles-long stone wall following the contours of the jagged ridges of the Aravalli range and was the first line of defence for the Amer Fort and Jaipur City for centuries. Places of interest around Amer are Jaigarh Fort set atop the nearby Cheel ka Teela or Hill of Eagles. Then there’s the Jagat Shiromani Temple where Meera Bai, Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu are worshipped, the Panna Meena ka Kund or Panna Mian ki Baori which dates to the 16th century and the elegant Jal Mahal set amidst the waters of Man Sagar Lake.
This atmospheric ancient town is dotted with numerous historic temples, havelis, water harvesting baolis and more. Our carefully designed two-hour walk is a perfect accompaniment and antidote to a visit to the busy Amber Fort. You will get to explore the town’s rich heritage and enjoy the natural beauty of Aravalli mountain range, away from the madding crowds.
For those with a love of the outdoors, beautiful scenery, and fresh air, we can combine this walk with some gentle trekking in the surrounding Aravali hills. Visit a ruined fort, hidden shrines and meet the local Meena community to learn about their daily lives.