If you are visiting Rajasthan, Amber Fort also called the Amer Fort is a must-see attraction. Amber Fort is situated on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway, 11 kms away from Jaipur. From 1037 A.D to 1727 A.D. Amber was the capital of Kachhwaha Rajputs. In 1727, the Kachhwaha Rajputs changed their capital from Amber to Jaipur. The old fort of the Kachhwaha clan named as Amber Fort is situated in picturesque and rugged Aravalli hills. Raja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar's army started the construction of this fort in 1592 and it was completed during the time of Sawai Jai Singh I. Built with white marble and red sandstone, the fort is a fascinating blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles.

Amber is the classic romantic fort-palace of Rajasthan, which provides a truly royal experience. The imposing and rugged looking exterior of the Fort belies a comforting and warm interior, which is influenced by Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. The interior walls of the Fort have expressive paintings depicting hunting scenes. The walls are covered with intricate carving, precious stones and mirror settings that make the view of the fort very majestic and imperial. In the foreground is the Maota Lake, which provides a breathtaking look to the fort. The heavily structured fort was built mainly for defending the attack of enemies. All the means of luxuries and survival for the royal members and the people concerned with kingdom of the Kachhwaha were provided.

Amber Fort houses marvellous palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, stairways, pillared pavilions and magnificent temples. The fort is home to some of the architectural wonders such as the 'Diwan-E-Khaas', the 'Sheesh Mahal', the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the Sukh Niwas', the 'Jai Mandir', the 'Shila Mata Temple' and the 'Kali Temple' and the beautifully laid out garden the 'Kesar Kyari.' There is Mughal architectural influence in the mosaic of the walls and glass patterns. One has to cross five gates to arrive at Man Singh's Palace. The Suraj Pole to the south is lattice network Chak, crossing this after climbing some steps comes the Lion Pole. The stairs take one to the second floor.

Entry to the fort is through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' garden. A flight of several stairs leads one to the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the hall of public audience. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1639, 'Diwan-E-Aam' was the meeting place of the king with his subjects. The hall is open in three sides and has latticed galleries and double row of columns. On the top of the tower is the beautifully carved elephant statue. To the right of the hall is the small Kali Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The Shila Mata Temple is a bigger temple, the white marble temple houses the image of Goddess Kali.

The royal apartments are situated on a higher terrace beyond the 'Ganesh Pol' gateway. The gateway is adorned with mosaic patterns and beautiful paintings. The gate leads to the Andhar Mahal or Zenana Mahal which looks outstandingly beautiful with superb lattice work. The Zenana Mahal is carved with the images depicting Krishna Leela scenes. The palace has private chambers which were built for the royal women to enable them to watch the proceedings of the royal court.

The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling and the walls are inlaid with costly jewels and precious stones. The 'Diwan-E-Khaas' (hall of private audiences), Jai Mandir and the 'Sheesh Mahal'(hall of Mirrors) are similar in ornamentation. The Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Caste is known for its craftsmanship in mirrors, the mirrors are fitted in such a way that one light glows in the room, hundreds of thousands light reflect back to dazzle the spectators. In the top of the Ganesha Pole is the Sohag Temple, its lattice work is in comparable.

In front of the Jai Mandir is the 'Sukh Niwas' or pleasure hall. The fantastic ivory and sandlewood delicate work of the doors has an enchanting effect on the visitors. The flow of spring and the cool air from the spring water filled atmosphere has an air-conditioning effect. The beautifully proportioned gardens, Kesar Kyari and the Dilaram Bagh provide a superb view of the palaces.