Amber Fort lies seven miles outside of Jaipur on a hilltop in the Aravalli hills where it is protected on all sides by battlements and watchtowers. Originally built in the 11th century, the fortress-palace was the capital of the Kachhawahas until 1727 when Jai Singh moved the capital to the new city of Jaipur. Later, Amber developed into a pleasure retreat for the maharajas who would return here after their military campaigns.
The name Amber is derived from the goddess, Amba Mata or Mother Earth. Amba Mata was worshiped by the Mina tribe who occupied this site before the Kachhawahas took it over.
The site consists of gardens, temples, palaces, and courtyards. and an artificial lake. The palace rooms are richly decorated with mirror work, colored glass, carved marble, murals, mosaics, and stained glass windows.
A popular way to reach the fort is by riding an elephant up the steep path to Jaleb Chowk. Jaleb Chowk means "The Square where Horses and Elephants are Tethered". Visitors are deposited on a special platform in Jaleb Chowk which is the exact height of an elephant, allowing the visitor to easily step from the elephant onto the platform.

Click on the links below to see a larger view of each photograph.