Amer Fort, otherwise known as Amber Palace or Amber Fort, is a popular tourist spot to visit in the city of Jaipur. The palace, an opulent architectural masterpiece, is arguably the highlight of the attraction. However, the views from the fort itself are pretty damn spectacular too! Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2013, Amer Fort is an essential addition to your Jaipur Itinerary.
Historically, the Amber Palace was residence to the Royal Family of Jaipur. And in true Rajasthani style, no holds were barred in its extravagance. You will want to have your camera handy when visiting, as it is often considered one of the most instagrammable spots in India. (Are you following us on Instagram? Follow us here!)
In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Amer Fort in Jaipur. Including entrance fees, information on the sound and light show, how to get there, & more.
Amer Fort in Jaipur – A Reliable Guide
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How to get to Amer Fort in Jaipur
Jaipur is an essential addition to any India itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of the Golden Triangle Route. You can conveniently reach Jaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.
Located around 30-minutes outside of the Old City of Jaipur, Amer Fort is best reached using public transportation. Taxis, rickshaws, and buses are all easy to come by in Jaipur.
*Tip – Regular air-conditioned buses run from Hawa Mahal building to Amer Fort. The price is around Rs. 30/pax.
For us, using the Ola Taxi app was the most convenient way to get around. Similar to Uber, you can order a taxi directly through the app. And you can even book a driver for the whole day if you wanted to. We found this to be far cheaper than rickshaws or local taxis.
Any way you choose to travel, there is never a dull moment when exploring Jaipur.
Amer Fort Map Location
Things to Know Before Visiting
Here is all the information you’ll need ahead of visiting the Amer Fort in Jaipur.
Opening Times
8 am to 5.30 pm during the day.
7 pm to 10 pm. at night.
Entrance Fee for Amber Palace in Jaipur
Day Entry Fee into Amber Palace is Rs. 500 for foreigners and Rs. 100 for nationals.
Night Entry Fee into Amber Palace is Rs. 100 rupees for both foreigners and nationals.
*Tip – If you plan on visiting other attractions in Jaipur, you may want to consider purchasing a Tourist Composite Ticket. This allows you access to 10 attractions in Jaipur at a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased online.
To access the viewpoint on Amer Fort is free of charge. More information below.
Best Time to Visit Amber Palace in Jaipur
The best time of year for sightseeing in Jaipur is October-February when the weather is dry but not too hot. Although, Rajasthan borders the Thar Desert, and the midday heat can be relentless all year round. With this in mind, keep the touristy stuff for early morning or late afternoon.
The best time to visit Amber Palace is around opening time, while the temperatures are still pleasant and there are fewer people. We made the mistake of visiting late afternoon, and the crowds were ruthless. It was almost impossible to take a decent photo without a mugshot of somebody in them!
On the other hand, late afternoon is the best time to visit the viewpoint on Amer Fort. Watching the sunset behind the palace is quite the spectacle.
Finally, if you are hoping to catch the sound and light show at Amber Palace, you will want to visit after dark. More information on this later in the article.
Time Required
You should allow around 3-4 hours to visit Amber Palace and Amer Fort, including travel time from the city.
Guided Tours
Guided Tours of Amer Fort are available upon arrival at the palace. However, after exploring independently, I can assure you that it isn’t necessary to explore the complex with a guide.
If you do want a guide, they are known to charge anywhere from Rs. 200 – Rs. 500, so make sure you only pay what you think is fair.
As an alternative, audio tours are available. Or you can learn about the history of Amber Fort online.
Photography
Amer Fort in Jaipur is a photographers paradise; however, here are some things to be aware of before you visit.
- To use a tripod is forbidden throughout the grounds, and there is security staff consistently patrolling each area. Nevertheless, if you arrive early, you may be able to get some pictures before being told off by the guards!
- To avoid crowds in your photos, we recommend arriving as early as possible.
- There are skilled pickpockets in operation in Jaipur. Keep your equipment safe and secure when out of use. We recommend this super convenient photographers bag: K&F Concept Lightweight DSLR Camera Backpack.
Say No to an Amber Fort Elephant Ride
To enter Amer Fort, or Amber Palace shall I say, there is a short but steep passage to reach the entrance. While it is a pleasant walk, many opt for the Amber Fort Elephant Ride, seemingly oblivious to the horrors behind animal tourism.
Please consider that for an elephant to allow you to ride them, they would have had to endure years of cruelty and mistreatment. This ‘training’ results in the spirit of the elephant being crushed so that ultimately, they become obedient to their mahout.
We kindly ask that you educate yourself on responsible travel, and the practices behind elephant tourism before taking part in an Amber Fort Elephant Ride.
If you are unable to walk to the fort, you can catch a jeep or golf buggy instead. The latter is the cheapest option at around Rs. 40 one-way.
Amer Fort at Night
For those who want to escape the intensity of day tourism in Jaipur, ‘Amer by Night’ is the perfect evening spectacle. Dazzling light displays, installed in the palaces most prominent areas, make for a beautiful and colourful display.
Night Entry Fee: Rs. 100 rupees for both foreigners and nationals.
Night Opening Times: 7 pm to 10 pm.
Amber Fort Light and Sound Show
If you are at all interested in the history behind Amber Fort or the city of Jaipur, the Amber Fort Light and Sound Show is an event not to be missed. While the light show isn’t as advanced as you might expect, the narration is both energetic and informative. With performances available in both English and Hindu languages, this is one of the top things to do in Jaipur at night.
Amber Fort Light and Sound Show Timings
October to February: 6:30 pm (English)/ 7:30 pm (Hindi)
March to April: 7:00 pm(English)/ 8:00 pm (Hindi)
May to September: 7:30 pm(English)/ 8:30 pm (Hindi)
Amber Fort Light & Sound Show Entry Fees
Rs.295 for both foreigners and nationals.
Book Tickets Online: Light & Sound Show Tickets
Amer Fort View Point
The Amer Fort View Point was one of our favourite spots to escape the hustle and bustle of strenuous Jaipur. A short hike to the top leads you to the fort walkway, and from here you can choose from a series of watchtowers to relax and enjoy the view. It looked as if you could walk the entire length of the fort if you wanted to. Although we didn’t try it personally so, I can’t say for sure.
Not only can you enjoy a stunning view of the palace and lake below, but it’s also one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur.
To get to the viewpoint, you must exit the palace grounds at the rear, down past lake Maota and cross the road to the stairway. It’s a relatively challenging hike; however, if you are of a reasonable fitness level, it shouldn’t take any longer than 20-minutes to reach the top.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
Hostel – Hostel Lumb’s Nest – For affordable, clean & comfortable dorms or private rooms, we can personally recommend Hostel Lumbs Nest. They are located outside of the city, which may not be convenient if you are only in Jaipur for a short time; however, for longer stays it’s perfect to escape the hustle and bustle.
Budget Private – Blue King – If you are on a budget and wish to be a bit closer to the city attractions, perhaps Blue King would be more suitable. Located in the heart of the Pink City you can enjoy the view from the hotel rooftop.
Luxury – Umaid Bhawan – If you are looking to spend a bit more on accommodation, Umaid Bhawan is a touch of luxury in the city. The heritage style hotel boasts a swimming pool and rooftop restaurant.
For more places to stay in Jaipur, you can check the latest prices.
More on Jaipur
Are you planning a trip to Jaipur? Check out our other articles to help plan your trip.
- One month in India – Ultimate itinerary & guide
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- THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE INDIA – ITINERARY & GUIDE
- 2 DAYS IN JAIPUR – ITINERARY & GUIDE
- GAY IN: JAIPUR – A LGBT+ TRAVEL GUIDE
- JAIPUR CITY PALACE – AN HONEST REVIEW
- NAHARGARH FORT JAIPUR – A RELIABLE GUIDE
- MONKEY TEMPLE JAIPUR – A RELIABLE GUIDE
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Did you enjoy our Guide for Amer Fort in Jaipur, India?
Well, that concludes Guide for Amer Fort in Jaipur, India. We hope you enjoy your time in this magical country. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram here where we share further travel advice & inspiration.
Stay adventurous and Happy travels.
Charlotte & Natalie x
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