The Amber Fort is situated in the Aravalli mountain range, nearly 11 km from the centre of Jaipur. It is an extensive palace complex built with pale yellow, pink sandstone and white marble. The fort is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyards.
Amber was the capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs before they shifted their capital to Jaipur. Man Singh I started the construction of the new palace complex at the end of the 16th century.
After Raja Man Singh I, Mirza Raja Jai Singh I and Sawai Jai Singh II made some modifications, including to the interiors of the fort.
The fort was constructed in four stages, and the palace inside was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families.
It consists of a ‘Diwan-e-Aam’ (hall of public audience), ‘Diwan-e-Khaas’ (hall of private audience), a ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (mirror palace) and a ‘Sukh Niwas’.
In the Sheesh Mahal, numerous minuscule mirrors are placed on the walls in a unique arrangement. Even a single ray of light entering the palace gets reflected in a way that illuminates the entire hallway.
The Sukh Niwas is known for its distinctive cooling feature created by winds blowing over cascading water.