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Amer Fort

This magnificent fort was built not by one but three rulers - Raja ManSingh
initiated the project. Mirza Raja Jai Singh took over the cudgels from Raja
Man Singh and the finishing touches were given by Sawai Jai Singh. This
colossal fort took as long as two centuries to build, the major portion
of the work was carried out in the 1500's.
The Amer Fort stands like a sentinel above the stillwaters of the Maotha
Lake. The fort is a living testimony where the Hindu and Mughal architectural
styles have merged in complete harmony to create a masterpiece of fusion
architecture. In the days of yore, the Amer Fort used to be a palace,
an administrative headquarter as well as a strategic military bastion.
One of the best ways to reach this imposing fort is by an enchanting
elephant ride. Once inside, the fort reveals its majestic grandeur like
a veil slipping from the face of a beautiful woman replete with medieval
courtyards, exquisite temples, enchanting pavilions and gardens that seems
to be a replica of Eden on earth.
The interiors of the fort has an amazing array of painted engravings
and its parapets are adorned with intricate mirror and stone works. The
initial courtyard of the fort is flanked by two stupendous edifices -
Diwan-E-Aam built of red sandstone and the marvelous Ganesh Pol Gate.
Further ahead, an array of walkways beautifully surround an archetypal
Mughal garden around which there is the Sukh Niwas and on the other side
is the Jas Mandir. However, the centerpiece of attraction is the magnificent
Sheesh Mahal which is replete with ornate mosaics, tinted mirror and glass
embellishments all of which makes it a place of stunning beauty.
The Fort's in-house Kali temple popularly referred to as the Shila Devi
Temple is shrouded in mystery. The temple is conspicuous by its awesome
silver doors and silver lions.

There is also the Zenana or the Women's Palace which has exclusive enclosures
or chambers that are linked by a general walkway. The zenana is shrewdly
designed to provide utmost seclusion and solitude to the Maharaja's queens.
The Fort also has remnants of its rich past and the oldest of ruins dates
back to the 16th century. The fort can be divided into four segments and
there are two ways of reaching - one is by climbing the daunting flight
of steps and the other is by riding on elephant back through the expansive
passageway. The intriguing Jaleb Chowk is the central courtyard and in the
days of yore the victorious royal armed forces were received and greeted
here and presented their war booty to the general public.
Amer Fort Reservation Form