Introduction
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is known the world over for its exquisite forts and palaces. These imposing structures are a testimony to the aesthetic sense that the monarchs of yore had and the luxurious lifestyle they led. One such structure is the Amber Palace which is situated at Amber, the one-time capital of the Kachhwaha rulers. Apart from feasting your eyes and experiencing the stunning architecture, you can also indulge in an elephant safari which is a major draw for tourists here.

History
Tourists find it really surprising to know that the Amber Palace was built over a period of two centuries. The palace was constructed by Raja Mansingh I, who served as a commander in Mughal emperor Akbar army. Though the construction began in 1592, it took almost 200 years to finish. The efforts of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh finally led to the completion of this grand edifice.

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Architecture
Those who have developed a taste for art and architecture would surely like their visit to the Amber Palace. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the palace typifies the blend of the Mughal and the Hindu architectural styles. Fine mouldings, intricate carvings and the sculptural work inside are worth seeing for all.

As you enter the palace complex and start exploring, you will come across numerous gateways, gardens, halls, stairways, pavillions, temples and palaces. Dil-e-Aram Garden serves as the entrance to the palace. Once you are inside the garden, climb up a flight of steps to get to the Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience. The latticed galleries and the sculpted columns are worth noticing. To your right are steps that take you to the Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Next, arrive at the embellished Ganesh Pol to view the emperor's apartments. The Jai Mandir or the Hall of Victory showcases some nice stucco work and inlaid panelling. The Diwan-e-Khas, the Hall of the Private Audience, is also known for its extensive ornamentation.

Other must-see sights inside the complex include the Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Shila Mata Temple and the Kesar Kyari.

Nearby Attractions
Apart from the Amber Palace, the city of Jaipur has a number of other sites that you should not ignore if you wish to truly soak up the historical charm of the place. The city offers to see such famous sights as the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar (Observatory) and the Sawai Mansingh Museum.

Reaching There
Tourists can undertake an air-journey to Jaipur from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad and Varanasi. Rail routes of the city link it with all the major destinations of the country. You can also avail of regular bus services to reach Jaipur from different parts of the state and other places like Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai.

The palace stands at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur. You can take a bus or a taxi to reach the Gate of Victory, Amer. From here, a 10-minute steep climb takes you to the Amber Palace.

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