The Majestic Amer: Gateway to Jaipur's Royal Heritage

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [Kripaya menu dekhna chaahun]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूं
  [Kripaya main bhugtan karna chaahun]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimaari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूं
  [Main ... khareedna chaahun]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?समय क्या है?
  [Samay kya hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [Kahaan hai ...?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (....ke liye)]

Amer, originally known as Amber, was founded in the 10th century by the Rajput rulers of the Kachwaha clan. The strategic location of Amer, situated on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake, provided a natural defense and an advantageous position for trade and governance. The fort was constructed during this period, becoming a significant center of power before the establishment of Jaipur.

The Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was commissioned in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, a trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort is renowned for its stunning blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, featuring intricate mirror work, expansive courtyards, and beautiful gardens. It symbolizes the cultural fusion and the power dynamics between the Rajputs and Mughals during this era.

In the early 18th century, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who moved the capital to Jaipur, continued to influence Amer. He invested in the region's infrastructure and culture, promoting arts, science, and architecture. The architectural legacy of this period can still be seen in the palaces and temples scattered throughout the area, showcasing a rich tapestry of local craftsmanship.

As Jaipur became the capital in 1727, Amer experienced a decline in political significance. However, it retained its cultural importance and became a residential area for nobility and scholars. The transition marked a shift in focus, but Amer's historical and architectural richness continued to attract attention, leading to its preservation and tourism in later years.

Today, Amer is a thriving tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to its historical sites, including the Amer Fort and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). Efforts for heritage conservation have been initiated to preserve the unique blend of Rajput and Mughal influences that characterize the neighbourhood. Festivals and cultural events celebrate its rich traditions, ensuring the legacy of Amer remains vibrant.

Amer Fort is located about 11 kilometers from the city center of Jaipur. You can easily reach Amer by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from any part of Jaipur. Local buses also operate from the city to Amer, with the journey taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. For those who prefer a more scenic route, consider renting a bicycle for a leisurely ride through the picturesque surroundings.

Amer is compact and best explored on foot, especially the areas around Amer Fort and the nearby Jaigarh Fort. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for longer distances or when traveling to attractions outside the immediate area. Bicycles can also be rented from various shops in Jaipur, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Amer is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, particularly around the edges of the fort complex. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. The main tourist areas have a low crime rate, but it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for medical emergencies. There are local hospitals and clinics available in Jaipur, with the nearest major hospital being located in the city center. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give your seat to elderly passengers; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Namaste' with palms together; avoid overly casual gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, but always ensure food is freshly prepared; don’t drink tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water.

To experience Amer like a local, visit the bustling markets for authentic Rajasthani handicrafts and spices. Engage with local artisans, who are often eager to share their craft and stories. Take part in cultural experiences, like cooking classes or traditional dance performances, that are occasionally offered in the area. For stunning views, hike up to the nearby Nahargarh Fort at sunset, which is a favorite spot among locals.