The Ridge & RampartsAmber to Jaigarh Fort Heritage Trek

Ridge & Ramparts is a fascinating experience that takes place in the small & quaint town of Amber, the citadel of the erstwhile rulers of Jaipur. The town is known worldwide for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amber Fort & Palace, but there is a lot more to see beyond this.

The walk was designed keeping in mind the other valuable elements that make the town of Amber more beautiful & historical when we go beyond the forts & palaces.

We kick-start the walk by taking mesmerising pictures of the Amber Fort and its surroundings on the outskirts of the town. Slowly & gradually, the walk winds through the deep valley comprising abandoned temples, beautiful gardens and the walkways of the world's third-longest wall. As the walk starts in the morning, you can also witness Asiatic elephants living harmoniously alongside the local community, who have kept them for ages. It is remarkable to see wildlife & people co-existing so closely. Before approaching the Amber Fort, we take you through Amber town, which has a massive collection of small & large temples, havelis (traditional mansions), water reservoirs, wells, gateways, and local life thriving peacefully. We visit some of the temples, and amongst them stands out the Jagat Shiromani Temple, an architectural wonder constructed in the 16th century. One of the striking features of this temple is its marble arched doorway (toran dwar), carved from a single piece of white marble with detailed, intricate patterns & magnificent statues.

Along the way, make a stop to marvel at the ancient engineering of collecting & storing water in deep-water reservoirs called stepwells. These structures were more like a social hub, allowing local women to complete their daily chores while engaging with their neighbours. Filled with cool water, these impressive structures also provide a pleasant setting for elders to walk, relax & socialise with friends, family & neighbours.

A short but scenic staircase takes us to the Amber Fort to explore & capture panoramic views of the town. Here we can understand the topography and witness some of its other hidden treasures. The palace has four different courtyards, each a distinctive architectural marvel combining elements of Hindu & Mughal architecture. Some of the astonishing structures are Ganesh Pol, Sattais Kacheri, Diwan-e-Aam, Jai Mandir (Mirror Palace), Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasures) & Suhag Mandir.

After visiting the fort, the walk continues to the invincible Jaigarh Fort, a massive defensive structure overlooking the Amber palace, town and its surroundings. Unlike others, we use a secret tunnel designed for the royal family to reach the fort, disguised & protected from invaders. Marvel at the Jaivana cannon, the world's biggest & heaviest cannon, weighing 150 tons, which is said to have been fired just once!

Before coming down, do not forget to see the biggest water storage tank, built for water conservation, & a scenic spot in the charbagh garden of Jaigarh Fort—offering breathtaking views of the Amber Fort, Sagar Lake & the dense forests of the Amber Hills.