The former capital of the state is at Amber, 11 km from the present city. The cream-coloured battlements surmount a rugged ridge of the Aravalli hills, overlooking a large lake below.
The fortress was built in the 16th century, and comprises hundreds of now empty chambers, dungeons, servants' quarters, halls of private and public audience, and delightful enclosed gardens with simple but charming water features. A labyrinth of passages connects the various sections of the palaces, leading you along raised passage ways, through glittering halls of mirrors and emerging into stunning belvederes. Near the entrance to the palace is a small temple devoted to the goddess Kali with solid silver doors.