The 16th-century Amber Fort in Jaipur has now been opened for viewing at night to promote night tourism in the city.
‘Amber by Night,’ initiated recently by the Department of Art and Culture, presents a spectacular and mesmerising view as sombre lights illuminate it in various intensities. Different hues of coloured light lend a new perspective to the fort’s ambience and elegance.
Open from 7 pm till 10 pm, ‘Amber by Night’ offers a vibrant tour of Jaleb Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam, Mansingh Mahal and Sheesh Mahal to the visitors. The facility is enhanced with lights, fixtures, additional security and a café to provide a fulfilling experience to the visitors.
According to Pankaj Dharendra, Superintendent of the Fort, the concept has received a good response with over 200 visitors every night. Some other monuments will also be opened for night viewing in the Pink City shortly.
With the extremely high daytime temperatures, night tourism will add a new dimension to tourism in the city. “With restaurants and coffee shops, it will be quite an experience not only for foreigners but also domestic tourists who come through the year and Amber Fort is definitely an attraction,” he told The Hindu . “The serene settings in the night are an experience unlike in the day when visitors are busy clicking photographs. Evenings are quite and peaceful,” he explained. Only some parts of the Fort are open at night as of now.
He said adequate security arrangements have been made for the visitors, particularly the aged and physically handicapped and power back up facilities. Last year, the footfall had been more than 14 lakh.
With the Vasundhara government's focus on tourism promotion and heritage conservation, the government will introduce Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Bill in the ongoing Assembly session.
As per the Bill’s provisions, the government can declare any heritage property as protected on the basis of its social, cultural, and historical importance. This will include private property in which case the government will enter into an agreement with the owner.
A State Heritage Council will also be set up under the Bill which will identify heritage properties in the State and make conservation and management rules for these.
