Last updated: 8 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
There are three ways up to Amber Fort: an elephant ride, a jeep or your own feet. The elephant ride is the classic choice, but it runs only in the morning. The jeep works all day, and the walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Here is how each option works, so you can choose the elephant ride or jeep to Amber Fort with confidence.
Three Ways to Reach Amber Fort
- Elephant ride: about 15 to 20 minutes from the elephant stand at the base up to the fort. Mornings only.
- Jeep: a quick ride up a road to the fort, available through the day.
- Walk: about 15 to 20 minutes on a cobbled path with views over Maota Lake.
Amber Fort itself is one of Rajasthan's most visited sights. You can read about its history on the official Rajasthan Tourism website.
The Elephant Ride: What to Expect
The elephant meets you at the elephant stand at the foot of the hill and carries you up to the fort. The ride lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Who can ride: 2 adults per elephant. Children aged 2 and above can ride too.
- Cost: ₹2,500 per elephant.
- Booking: Amber Fort rides are booked on the spot at the elephant stand, not in advance.
Riding slowly through the old gateways is a very different feeling from arriving by car. It is a slow, memorable way to arrive, just as royal visitors once did.
Elephant Ride Timings by Season
The ride runs every month, but only in the morning, so plan your day around it.
- Summer season: 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Winter season: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
- Navratri: rides stop during Navratri because of the festival at the Shila Mata temple inside the fort. In 2026, the autumn Navratri runs from 11 to 19 October.
If you arrive after the ride closes, take the jeep or walk up instead. Planning a visit around Navratri? Contact us first and we will confirm the ride days.
The Jeep: What to Expect
Jeeps leave from the parking area at the base and drive up a road to the fort. The ride is short, and jeeps run through the day, so this is the easiest option after the morning.
Agree the fare at the counter before you get in. A jeep also suits travellers with limited mobility who would find the path or the ride tiring.
Walking Up to Amber Fort
The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes on a cobbled path. It is free, the views over Maota Lake are lovely, and you can stop for photos whenever you like.
Go early in the morning if you plan to walk. The path is sunny, and the climb feels much harder in the midday heat.
Elephant Ride or Jeep: Which Is Right for You?
- Once-in-a-lifetime moment: the elephant ride, if you can arrive in the morning.
- Arriving after late morning: the jeep.
- Fit travellers on a budget: the walk, early in the day.
- Families with young children: the elephant ride with an adult beside each child, or the jeep.
- Limited mobility: the jeep.
About Our Elephants
Not every elephant gives rides. At Elefriendride, only some of our younger, fitter elephants do the Amber Fort ride, and each elephant works only 3 to 4 hours a day.
Every elephant has its own mahout, who stays with it around the clock, and a vet checks each elephant every month. We answer the common questions openly in Is elephant riding in Jaipur ethical?
Prefer Time With Elephants Instead?
If you would rather spend longer with elephants, visit our sanctuary, 10 to 15 km from Jaipur city centre. Feeding, painting, walking and safari are included, and bathing runs from March to October.
A ride at the sanctuary lasts about 30 to 35 minutes and is booked in advance. See our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page for the full visit.
Plan Your Amber Fort Morning
For full details of the ride, see our elephant ride at Amber Fort page, or explore every option for an elephant ride in Jaipur.
Coming from Delhi? Our guide to Delhi to Jaipur shows how to arrive in time for a morning at Amber Fort.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Come early, ride up like royalty, and keep a little time for our elephants at the sanctuary. See you at the elephant stand!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur