Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan
Much of the popularity of Rajasthan is attributed to its magnificent forts and palaces.
These forts, built by the famous Rajput kings, feature architectural brilliance,
legends of the past, historical events and offer glimpses of the bygone days. The
forts make up the key tourist attractions in the state. Many of them are located
on hill tops overlooking the towns below. The forts exist as store houses to a number
of other attractions.
Some popular forts and palaces of Rajasthan have been listed and given below:
Amber Fort | Chittorgarh Fort | City
Palace, Jaipur | City Palace, Udaipur |
Hawa Mahal | Jaigarh Fort | Jaisalmer
Fort | Jalore Fort
| Junagarh Fort |
Kumbhalgarh Fort | Lake Palace | Lalgarh
Palace | Lohagarh Fort
| Meherangarh Fort |
Nahargarh Fort | Ranthambhor Fort |
Samode Palace | Taragarh Fort
| Umaid Bhawan Palace |
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The Kachchawahas ruled from Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With
a history so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can
be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the early structures have
either disappeared or ruined, those dating from the16th century on are in a remarkable
state of preservation.
Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include
Man Singh, and Jai Singh I and II. Approached from a steep ramp, visitors ride up
on elephant back, entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing to
Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they disembark from the pachyderm.
From here, they are faced wit two flights of steps, one leading to Shila Mata complex
with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the other to the main palace complex.
Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed
god, Ganesh, takes pride of the place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-i-Am
or hall of the public audience with its spectacular display of pillars.
The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the
Sukh Nivas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly
proportioned landscaping.
A highlight is the pierced screen windows which offer views form points of vantage,
as well as the shimmering mirrors encrusting the walls of the Sheesh Mahal. Several
other gardens and pavilions within the sprawling spread of ramparts offer enough
scope for investigating medieval lifestyles at leisure. ...more on
Amber Fort in Jaipur
Visiting Hours : 0930-1630 Hrs.
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittogarh
According to legends, Bhim, one of the pandava hero, is credited with the original
construction of the fort. Most of the Chittaur attractions are settled inside its
magnificent fort.
This bewitching fort has crinkled labyrinthine of over 1 km, that leads through
all the massive gates. The fort looks massive in structure with the number of gateways
inside it. This splendid fort was originally built by the Maurya Rulers in the 7th
century.
This royal fortress is 180 m tall, hence occupy a large area of 700 acres. The tablets
and the chhatris inside the fort are excellent reminder of Rajput traditions. The
main gates are Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and the Ram Pol.
The fort offers panoramic view from the rooftop, here one can see good views over
the town, country side and the huge cement factory from the western end of the fort,
one can also approach to nearby villages located in a walking distance from the
fort.
City Palace, Jaipur
The City Palace located at the heart of the city best exemplifies the cultural legacy
of the royal past. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture.
While a part of the palace is still occupied by the royal family, there are sections
open to visitors.
The Mubarak Mahal or Palace of Reception houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum.
There are displays of regal costumes that include exquisite and precious fabrics,
rich embroidery and the voluminous clothes worn by the giant Maharaja Sawai Madho
Singh I, who ruled ruled from 1750 to 1768.
The Maharanis Palace interestingly, has a weaponry section with displays dating
as far back as the 15th century in a remarkable state of preservation.
The Diwan-I-Aam and Diwan-I-Khas have exhibits of ancient handwritten manuscripts
of Hindu scriptures, miniature paintings and two of the world's largest sterling
silver vessels that were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from
River Ganga to drink on his voyage to England.
Visiting Hours: 0930-1645 Hours except on holidays and Dussehra-Diwali
City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace complex is actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanis,
the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Building was started
by Maharana Udai Singh II. The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers & cupolas
and there are wonderful views over the lake and the city from the upper terrace.
Main entrance is from northern end through the Baripol of 1600 and the Tripolia
Gate of 1725, with its eight carved marble arches. It was once custom for Maharanis
to be weighed under the gate and their weight in gold or silver distributed to the
populace.
In Badi Chowk , the large rectangular courtyard outside the museum, there are some
shops selling pricey handicrafts and a money exchange facility.
The main part of the palace is now preserved as the City Palace Museum, housing
a large and varied collection of artifacts. Downstairs from the entrance is an armoury
section, sporting a collection of old weapons including a lethal two-prolonged sword.
The Ganesh Deori is the entrance to the museum and leads up to the Rajya Angan,
or Royal courtyard, the very spot where Udai Singh met the sage who told him to
found this city here. The rooms of the museum are extravagantly decorated with mirrors,
tiles and paintings.
In the Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) there is the exquisite glass and mirror work, while
Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of the miniatures.Teh Moti Mahal has beautiful
mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles. The Surya Chopar
has a huge ,ornamental sun-the symbol of mewar dynasty, the origins of which are
traced to the sun.
The Mor Chowk (Peacock Square) has beautiful mosaics of the peacocks, the favourite
Rajasthani bird. In the Bari Mahal there is a fine central garden with good views
over the old city.
More beautiful paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal, which opens onto Laxmi
Chowk; there's a beautiful white pavilion in the center of this square. Note the
large tiger catching cage near Zenana Mahal entrance; a helpless goat of buffalo
would be tied up inside the cage to lure the tiger in-gruesome.
Museum Visiting Hours: 1000 Hrs to 1630 Hrs, Closed on Friday and gazetted holidays.
...more on City Palace in Udaipur
Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds', Jaipur
The construction of Hawa Mahal is credited to Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and dates
back to 1799. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was a thoughtful effort to enable
the ladies of the royal household to look at the outside world.
It was a welcome respite for the ladies of the royal household who had to follow
the purdah system.
Jaipur's Hawa Mahal affords a spectacular view of the Pink City of Jaipur. It is
a five tier structure that comprises of arches, balconies and perforated screens.
There is a lack of embellishment as far as the interior of the building is concerned.
The chambers have nothing gaudy about them and there are passages that would lead
you to the top storey. The openings in the screens are comparable to peepholes which
suggest that the ladies could see the processions and other activities in the street
without being seen by others. As the ladies enjoyed the view outside they were almost
caressed by the cool breeze.
The Jaipur's Hawa Mahal has 953 small casements and each of them is graced by latticed
worked pink windows, small balconies, curved roofs and hanging pelmets. They are
exquisitely sculptured and carved. These small windows prove very effective in circulating
cool air in the hot moths. The structure towers to a height of about 50 feet and
is about a foot in width.
Besides affording a spectacular view of the city, the Jaipur's Hawa Mahal also offers
a panoramic view of the Jantar Mantar. Hawa Mahal looks more beautiful at the break
of dawn when the sun lends it a curious glow.
Visiting Hours: 0930-1600 Hrs.
Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
Jaigarh Fort is one of the few intact forts in the state of Rajasthan. The fort
located some 15 kms from the city centre of Jaipur is one great attraction for the
tourists.
Jaigarh Fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1726. It was built primarily
to enhance the defense of the Amber and the newly built city, at that time - Jaipur.
It is because of this that the fort stands established towards the boundary of the
city. Military genius is quite evident from the construction of the fort. For many
years the fort served as the royal treasury.
Jaigarh Fort situated in the northern region of Jaipur looks more or less like Amber
Fort. The fort stands rooted on a cliff top and hence offers surveillance of larger
land area. Huge battlement can be found surrounding the fort.
The fort looks beautiful at this height, with rich blue sky in the background and
stretched out hills scattered here and there. There are watch towers that provide
stunning views of the city deep down. The fort gives a feeling of a very strong
and adamant protector that is at all times on vigil.
The architectural brilliance is one prime reason for its immense popularity. Jaigarh
Fort was essentially built as a massive military gear. Enormous gateways, battlements,
loopholes for guns and its strong walls are worth the praise.
One of the largest wheeled canons - Jai Bhan, is located within the fort complex.
Besides there are many smaller buildings, compounds and open roof halls located
inside the fort.
The views of the city from the fort are quite inspiring. The fort, as it stands
on a cliff top provides a bird's eye view of the colourful Jaipur city. The water
carriage system is also interesting. A number of water channels, that are fed by
the rain, run through the fort complex.
The museum in the fort complex displays armory gear used during medieval times.
There are swords, shields, muskets, photographs of some dignitaries and more.
Visiting Hours : 0930-1645 Hrs.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and commands
the desertscape from its 250 feet high pedestal on the Trikuta Hill. Three strong
walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai
Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal.
Jali or latticework screens of excellent craftsmanship shade interiors from the
fierce heat and desert winds. The Rang Mahal has some exquisite murals painted on
arches and spandrels. The fort contains one-third of the city's population. Many
houses provide budget accommodation to visitors and have curio shops.
Jaisalmer Fort, as a massive structure, features bastions - at least 99, sky pointing
turrets, strong walls of encampment and the golden yellow sandstone that looks beautiful
from a distance.
Jalore Fort, Jalore
The main attraction of Jalore is its fort, which was one of the 'nine castles of
Maru', under the Parmaras in the 10th century. Jalore retains an impressive fort
which has been known over history as the Sonagir or the 'golden mount'.
It commands the town from a rocky outcrop 336m (1,200 ft) high fortified with a
wall and bastions with cannon mounted upon them. This elevation takes a good two
hours to climb. The main approach to the fort is from the north, up a steep, slippery
road through three rows of fortification to a single rampart wall 6.1m (20 ft) high.
The fort is built on the lines of traditional Hindu architecture. The Main Poles
or Gates Built into the front wall are four mighty gates or pols that lead into
the fort: The Suraj Pol, Dhruv Pol, Bal Pol and the Siroh Pol. The Suraj Pol or
the "Sun gate" is built so that the first rays of the morning sun enter through
this gateway. It is an impressive gate with a small watch tower built over it. The
Dhruv Pol is rather simple looking compared to Suraj Pol.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general
in the army of Mughal emperor Akbar, with embellishments in the form of palaces
and Luxurious suites added by subsequent Maharajas.
This fort has a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. The Surajpol
or the 'Sun Gate' is the main entrance. The palaces within the fort are on the southern
side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, towers and
windows.
A major feature of fort and palaces is the superb quality of stone carving. The
handprints which can be seen close to the Daulatpol commemorate the wives of Rajput
soldiers lost in battles, who committed sati on their husbands' funeral pyres.
Despite that fact Junagarh doesn't command hilltop position, as do some of the Rajasthan's
other grand forts, it is no less imposing and a credit to its planners and architects
has never been conquered.
Visiting Hourse: 1000 - 1630.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand
84 km from Udaipur, Maharana Kumbha built Kumbhalgarh Fort in the 15th century.
It is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Crowning
the Aravalli Hills, the fort is not so easily accessible with seven great gates
that stand guarding its entrance. Just 6 kms, from the Kumbalgarh Sanctuary, this
mighty fort boasts of some great temples and the Badal Mahal or the Cloud Palace,
which gives scenic view of the city.
The Walls of Kumbhalgarh extend over 36 km, which is second-longest continuous wall
after the wall of China
Lake Palace, Udaipur
The largest palace complex of Rajasthan. It is a completely white structure standing
majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls.Started by Udai Singh, this
enormous edifice of 30.4 meters height and 244 meters length was subsequently built
upon by later rulers.
The entrance to this palace is through 'Hathi Pol', along the main street of the
old city. The 'Bara Pol', brings you to the first court which leads into the tripolia
gate, which has eight carved marble arches or torans.
There is a 'Suraj Gokhada', the 'Balcony of Sun'. Where the Maharanas of Mewar in
times of trouble gave an audience to the people to restore their confidence.
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
This palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, is an architectural wonder in the city
of Bikaner. The palace features a medley of Rajputana, Mughal and European architecture
and style of building. Built in red sandstone the palace has been converted into
a grand hotel with spacious rooms and numerous paintings, that makes up the rich
heritage collection.
Visiting Hourse: 1000 - 1700 on all weekdays except on Sunday.
Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur
The Lohagarh Fort, true to its name stood solidly in front of many British attacks,
and frustrated them to ends. It faced the British onslaught four times and after
a long siege they had to withdraw, but Lord Lake, however was successful in capturing
it in 1804.
It is very different from the other forts in state, there is no flamboyance associated
to fort but it generates an aura of strength and magnificence. The fort is surrounded
with moat which was previously filled with water to ward off the enemy attacks.
Some interesting monuments in the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
Moti Mahal and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were erected to commemorate
the victory over the Mughals and the British army . The Gateway has paintings of
huge elephants.
Government Museum is located within the fort complex. This part of the building
is called Kamra Khas. The museum exhibits a rich collection of artifacts and sculptures.
Also displayed are ancient inscriptions and some historical pieces.
Visiting Hours: 1000-1630 (closed on Fridays)
Meherangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of the largest forts in India, the Mehrangarh fort is the pride of Jodhpur.
Situated on a 150 m high hill, this magnificent fort was founded in the year 1469
by Rao Jodha. The fort has seven gates, some of which still stand as a witness to
the battles fought by the armies of Jodhpur.
The fort houses a number of palaces inside, with extensive patios. The main palaces
are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. A museum
also finds a place inside the fort, displaying a rich collection of old royal palanquins,
arms, paintings, costumes, etc. There are also a number of galleries and temples
inside the fort.
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Gracing the rugged ridge of the Aravalli Hills is the Nahargarh Fort build by Sawai
Raja Jai Singh in the second quarter of the eighteenth century. Jaipur was the capital
and the need to boost its defense was a necessity. This explains the presence of
the Nahargarh Fort.
The Fort underwent many alterations and modifications during the reign Sawai Ram
Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. The Nahargarh is a brilliant specimen of fort
architecture.
There is a popular legend associated with the construction of the Nahargarh Fort.
While it was still under construction, the fort was visited by a spirit of a prince
known as Nahar Singh who would disrupt the work and cause delay.
Finally a "tantrik" was called to appease the spirit which agreed to leave but only
on the condition that the fort will be named after him. This is how the Nahargarh
Fort got its name.
Jaipur's Nahargarh Fort is counted as one of the major tourist attractions of the
Pink City. Situated about 6 km north-west of the City Palace, the Jaipur's Nahargarh
Fort offers spectacular views of the city along with the breathtaking view of the
Man Sagar Lake.
Ranthambhor Fort, Sawaimadhopur
The history of Sawai Madhopur revolves around the Ramthambhor fort. Surrounded by
Vindhyas and Aravalis, amidst vast and arid denuded tracts of Rajasthan, lies the
oasis of biomass in an ecological desert.
Ranthambhor’s royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort, built
in 994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 metres above sea level. Ruined pavilions,
walls, chhatris and splendid monuments are interspersed within the majestic fort.
An 8th century A.D. Ganesh temple on an open land attracts thousands of devotees
and is the venue for an annual fair held on. Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi, fourth day
of the bright half, in the month of Bhadra.
There are various places of historical interest inside the fort namely Toran Dwar,
Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, 32 pillared Chhatri, Mosque and the Ganesh Temple.
Samode Palace, Jaipur
The beautiful Samode Palace has been rebuilt and renovated providing a fine example
of the Rajput haveli architecture. The highlight of the building is the exquisite
Diwan-i-Khas, covered with original paintings and mirror work. It is an ideal spot
for outings.
the palace became known for the high quality of its frescos, and particularly in
the use of indigo colours, and the richly painted Durbar Hall. It is only recently
that the fairytale palace was reconverted into a hotel. Samode is situated 45 kms
from Jaipur and is famous for its Samode Palace and Samode Bagh (Garden).
Taragarh Fort, Ajmer
Taragarh or the 'Star Fort', this 12th century fort stands on a hill top and situated
three kilometers and a steep 1 and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra
Mosque. As it is situated on a height, it commands a spectacular view over the city.
The fort was built in the year 1100 A.D., by Ajaypal Chauhan, the town's founder.
The fort was the site of much military activities during Mughal times and was later
used as a sanatorium by the British.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the
Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed
by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh
and took 15 years to complete.
Probably the most surprising thing about this grandiose palace is that it was built
so close to Independence, after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances were
a thing of the past.
Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions in Rajasthan. The building
stands as a grand palace and features gardens, palace halls, balconies, terraces
and more. The palace is built in the sandstone and highlights the typical Rajputana
style.
The complex is divided into three main segments - the heritage hotel, private residence
and the museum. The whole palace complex has as many as 347 rooms. The palace stands
grounded in an area of about 26 acres. Out of these 15 acres are occupied by palace
lawns.