Rajasthan Forts and Palaces
Does the beauty of the palaces and royalty of the forts interest you? Do the secret sagas of the forts and places charm you? If yes, then Rajasthan is surely the place for you to be in. Blessed with rich cultural heritage, the incredible land of Rajasthan is a favorite destination of all.
The largest state in India, Rajasthan is located in the North Western part of the country. For long, the state has been retaining and maintaining its century old richness and glory of the stunning monuments, colorful customs and rich traditions. It has been founded that every 4th foreign travelers visiting India, definitely visits Rajasthan. Sand dunes, amazing lakes, wooded hills, rugged forts, beautiful palaces, colorful skirts and turbans, quiet villages, bustling towns, camels, tigers and elephants, scorching sunlight and the cool breeze in the evening are what characterize Rajasthan.
Although home to endless attractions such as wildlife sanctuaries, temples, national parks, sand dunes and desert land, Rajasthan is famous and popular for its forts and palaces, which are truly the epitome of historical treasures.
Forts in Rajasthan: Architectural Pleasures
The Rajput bastions, the royal havelis, the graceful castles and many more have been the abode of courtliness for centuries. Visitors and the guests and even the strangers were greeted with warm hospitality. The Rajasthan forts are undoubtedly the finest manuscripts ever, which spell the tale of the daring and adventurous Rajputs. Experienced than me or you, these magnificent structures are surely the architectural treasures of Rajasthan. The Forts in Rajasthan are the expressions of the bygone period. Come and tour the majestic forts of Rajasthan through our eyes!
- Taragarh Fort
Situated 39 km from Kota, the Taragarh Fort was built in 1354. The fort consists of 3 gateways, Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. In its glorious days, the Taragarh Fort was well-known for its crisscrossing tunnels. Have a look at Bhim Burj, the largest battlement consisting of a canon and huge water reservoirs of stone or pay your homage at the Miran Saheb ki Dargah situated in the fort walls. At the time when Ajmer was dominated by the Mughals, the Taragarh fort served as a military activity center, while in the British period, it was used as a sanitarium. One of the popular attractions of the fort is the tourists can enjoy a bird’s view of the region from the Taragarh Fort, which is beautifully placed on the top of Nagpahari hill in Ajmer. Come and involve yourself in exploring the royal secrets of this wonderful stone structure.
- Amber Fort
Located 11 km away from Jaipur, the Amber fort overlooks the Maotha Lake, which makes the fort even more popular among the tourist. It is wonderful to experience the reflection of the ramparts and the terraces on the water. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the Amber fort is an attractive piece of architecture. While the fort looks craggy and rough from outside, its interior is warm and soothing. The lovely paintings on the walls of the forts portray the Rajput temperament of adventure and revolution.
- Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh fort in Chittorgarh is yet another splendid piece of architecture in Rajasthan. There are several palaces inside the fort such as Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini’s Palace, which are surely a must visit for you. This hilltop citadel of Chittorgarh symbolizes Rajput chivalry.
- Bikaner Fort
Bikaner Fort also known as the Junagarh Fort was established by the Mughal Emperor, Raja Raj Singh. The fort is replete with 37 citadels protecting the fort, several palaces, pavilions, towers and temples. The elegantly beautiful Chandra Mahal is decorated with art works and mirrors. Then there are also the magnificent Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal and the very popular Karan Mahal that was built to honor the victory over Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor.
- Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort or the ‘fort of victory’ is a rough structure constructed in the year 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh. It served as a royal treasury for long. Perched on top of a cliff, the fort is covered with huge battlements replete with walkways providing eye-catching views of the region. Jaivan, the largest cannon of the world can be found here. The supply of water and the storage system in the fort also interests many travelers. Located in the north of Jaipur, the Jaigarh fort comes with a museum and also offers breathtaking view of the region.
- Jaisalmer Fort
The 2nd oldest fort of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort was established in 1156. It comes with 99 citadels. This golden-yellow structure of sandstone is located atop Trikuta Hills. Also known as Sonar Kella, the fort finds reference in legendry film maker Satyajit Ray’s popular film “Sonar Kella”. The fort has been named so because it seems like rising as a mirage from beneath the sands, with its tower pointing at the sky.
Palaces in Rajasthan: Eternal Beauty
Rajasthan, the ‘land of chivalry and romance’, exhibits some wonderful palaces scattered in various corners of Rajasthan. Apart from exemplifying the beautiful craftsmanship, the palaces in Rajasthan also tells us royal stories of the Rajputs. As you take pleasure in the magnificent edifices, they are bound to touch your heart and captivate you with their charm. Let us explore some of the popular palaces in Rajasthan that are sources of eternal beauty.
- City Palace
Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh who founded the city of Jaipur also laid down the foundation of the City Palace. Originally being used for various official purposes the palace at present serves well as a museum. Established in 1959 by Sawai Man Singh II, the museum was previously called Maharaja of Jaipur Museum until 1970 when it was renamed as Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Fine blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the museum draws huge number of tourist from across the globe. It is divided into many buildings and gardens with 2 entrances, Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate.
- Lake Palace
Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan is a mesmerizing structure of white marble that seems to rise out of Lake Pichola and offer you irresistible charm. Maharana Jagat Singh II laid down the foundation of the Lake Palace in 1754. Soaked in immense beauty, Lake Palace comes with sophisticated royalty in the form of its elegantly designed apartments and rooms. Cuspidal arches, pink stones, painted mirrors, fountains, gardens, lotus leaves etc adds to the beauty of Lake Palace. While in Lake Palace, have a look at the Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Phool Mahal Ajjan Niwas, and Dhola Mahal. The best time to visit Lake Palace is during the dawn and the dusk. Enjoy the magical reflection of the palace in the water or go for a boat ride in Lake Pichola but definitely visit Lake Palace for an unforgettable experience.
- Umaid Bhavan Palace
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, with the aim to provide food through work to those who were badly affected by the famine in Rajasthan during 1929-34, Umaid Bhavan Palace offers a beautiful sight. Located atop Chittar Hills, the palace bears the stamps of the Rajpuatana architecture. Also known as Chittar Palace, Umaid Bhavan Palace has large courtyards, terraces and balconies, royal rooms and blossoming gardens. The palace has been divided into 3 parts. One of the parts is used by the grandson of Umaid Singh, Gaj Singh and his family. The 2nd part has been changed to a museum while the 3rd part serves as one of the heritage hotels of Jodhpur.
- Hawa Mahal
Counted among the captivating and gorgeous piece of architecture, the Hawa Mahal located in Jaipur, Rajasthan is there to mesmerize you with its beauty. The blend of fine Rajputana architecture and the splendid Mughal style that can be found in Hawa Mahal speaks for the glorious stories of the royal families. Hawa Mahal is a 5 storied pyramidal portico having 953 windows or “Jharokhas”, beautifully decorated with lattice work. The windows serve in keeping the place cool. The palace is also replete with arched roofs and screened balconies. The ideal time to pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal is during the early mornings when the golden rays of the sun make the palace appear even more beautiful.
How to Reach Rajasthan
You can reach this royal land of Rajasthan through airways, railways and roadways. Three important airports, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur finds place in Rajasthan. Regular flights are operated by major airlines from different cities in India. If you are looking to avail trains in order to reach Rajasthan, then the major railway stations in the state are Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur etc where different trains operate. You can also experience the luxury train journeys in Rajasthan like the “Palace of Wheels” and “Heritage on Wheels”. Different state and national highways links Rajasthan to various parts of India thereby making traveling easier. Since Rajasthan is very hot during the summers, so the ideal time to visit the place is during the winter months.
So what are waiting for? Come and visit Rajasthan and capture the majestic splendor of the palaces and forts.
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