Rajasthan Forts & Monuments

Rajasthan had witnessed a history Rajahs and Maharajahs who left their signs and evidence. These historical forts in Rajasthan are known for their stunning architectural beauty and attract tourists from all over the world. They are much-admired for their amazing and marvelous architectural beauty. The various cities are Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. The Pink City of India, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and have some of the historical forts of Rajasthan. Some major historical places in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, etc. Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City of India, is the second largest city of Rajasthan. It has Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada Memorial and Balsamand Lake & Palace.The City of Lakes of Rajasthan is Udaipur is a beautiful city and the land of splendid palaces. Major palaces in this city include Lake Palace, Jagmandir Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Shiv Prakash Palace, Monsoon Palace, etc. There is a massive fort complex called Kumbhalgarh Fort which is located nearby. Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace are also situated in Bikaner which are also very beautiful palaces. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari are also worth of praise for their beautiful architecture and definitive designs. Laxmi Niwas Palace is also an evidence of beautiful architecture of the Royals.The Golden City of India, Jaisalmer is a major tourist destination of Rajasthan. It has a Golden Fort which is indeed a beautiful palace in Rajasthan and is the only living forts of India. More to mention are the Neemrana Fort & Palace, Bharatpur Lohagarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Kota City Palace, Alwar City Palace, etc are other popular monuments in Rajasthan known for their stunning architectural beauty.

Achalgarh Fort in Mount Abu
Achalgarh fort situated about 11 kilometers north of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty rulers and rebuilt, modernized and named as Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 one of the several forts built during his period in the rule. Achalgarh fort area is entirely surrounded by Mount Abu which is one of the most popular hill stations of North India. It is situated in the mostly desert state of Rajasthan and is often denoted by as an Oasis in the Desert.

Alwar Fort
Alwar Fort is a large fort and also known as Bala Quila which means 'Young Fort'. Located at the top of 300 mar steep cliffs, Alwar fort is facing the Alwar city. This fort is built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550 A.D.Alwar fort is 5 km long and 1.5 km wide and has six historical entrances - Chand Pol, Suraj Pal (named after Raja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur), Jai Pol, Kishan Pol, Andheri Gae and Laxman Pol. Legends says that Pratap Singh, founder of Alwar state entered in the fort through Laxman Pol. Laxman Pol is the only mattled road which connects city and fort.

Amer Fort
Splendidly overlooking the Maota Lake, the Amer Fort in Jaipur (also known as Amber Fort) is located in the Amer Town of Rajasthan, which is just 11 Kms away from the capital of Rajasthan State, Jaipur. The Amer Fort is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and was built by Raja Man Singh I in a high hill and is now, one of the major tourist attractions in the Jaipur area of Rajasthan. The term Amber or Amer is derived from Amba, the Mother Goddess. The Amer Fort has known for its Hindu style of artworks with its large ramps, cobbled paths and a sequence of multiple gates. Amer Fort in Jaipur is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and is known for its grand architecture and rich past.

Kumbhalgarh Fort
Badal Mahal is the highest point in the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Famously known as the 'Palace of Clouds'. It is located at the top of the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Badal Mahal is a two storey palace. The whole building of the palace is parted into two interconnected mahals called the Mardana Mahal and the Zanana Mahal.Badal Mahal has the well-painted rooms which are painted with pastel-coloured murals, representing the period of the 19th century. Place rooms have turquoise, green and white colour schemes on its wall. There are stone jalis in the Zanana Mahal through which queens used to watch ; these jalis were used to see the court proceedings and other main events. These chambers have the creative air conditioning system which is an interesting thing to notice. The system is facilitated with a series of duct pipes which allows cool air into the beautiful rooms, further ventilating them from the bottom.

Barmer Fort
Barmer Fort is one of the most faous tourist attraction in Barmer. The Fort was built by Rawat Bhima in 1552 AD at hillock in present city of Barmer when he shifted his capital from Juna to present city Barmer. He build a fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. The top point of the hill in which the fort is built is about 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. Main entrance of Fort is on North direction, Safety Burg are made on east & west direction. Boundary wall of fort was ordinary due to natural wall protection of hill.
You will find numerous temples surrouding the fort. Of all these temples there are two most famous temples ; Top of the hill is temple of Jogmaya Devi (Garh Mandir) which is situated at height of 1383 & at Height of 500 feet there is Nagnechi Mata temple, Both temples are very famous and have fair during Navratra festivals. Rest area is residence of former royal family of Barmer.

Bassi Fort
Bassi Fort now known as Bassi Fort Palace once used to be the hunting lodge of built by Thakur Jaimal of Sisodia dynasty. Located amidst the serene Vindhyachal Ranges, Bassi fort is now a luxury heritage hotel overlooking the the Orai and Bassi Lakes. The 16th Century home of the Mewar Nobility has been painstakingly restored preserving its old charm, decor and grandeur with, comfort and ambience that will embrace your senses.It has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in history. It is testimony to some of the most heroic deeds of valor and sacrifice. The fort is a Treasure house of History and historical monuments.
The hotel offers 15 well-furnished and tastefully appointed rooms and suites to its guests. All the suits/rooms are spacious with Jharokhas, attached with running hot and cold water, dressing rooms and attractively appointed sitting rooms/ areas the period furniture.

Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort is an ancient fort that dated back to 17th century and was built by Man Singh, who was one of the ministers and (navrathnas) in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort was specially built for Madho Singh II who was the grandson of Man Singh. The fort is a true legend and is well preserved by the Government of Rajasthan very well. But due to many ancient and old Bhangarh Fort incidents the fort has been in the wrong news and called as “haunted”. And due to this there are many scientists and paranormal activists stayed at Bhangarh Fort at night to see if there are any such incidents happen where it has been told that it is a hub of insatiate souls and those may harm normal people.
There is a legal obligatory also mentioned by the Archaeological Survey of India outside the fort that any tourist should not stay nearby the fort after sunset, and the local people also maintain this time punctually for their safety from the fort and its spirits. Many people took a chance to visit here to find out the facts behind the Bhangarh Fort stories and they provided mixed responses about the fort.

Chittorgarh Fort
Listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort also known as Chittor Fort is witness to the bravery of Men and Women of the Rajput dynasty. It is spread over an area of 280 Hectares, on a hill 180 meters high. It is said that the fort was built by the Mauryans in the 7th Century AD. This fort is a fine piece of the great ancient artwork which can surprise you with its first look here. The artwork on the pillars here is so beautiful and fine, it is said that it used to take around 10 years just to script the fine artwork on one pillar. Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one to think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here.

Jaigarh Fort Jaipur
Located on a cape called “Cheel ka Teela” (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravali range of hills, the Jaigarh Fort was erected in 1726, to overlook and protect the Amber Fort of Jaipur. The canon “Jaivana” is one of the numerous attractions of the fort, manufactured in the fort premises; it is the largest canon on wheels of that time (1720). The fort is well covered with walls of red sandstone from all around. There is a separate section in the fort, devoted to displaying the armories of the fort; it features swords, shields, guns, muskets and also a 50 kilograms cannonball. The museum within the campus, displays photographs, stamps etc. from the ancient times. It is also believed that a huge treasury was discovered here and captured by the Government of Rajasthan when the renovation works were carried out at Jaigarh Fort in 1970.

Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer City in Rajasthan, India. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it originates its name. This fort is popularly known as the 'Sone Ka Quila (Golden Fort)' by the local people and is one of the most magnificent monuments in the city of Jaisalmer. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar Desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally called Chintamani Mahal and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century. The Junagarh Fort also known as Bikaner Fort is an unconquerable fortress which has withstood the ravages of time and has remained unconquered. It is among most famous forts in Rajasthan. It is a must visit place in Bikaner. There is also a museum in Junagarh Fort which displays various artifacts anf collections of ancient Bikaner.

Khimsar Fort
Khimsar Fort was constructed by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur in the 16 th century. This yellow-coloured fort is the most popular tourist attraction of Khimsar, located at the edge of the Thar Desert and is an example of Rajputana style of architecture. Originally, the fort was constructed for the purpose of wars, and later on, in the 18th century the royal family shifted into it. Zanana, a special wing exclusively for the royal women was added later. The lawn of the fort is spread over 11 acres, and it further enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Half part of the fort is still occupied by the ancestors of the royal family while the other half has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Kumbhalgarh Fort
Birthplace of the Great Indian Warrior “Maharana Pratap”, Kumbhalgarh Fort finds its development roots in the 15th century and was expanded through the 19th century. This splendid Mewar Fortress is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. The fort of Kumbhalgarh is marvelously erected over a hilltop 1100 Meters above the sea level and is said to house as many as 360 Hindu and Jain temples. You can even see sand dunes of the great Thar Desert from the walls of the Fort. Seven huge gates and ramparts of the fort, just add to its grandeur and its splendor. ‘Badal Mahal’ of the Palace of cloud, right on the top of the Kumbhalgarh fort is one of the most beautiful palaces of the Fort and as its name suggests, it gives you a feeling like wandering in the beautiful, white clouds. It is also noticeable that this fort was not designed by any professional architect, but by Rana Kumbha (of Rajput dynasty) himself.

Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort is a 18th century fort in Bharatpur built by a jat ruler , Maharaja Suraj Mal. Also known as Iron Fort, it is regarded as one of the best forts among various others and one of the strongest ever built in Indian history. There are number of monuments inside the fort which 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 You will also fing huge paintings of elephants ove the gateway. The fort stands proudly, as a living testimony to the chivalry and courage of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.

Mehrangarh Fort
The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest Forts in the country and is situated 400 Feet above the city of Jodhpur, to provide a panoramic view of the whole city. The roots of the fort’s construction are found back in 1459, when Rao Jodha decided to develop this place as the new capital for his kingdom. At that time, this place was known as Bhaurcheeria (Mountain of Birds). The Fort houses a number of palaces inside its premises; these palaces display some of the fine Rajputana art works and carvings on their walls. The museum inside the Fort is one of the most heritage rich museums of the country. The Mehrangarh Fort contains seven huge gates or pols, amongst which the Jayapol (built by Maharaja Man Singh to cherish his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies) and the Fattehpol (built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to cherish the defeat of Mughals) are most famous.

Moti Doongri Fort
Moti Doongri in Jaipur is a small palace which is an imitation of a Scottish castle in Rajasthan. This fort was once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh’s son who was restrained here, it is also known for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Afterwards, it was used as the venue for his innumerable parties attended by the top socialites of his times. The entry is prohibited in the area where Maharani Gayatri Devi used to reside. At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Temple.

Nagaur Fort
Nagaur Fort is a most important tourist attraction in Nagaur city. This 2th century fortress is famous for its large campus and high walls. Rebuilt in 12th century is famous for its high walls and huge campus. Constructed by Nagavanshis in 2nd century and later on renovated by Mohammed Bahlim, a Governor of the Ghaznivites. Nagaur fort has three entrance doors. First one was made of iron and wood spikes to guard against elephant charges and enemy attacks. ‘Beech Ka Pol’ is the second entrance and the last one is ‘Kacheri Pol’. Nagaur fort is such a big fort that it has many palaces, fountains, temples, and beautiful gardens inside and visitors just vows by seeing it.

Nahargarh Fort Jaipur
The Fort of Nahargarh in Jaipur is also a creation of Sawai Raja Jai Singh. Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravali Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath-taking. The interesting part of the fort is the Madhavendra Bhawan, or the Zenana or female rooms are the most extraordinary place in the Nahargarh Fort. Each of these sections of the fort is radiantly best part of the Rajputana architecture and their taste for luxurious life. The nine wives of the king has got separate section that was two stories high. The queen’s quarter occupied the three sides of the rectangular courtyard while the fourth side had the king's apartment.

Neemrana Fort Palace
Neemrana Fort is situated on a fortified plateau spreads over the 10 hectare of land area. Raja Raj Deo chose this scenic site for the construction for a fort which was named after brave local chieftian Nimola Meo. Nimola pleaded after lost his kingdom to Chauhans that his name given to it. Located at 75 km from north of Alwar, it was built in 1464 AD and Raja Dup Raj established its capital from Alwar to Neemrana in 1467 AD. With numerous additions over the years it become bigger and more beautiful. It was converted to a hotel in 1986 and becomes one of the oldest heritage resort.

Ranthambore Fort
Located within the boundaries of the Ranthambore National park, the Ranthambore Fort has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Before India got Independent, the Ranthambore National Park used to serve as the hunting ground for the Kings of Jaipur, because of rich bio-diversity of animals and birds, who lived here. Even today, the 4km2 area of Ranthambore Fort is virtually divided into two sections. Whereas, the Western part of the fort contains many temples and Holy Stambhas, the Eastern part is still considered as a wild area where, a number of species of birds, leopards and Fishing cats etc. are frequently seen. The Ranthambore Fort used to be a place, highly coveted by the rulers of North India, due to its presence in between the trade route of North and Central India.

Roopangarh Fort
Roopangarh Fort is one of the favourite place for those who have some sense of history and want to enjoy Rajasthani culture and history both at te same time. Now converted to a heritage hotel, Maharaja Roop Singh constructed it in 1648 A.D. Known for its unmatched architecture style, Roopangarh Fort also served as the strategic place for the Rajputana movements. Built by best Rajasthan stones and marbles, Roopangarh Fort has a royal decorated interiors.

Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort of Rajasthan is undeniably a renowned fort which stands out for its own identity in Bundi, Rajasthan. Taragarh Fort was the only place to an important generous state when it comes to the Rajput charm and grandeur. Taragarh Fort is a huge fort built in 1354 during the peak of Rajput rulers. It was made the capital of main princely states. This unique fort is accessible by a sharp road connecting up the hillside towards its entrance, which is decorated with wild elephants. The fort consists of huge pools etched out of hard rock and its Bhim Burj, which is the leading of the walls, on which is built up a renowned cannon. An outstanding birdeye of the city from this historical fort is one more attraction among explorers.