Most Beautiful Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan, The State Of The Royals
Rajasthan is the only region in India where a sense of royal grandeur permeates every facet of daily life. Rajasthan has a really regal and majestic vibe about it. The many Havelis, Forts, and Palaces in Rajasthan are testaments to the bravery and valour of the powerful Rajputs. They bear witness to the illustrious past and traditions of the magnificent city, which was the birthplace of numerous fearless heroes.
But some of history's greatest romances and sacrifices are hidden underneath these magnificent and breathtaking architectural marvels. These magnificent forts and palaces each have a distinct history to share. And that contributes to their allure! Rajasthan is renowned for its lavish royal forts as well as its abundant lakes, stunning temples, vibrant fairs, and festivals. Many visitors from near and far travel to Rajasthan each year to explore the royal state and experience its magic. Among the most well-known festivals hosted in the state are the Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Brij Festival, Desert Festival, and Nagaur Festival. The Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are just a few of the renowned wildlife areas that can be found in Rajasthan. However, that is plenty for now. Let's explore some of Rajasthan's most magnificent forts and palaces!
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer,
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh,
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur,
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Kumbhalgarh Fort, near Udaipur,
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur,
Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur,
Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar
Suggested Tour: Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour, Rajasthan Tour Packages
Must Read: Top 10 Destinations for the First Time Traveler to India
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
One of Rajasthan's largest forts is Jaisalmer, also referred to as the "Golden Fort" or "Sonar Quila." It was constructed in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During its heyday, it was the scene of numerous epic fights. It crowns Trikuta Hill and provides a stunning view of the bustling bazaars, opulent Hindu and Jain temples, and the huge Thar.
There are numerous palaces, temples, and housing complexes inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Thus, the size of this fort is only imaginable. The golden castle takes on many colours of gold as the sun's rays hit it between sunrise and sunset, which is a sight to behold.
Location: Jaisalmer Fort
Fort Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: ₹ ₹ 50 for Indians; ₹ 250 for foreigners
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
The oldest and biggest fort in India, Chittorgarh Fort, was built in the seventh century. The walls of this fort, which bears Chittranged Maurya's name, resound with one of history's most heartbreaking legends, Rani Padmini's Jauhar. The Rajputs valiantly defended Rani Padmini's reputation when the Muslim tyrant Alauddin Khilji took control of Chittorgarh Fort because he was enamoured with her. Rani Padmini led all the women and children into the blazing fire while the war raged in the background, thereby permanently preserving both her and the Rajputanas' honour.
It is a stunning fort with seven entrances, the Sun Gate being the main one and featuring excellent sculptures. The Fort is also home to numerous Hindu temples, including the Meerabai, Kalika Mata, and Ganesha temples.
Location: Chittorgarh Fort
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for Indians; ₹ 200 for foreigners
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur
Ranthambore Fort is located in the Ranthambore National Park and is a towering, powerful structure on the Thanbhore Hills. It tells of the heroic legends of the valiant Rajput king of the Chauhan Dynasty, Hammir Dev. The Ranthambore fort, which was constructed in the eleventh century, has lovely cobbled pathways, enormous walls, ramparts, and ditches. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes and lush vegetation.
The Royals loved to hunt near this magnificent fort. The ferocious roars of the Royal Bengal Tiger can still be heard today. The main attractions in Ranthambore Fort include Hammir's Court, Badal Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Dhula Mahal, Ganesha Temple, Shiva Temple, and Ramlalji Temple. A Jain temple honouring Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavnath is also located there.
Location: Ranthambore Fort
Timings: 07:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for Indians; ₹ 70 for foreigners
Suggested Tour: Rajasthan Wildlife Tour Package
Amber Fort, Jaipur
The Amber Fort is a magnificent illustration of Rajput architectural style, rising boldly on the breathtakingly stunning hillocks of the Aravallis. Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha clan constructed this architectural marvel in the town of Amer during the sixteenth century.
Red sandstone was used to construct this magnificent fort, which looks out over Maoti Lake. The Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-I-Am, and Diwan-I-Khas are Amber Fort's most stunning landmarks. While the Sheesh Mahal is entirely made of glass, the Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas are decorated with eye-catching, bold, and detailed artwork. The Sila Devi Temple is located within the fort complex and receives a lot of daily tourists. Raja Man Singh received the temple's idol as a gift after defeating the Raja of Jessore in battle in 1604.
Fort Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: ₹ 100 for Indians; ₹ 50 for students; ₹ 550 for foreigners
Elephant Ride: ₹ 1000 for two people
Kumbhalgarh Fort, near Udaipur
Kumbhalgarh Fort, located in the Aravalli Hills, is proud to have the second-longest wall, behind the Great Wall of China. Maharana Pratap, a legend, was born there. There are roughly 360 temples inside this fort, which has seven entrances. This fort, which looks out over some breathtaking views of steep ravines and verdant forests, is made even more charming by the Thar desert's sand dunes.
Within the Kumbhalgarh Fort are two magnificent palaces: the Kumbha Palace and the Badal Mahal.
Location: Qila Kumbhalgarh
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 15 for Indians; ₹ 200 for foreigners
Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace of Udaipur, constructed between 1743 and 1746 during the reign of Maharaja Jagat Singh II, is the stuff of legends! This palace, which spans a four-acre area on the Jag Niwas Island in the heart of Lake Pichola, offers some breathtaking vistas.
The royal family's summer vacation was the purpose for which this palace was constructed. Its interiors are stunning; the walls are painted with lovely and vibrantly coloured arabesques, while the floors are a timeless monotone. The Taj Hotels and Resorts Palaces bought the Lake Palace in 1971. It was transformed into a resort with 83 opulent and lavish rooms! It is now regarded as one of the most romantic locations by couples who visit on their honeymoon. The Lake Palace was used as a filming site for Hollywood and Bollywood movies including Octopussy and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani due to its splendour.
Location: Lake Palace, Pichola, Udaipur
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 200 for Indians; ₹ 1500 for foreigners
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1798, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces of Rajasthan. The palace looks like a honeycomb and is known for its iconic feature – nine hundred and fifty-three small windows! These windows are what gave the palace its name, the Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds.”
The five-story mansion has been designed in such a manner that creates an air conditioning effect inside the palace using the Venturi Effect. It was built to allow the women to witness all the activities that took place in the busy streets of Jaipur, without being seen! The courtyard, the lovely windows, the beautiful fountain, and the archaeological museum within the Mahal are some of its main attractions.
Location: Badi Choupad, Jaipur
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 50 for Indians; ₹ 200 for foreigners
Junagarh Fort
One of the prominent landmarks in the heart of Bikaner city, the Junagarh Fort is an outstanding example of art, architecture and culture. The composite structure with several palaces, temples and mansions holds a fusion of Mughal, British and Rajasthani style of architecture. Within the baronial fort walls lies the ruins of the old stone fort that was built in 1478 by Maharaja Rao Bika, one of the Rathore clans. Later, under the administration of Raja Rai Singhji, who was an esteemed army general in the court of Emperor Akbar and his son Emperor Jahangir, the construction of the Junagarh Fort was started in 1589 and was completed in 1594. The fort comprises several monuments that reflect the typical Mughal architectural style, the most impressive being the Phool Mahal, which is the oldest part of the fort.
Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; every day
Entry Fee: ₹ 50 for Indians; ₹ 300 for foreigners
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the important historical sites in India which has witnessed several battles against the Jaipur and Bikaner army. The foundation stone of this imposing fort was laid atop a hill by the Rathore ruler Rao Jodha with the help of Rao Nara in 1459. Later it was extended by Jaswant Singh, who ruled between 1638 and 78. The fort is ramped up with a series of seven gates including Jayapol which commemorates the victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies; Fattehpol which marks the defeat of the Mughals; Dedh Kamgra Pol; and Loha Pol hold an important place in the history of Rajasthan.
Location Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur
Timings 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: Indians:- INR 100 per person ₹ 50 for senior citizens, students, Foreigners: INR 600 per person
Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar
The Neemrana Fort Palace, which is perched on a tall hill in Alwar, Rajasthan, provides a stunning perspective of the city. Raja Dup Raj constructed it in 1467, and in 1986 it was converted into a heritage hotel.
The palace, which is about 550 years old, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. The expansive property is filled with exquisitely landscaped courtyards, gardens, and passageways that bring to mind the opulent Rajputana way of life. This historic resort is now a very sought-after weekend escape from Delhi.
Do you need any more motivation to visit the stunning and royal Rajasthan?
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur
Timings: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm; every day
Neemrana fort resorts entry ticket: INR 1,700
