FAMOUS FORTS OF RAJASTHAN YOU SHOULD VISIT

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort, one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan, is the source of several tales of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism. The unassailable stronghold is among the most important locations to discover Rajasthani history. The land of Meera Bai, who swallowed poison rather than abandon her Lord Krishna’s love, Rani Padmini and Karnavati, who jumped into Jauhar’s fire to save dignity, and the valiant actions of Gora Badal and Panna Dhai, is the fort from the 7th century. The romantic stories of Rajasthan breathe life into the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its limits contain many legends from many periods of history when it was besieged. See the stunning sites at Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal, Badal Mahal, Ratan Singh’s Palace, Rana Kumbha Mahal, Rani Padmini’s Palace, etc. As memorials, there are various cenotaphs, the Vijay Stambha, and the Kirti Stambha.

The palace, with its elaborate sculptures, exquisitely painted walls, and breathtaking courtyards, is a magnificent exhibition of Rajput art and culture. Another noteworthy site is the Padmini Palace, which is encircled by water and is purported to have been Queen Padmini’s home. Perched atop a 180-meter hill is Chittorgarh Fort, the biggest fort in both Asia and India. It is one of Rajasthan’s biggest forts, spanning 700 acres. The Mauryas built the fort in the seventh century AD. The Chittorgarh fort, which contains towers, palaces, and temples in addition to 22 bodies of water, is also known as the “water fort.” It is home to the Kirti Stambh and the Vijay Stambh memorial towers. A memorial to the first Jain Tirthankar was constructed at Kirti Stambh. The construction of Vijay Stambh was done to honor the triumph against Mohammed Alauddin Khilji. The fort of Chittor boasts a glorious history, including three sieges and the three times that women and children committed the deed of Jauhar. Rani Padmini led the first one, followed by Rani Karnavati. Heroes of the battlefield Gora and Badal became legends after their historic battle against Allaudin Khalji in 1303 AD.

The government museum is housed at the Fateh Prakash Palace, which is located within the fort. Two notable Indian historical personalities are linked to Chittorgarh: Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap and spiritual poet Meera Bai. When practically all other prominent houses had fallen victim to invasion, Chittorgarh remained the Rajput bastion. Because of this, Rajputs throughout India have a very particular place for it. Another old tradition about Bhima, one of the fabled Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, is connected to Chittorgarh.

It is thought that Bhima traveled to Chittorgarh and enlisted in a saint’s order to discover the keys to eternal life. But as he completed the many rituals, he became agitated and stamped the ground, building a pool of water. This reservoir earned the name Bhimtal over time. Many people still visit the Hindu and Jain revered temples, such as Kalikamata, Adbuthnath, and Kumbha Shyam. Given the rich history surrounding them, the seven gates of Chittorgarh are worthy of notice.

Timings: 9.45 am to 5.15 pm for the museum.

Entry fee: Rs 10 for Indians, Rs 100 for foreigners.

Highlights of Chittorgarh Fort: Kirti Stambha, Vijay Stambha, Padmini’s Palace, Gaumukh Reservoir, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Meera Temple and annual Jauhar Mela

Amer Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort is located in Amer, a town situated 11 kilometers away from Jaipur. Situated on a hill overlooking Maoti Lake, this architectural beauty traces its origins to the 16th Century. Amer Fort is a fort and palace combination that welcomes visitors with traditional Rajasthani music and captivates them with its stunning beauty. The precise carvings and intricate embedding of stones demonstrate that it is a beautifully crafted wonder. Sitting atop a hill in the Aravali Range, Amer Fort is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site like the other hill forts in Rajasthan.

The wonder was constructed by Raja Man Singh from the Kachwaha group. The Raja served as the loyal military leader of the Mughal Empire and was one of Emperor Akbar’s Navratans. Constructed using red sandstone and marble, Amber Fort combines elements of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The stunning features of the Fort include the gorgeous Sheesh Mahal constructed entirely out of glass, as well as the Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas, grand chambers adorned with impressive art. Other attractions include the Sukh Niwas, Sheela Mata Temple, and Kyaris. For a memorable experience, be sure not to overlook the Light and Sound Show at sunset.

The area surrounding Amer Fort is peaceful and lovely, adorned with lush Aravalli mountains, magnificent palaces, and temples. The lavish chambers and detailed mirror decorations of the palace within the fort showcase the wealth of the Rajput kings who lived there in the past. Currently, Amber Fort stands out as one of the top tourist spots in Jaipur. You can ride an elephant from the bottom to the top of the fort for about Rs 900 per person. Over 5000 visitors visit the Amber Fort daily. Amber Fort was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2013.

Timings: The Amber Fort is open on all days from 8 am to 5.30 pm. The best time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months of November to February.

Entry fee: Rs 25 per head for Indians, Rs 200 per head for foreigners.

Highlights of the fort: Elephant rides, incredible view of the city, Diwan-e-khas, Diwan-e-aam, Sukh Niwas and Sheesh Mahal.

Tourist attractions near Amer Fort: Jal Mahal, City Palace Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, and Nahargarh Palace.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Built by Raja Rai Singh in the sixteenth century, this well-known fort near Bikaner combines elements of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to Junagarh Fort by its interior design and artwork. The principal features of this fort are its enormous gates, palaces, and various Jain temples. You may see a lot of interesting architecture here.

Junagarh is one of the most exquisitely built medieval forts in Rajasthan and is well worth a visit. One of the few forts in Rajasthan that isn’t situated atop a ridge is this one near Bikaner. Because of its magnificence, Junagarh Fort captured the hearts of many kings, inspiring numerous attempts to take it. Except for Kamran Mirza, the son of Babar, who succeeded in just one day, no one else did.

Although one of the Rathore clans, Maharaja Rao Bika, constructed the fort’s foundations many years ago in 1571 A.D., the fort has undergone modifications from its many monarchs. It is one of the top 14 forts in Rajasthan because of the blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles, decorations, and artwork. The Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and the enormous fort gates are the sites worth seeing. A museum showcasing the rich legacy and culture of Bikaner is also housed in the fort. The fort’s magnificent stone carvings and elegant latticework will enchant you.

Highlights of Junagarh Fort: Grand gateways, Fort Museum, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Ganga Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal

Entry fee: INR 50 (Indians) | INR 300 (Foreigners)

Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Tourist attractions near Junagarh Fort: National Research Centre on Camel

Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur

The beautiful Ranthambore Fort, rich in history and culture, is situated near Sawai Madhopur, India. Perched on a hill, the fort provides stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Several walls and gates are meant to keep invaders out as you climb the hill. Once you get to the summit, you can explore several interesting structures and temples, including Suraj Pol, Rani Mahal, and Badal Mahal. Additionally, there is a chance that you will see the elusive beautiful tigers that prowl the nearby Ranthambore National Park. Another fort in Rajasthan with access to wildlife is Ranthambore Fort. Considering that Rathmbore is both the largest wildlife sanctuary and the habitat of numerous wildlife species. This abandoned fort was built on two hills, and it is also where you can witness Mughal and British campaigns. You will be mesmerized by the surrounding fauna when you visit this fort, making it an extremely exciting experience.

The Ranthambore Fort is located in Sawai Madhopur’s Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary. These are the earliest traces of Rajasthani royalty, having been constructed in the tenth century by the Nagil Jats. Mostly in ruins, the fort was constructed on two hills. Few buildings are still intact after being subjected to British and Mughal bombardment, as well as the effects of aging.

There are several attractions worth seeing, including Ramlalji Temple, Ganesha Temple, Badal Mahal, Dhula Mahal, Ganesha Temple, Ganesha Temple, and the temples of Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavanath. One may regularly hear the roar of the Royal Bengal Tigers and the call of the wild animals. The calls serve as a reminder that this is their territory—the fort. The fort’s appeal lies in its adventure. Previously the Royalty’s hunting grounds, it is now a free sanctuary for animals.

Ranthambore Fort Timings –

8.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Rao Jodha constructed the highly significant Fort Mehrangarh in Jodhpur during the fifteenth century. This well-known heritage fort in Rajasthan is adorned with opulent palaces, and its royal museum features a collection of weapons, musical instruments, paintings, palanquins, and howdahs. You can learn about a lot of fascinating mysteries and tales surrounding this fort. You may experience everything that royal families use in one place.

Perched atop a rocky hill, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur commands a commanding view of the blue city. This inflexible but intriguing form appears in numerous films, including Awarapan and The Dark Knight Rises. Numerous palaces within the fort showcase exquisite carvings and the characteristic interior design of the princely Rajasthan of bygone eras. Rao Jodha, the Rathore monarch, laid the fort’s foundation back in 1458. Never once was the Citadel of the Sun under siege. Everyone is in awe of the fort, which continues to be unbeatable. Many secrets and controversies remain unsolved.

Its magnificent architecture is not concealed. Admire the magnificent palaces of Daulat Khana, Sileh Khana, Phool Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, and Moti Mahal. The fort is a museum in and of itself, preserving the way of life of the Rathore clan and even the Mughals. You will be astounded by the breathtaking views of the city and the desert from the fort’s ramparts.

Highlights of Mehrangarh Fort: View of the Blue City, seven gates called Pol, museum (housing armory, paintings, documents, etc. ), temples and palaces

Entry fee: INR 70 per person (Indians) | INR 600 per person (Foreigners)

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tourist attractions near MehrangarhFort: Jaswant Thada, Balsamand Lake, Umaid Bhavan Palace, and Kaylana Lake are among the best places to visit in Jodhpur.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

The Thar Desert that surrounds Jaisalmer Fort and its yellow sandstone architecture give it a gold hue that has earned it the nickname “The Golden Fort.” With marketplaces, residences, temples, eateries, a museum, palaces, and other amenities all inside, it is the second-oldest fort in Rajasthan. Within the fort, you can see the entire metropolitan settlement layout in addition to the expansive vistas of the Thar desert. King Rawal Jaisal constructed Jaisalmer Fort, one of the biggest forts in India, in 1156 AD. It is sometimes referred to as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort because it merges with Jaisalmer’s golden desert landscape. Situated in the center of Jodhpur, the fort is perched 76 meters above the city on a hill.

One of the biggest surviving forts in the world, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A maze of winding lanes, elaborate Jain temples, opulent mansions, and vibrant stores displaying fabrics and handicrafts can all be found within the fort. You will be enthralled by the fort’s magnificent grandeur and breathtaking desert vistas. For safety, the three-tiered fort walls retain two primary cannon sites and 99 bastions. A few places to visit are the Shree Nath Palace, the Royal Palace, Vyas Haveli, museums, and temples dedicated to the Hindu and Jain religions.

Highlights of Jaisalmer Fort: Four grand entrances, Royal Palace, Lakshminath Temple, Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre and palaces of the merchants

Entry fee: Entry is free for the fort. However, camera charges (INR 50 for still and INR 100 for video) are applicable for entering Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tourist attractions to visit near Jaisalmer Fort: Bada Bagh and Salim Singh Ki Haveli are two of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.