Rajasthan is renowned all over the world for its formidable forts and princely palaces. These magnificent masterpieces attract travellers from different parts of the world. To see it once is not enough for them, so tourists come here again and again. Most of these splendid palaces have turned into Heritage Hotels giving tourists a chance to experience the royal living of the erstwhile royalties. Let us take a walk through some of the significant forts and palaces in Rajasthan.
Amber Fort – Jaipur
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Situated atop a hill, Amber Fort offers a panoramic view of the Aaram Bagh, Maotha Lake, the Kesar Kyari and the old historic town down below. A steep uphill path is the approach to the Palace Complex, which is popularly traversed on elephant back. The huge courtyard Jaleb Chowk is the entrance to Shila Mata temple on one end and the Palace on the other. There is a spectacular Diwan-e-Aam and the glass adorned Diwane-e-Khas, the Jas Mandir and Sukh Niwas – all entice the entrants to the famous fort.
Attractions: The Sound And Light show in the Kesar Kyari depicting the magic of the bygone era is worth a watch.
Jaigarh Fort–Jaipur
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The fort is perched on a cliff like a military structure, surrounded by huge battlements. It is also known as the Fort Of Victory and is preserved almost exactly like it was. It contains an armory, a granary, a cannon factory, some temples and a tall watch-tower. The view from the top is expansive and the pink-walled city appears like doll-houses.
Attractions: The biggest attraction here is giant mounted cannon which the tourists explore with a lot of curiosity.
Nahargarh Fort – Jaipur
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Beyond the hills of Jaigarh is the Nahargarh fort. The run-up to the fort is through an uphill road with bends and turns that will topple your tummy. On your way up, you will witness a striking amount of green in the surroundings. The fort has palaces and the suites here are unique because of the classic plaster work called the ‘Arayish’ with a finish as smooth as marble. It is difficult for you to distinguish between the two. The exquisitely carved panels of mythological figures are also a traveller’s delight because he is here to explore the hidden facets of Rajasthan.
Attractions: When you look down into the valley below, you see the gaitor. The ‘Gaitor’, with impressive white canopies, is the funeral ground of the rulers. The most remarkable is the “Cenotaph” of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh.
City Palace – Jaipur
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In the heart of the city is the City Palace, a beautiful blend of the Mughal and Rajput architecture.The ceremonial Tripolia gate is imposing. Visitors enter through the “Mubarak Mahal’ or the ‘Welcome Palace’. Then they proceed to the ‘Maharani Palace’ which has a priceless collection of antique weapons.
Attractions: The city museum has preserved antique pieces of Rajasthani jewellery, enamelware, carpets, miniature paintings, ancient manuscripts and old photographs. Also situated here is the elegant Chandra Mahal–the present day residential complex of the Maharaja. It is however not open for public-viewing.
Chittorgarh Fort – Chittorgarh
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The history of the chivalry of the rulers is depicted in this high walled battle-scarred fort–Chittorgarh Fort. It epitomises the oft-repeated history of the great courage and valour of the Sisodiya rulers of Mewar and also the sacrifices and the strictness of the ‘death before dishonour’ “or ‘jauhar’ that this fort witnessed. This is depicted and glorified in the Rajput fables and legends. The Chittorgarh Fort’s ruined palaces and its dilapidated towers and temples illustrate its turbulent and traumatic past.
Attractions: A sprawling structure situated on a steep hill and set amidst rocky terrains, it leaves the travellers who visit it spellbound and speechless.
Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur
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It is the mightiest and the most majestic fort in Rajasthan. The royal living area now houses the best palace museum in the state. The royal chambers have been painstakingly and skilfully restored to give the viewer a vividly vibrant peek into the royal lifestyles and princely living of the Rajput rulers. A tourists travel diary remains incomplete without a visit to this magnificent and memorable fortress.
Attractions: The ‘Umaid Mahal’ has a splendid collection of miniature paintings.The Daulat Khana with the gold palanquin and the Sileh Khana with its wonderful collection of weapons simply leave us in wonder. The Phool Mahal is the hall of public audience and a must-see.
Junagarh Fort – Bikaner
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This fort in Bikaner stands as a testimony to the unconquered spirit of the Rajput rulers. It is excellently preserved and in perfect state because it was protected by a long stretch of strong sand stone wall and a number of bastions, but most of all by the forbidding sandy expanse of the great Thar desert.
Attractions: There are at least 37 beautifully decorated palaces contained within the fort built by the successive rulers over a period of time.
Sonar Kila – Jaisalmer
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Jaisalmer, the city of sand dunes, is a tourist paradise. The Sonar Kila Fort rises out of the sand dunes like a mesmerising mirage. It stands majestically on the peak of Trikuta hills. It is known to be the largest fort with people residing in it in India. In ancient times, the entire population lived here. Even today many people reside within, with temples, palaces, shops and workplaces all contained in the living Fort.
Attractions: The ramparts are awesome and the balconies give a spectacular view of the township and the rocky landscape that stretches beyond.
Hawa Mahal – Jaipur
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This is an architectural marvel, which stays in our memory long after we leave the palace. This fanciful Palace Of Winds with its pink little wind vanes moving in every direction with the slight gust of wind gave this unique palace its popular name. It was built for the women of the royal household to watch the royal and religious processions without being seen by the commoners .
Attractions: This picturesque five-storied pyramid-like monument is crowned with carved balconies, miniature domes and covered with delicately sculpted stone “Jalis” with an ornate pink facade. It is poetry in stone and a splendorous icon for the city.
Udaipur City palace – Udaipur
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This palace is situated on the scenic shores of the stunning Lake Pichola. It is a masterpiece with the combined magnificence of Rajput military architecture and the Mughal period’s decorative style statement. It is the largest palace in Rajasthan. It is a complex of several palaces, most of which are now converted into super luxurious hotels and a memorable museum.
Attractions: It has a formidable fortress-like facade which cradles hanging carved balconies, crafted cupolas and terrific turrets.
In pics: Have you visited some of these most beautiful places in India yet?
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