Needless to reason why you should visit forts in Rajasthan! I mean nothing can over shine the charm of these grandiose…A reflection of creativity and the might of the rulers of Rajasthan, these forts are something that you should set your eyes on when you are travelling to Rajasthan. Here are few forts and palaces that should be in your to do and see list for Rajasthan.
Sunset View of Jaiselmer Fort: Witness Nature’s Best– If given a chance, I can go on bragging about Jaisalmer Fort, which is also known as the Golden Fort or the Sonar Qila. Being one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort can amaze you with the awe-inspiring architecture and let you enjoy some of the best sunset views in Rajasthan. I mean there is nothing better than watching the sun going down from the Bada Bagh Cenotaphs… the feeling is simply indescribable! If in case you are in Jaisalmer, this is one of the things to do in Rajasthan for you!
City Palace and Museum: Stroll in the Royal Alleys-
Located in the heart of the city of Jaipur, City Palace is one of the most important places of tourist interest in Rajasthan. The majestic residence of the royal Kachwaha Rajput clan gives you plenty of reasons to visit this place. You shall fall in love with the architecture and the grandness of this palace and shall be out of words with the rich collection of antiques that this palace showcases in its recently converted museum. The Peacock gate is yet another attraction of City Palace. Visit here to woo yourself with the lifestyle of royals!
Amer Fort: Nothing Short of a Fairyland–
Now this piece is a classic, right from the fairyland! Amer Fort is situated 11kms from Jaipur and is known for its marvelous architecture. Each portion of the palace is exquisitely designed and will leave you awe-inspired! The superlative mirror work inside the palace is the main attraction of Amer Fort. An elephant ride to the gateway of the fort and the evening Light and Music show is what you are going to love here. There is no way that you can miss out on this masterpiece in your Rajasthan tour.
Jal Mahal: Fall in Love with Jaipur– Breathtaking is what anyone who visits Jal Mahal for the first time exclaims AND truly it is! Built in somewhere around 1738, Jal Mahal as the name suggests is situated amidst the Man Sagar Lake. Used earlier as a lavish spot where the Kings and Queens hosted duck hunting parties, you can today as well rediscover the chronicles of golden time here.
Jantar Mantar: Observe the Wonderful Astronomical Heritage- Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s masterpiece indeed! Reflecting his love for science, Jantar Mantar is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. The structure is honoured as the World Heritage Site in India under the criteria III and IV. The lavish observatories have approximately 14 geometric devices that were used for measuring time, tracking constellations and observing the orbits around the sun. If these reasons are not enough, I recommend that you visit Jantar Mantar and experience the charm by yourself.
Nahargarh Fort: Witness the Resplendent Vista of Jaipur–
Another jewel from the lap of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is yet another place to see in Rajasthan. Nahargarh is named after Nahar Singh, who is believed to have haunted the place and hindered the construction of this palace. The legend has it that in order to pacify the spirit of Nahar Singh a temple was constructed in the palace. You shall love the architecture here, the perfect blend of Indo-European style and the surrounding beauty makes this place a treat for tourists in Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort: Celebrate the Victory of Royalty– Reckoned to be the part of Amber Fort, as the fort is believed to be attached with the later through a passage, Jaigarh or Victory Fort is another marvelous example from the book of Rajputs. Visit the Cannon foundry situated inside the fort and also witness the then world’s largest cannon known as Jaivan Cannon here. You shall also love the view from the top of the fort that overlooks the Aravalli Hills.
Ishwari Minar Swarga Sal: Stand Tall and Enjoy the View- If you are somewhere around Tripolia Gate, you can see this structure standing tall! The Ishwari Minar is in fact the tallest building in Jaipur and that is the reason why you should visit it. You can climb up to the top of the minar to get the splendid view of the old city, for which the stairs lay well from the busy market of Chandpol. Trust me, you can’t get a better view of the old city from anywhere else than this!
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Enjoy the Regal Walk- I am not sure how many of us can afford to stay in this palace, which has partly been converted in to a hotel by Taj BUT all I know is that one can certainly pay a day visit to this spectacular regal mansion situated in Jodhpur. You will fall in love with the architecture here as this palace offers an opportunity to a detail tour inside it.
Sheesh Mahal: All that Glitter is Mirror- Why Sheesh Mahal has been mentioned in the list individually when we have already spoken about Amer Fort in Jaipur? Well, the answer is simple! It simply needs special attention! The palace’s interior made largely of mirror, coloured glass and mosaic and with the petite of light the palace starts to glitter spectacularly. Therefore Sheesh Mahal is indeed one place that must be visited in Rajasthan.
Hawa Mahal: Rendezvous with the Royalty- A prominent landmark of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is one place that you have to stop by. Although a part of the City Palace, this edifice needs special mention due to its architecture exceptionality. Relive the experience of watching the streets of Jaipur from here just like the women of the royal family who used to observe everyday life activities from the Jharokhas or Windows here.
Gatore ki Chhatriyan: Where the Royal Lay at Peace– Once a cremation ground for the royals of Rajasthan, at Gatore ki Chhatriyan (Near Nahargarh Fort) you can see another marvel of Rajput architecture. Cenotaphs or Chhatriyan, which are built as a memoir for each royal heir who was cremated here have concreted a fabulous structure that now holds exemplary architectural importance. You shall like queer peace that you experience only here and of course architecture does not fail this structure as well.
Chittorgarh Fort: the Rajput’s Masterpiece– Considered one of the largest forts in India, the majesty of Chittorgarh Fort can by no means be ignored. This is one of the prime heritage sites in Rajasthan and is known for architectural grandeur and the massive structures …Truly the ROYAL reflection of Rajasthan!