Rajasthan, the land of desert, is very famous and popular for its palaces and forts. It is also famous as one of the most haunted places in India and has richness in cultural heritage. It depends on you what you want to see in Rajasthan as it has everything like forts & palaces, adventure, culture & heritage and wildlife to offer you and makes your trip enjoyable and memorable. In this write up, I am going to briefly mention the top 10 palaces and forts that you can visit in your tour to Rajasthan.
1. Jaigarh Fort
Located near Amber in Jaipur (Rajsthan), the Jaigarh Fort is the most favorite visiting place for those who are on their Rajasthan tour and is known as “Cheel ka teela”. Jaigarh literary means ‘Victory Fort’ was constructed between 15th to 18th centuries and is 15 kilometers far away from the city of Jaipur. As a major weapon manufacturing center in the contemporary period, it has some military structures of medieval India, a granary, a well-planned canon foundry, a tall tower, palaces, several temples, etc. Visit the fort to know the Medieval India.
2. Hawa Mahal
Situated inside the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal is one of the best known landmarks of Jaipur (Rajasthan) and can be seen from the road outside. It is a five-storey building and is a mesmerizing example of Rajput architecture & artistry. The building has 953 pink sandstone windows that are known as jharokha.
3. City Palace
The City Palace offers a perfect combination of Rajput & Mughal architecture and an opportunity to see the ex-royal family which is still living in a party of this palace. Visiting the palace, you will have opportunity to view of an extensive range of royal costumes, some very precious & exquisite Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Sanganeri prints, Benaras silk saris and folk embroidery.
4. Amber Fort
Located just 11 kilometers away from Jaipur, the Amber Fort was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh and Mirja Raja Jai Singh. Having magnificent aura, the fort is classic romantic fort palace due to expressive painting scenes with carvings, mirror settings and precious stones. Further, the fort has the Maota Lake which offers breathtaking vista and its information encourages the tourists to include the fort in their Rajasthan trip.
5. Chittorgarh Fort
Located on the 180 meter high hill, the Chittorgarh Fort spread over the land of 240 hectares represents the Rajputana spirit, pride, valor and romance. The fort has a series of historical palaces, temples, gates and two prominent commemoration towers that draw numerous tourists to visit.
6. Bhangarh Fort
Located in the ruined city of Bhangarh, the Bhangarh Fort is very popular as a haunted place. The fort encloses cenotaphs, temples and havelis. From this fort, you will have a stunning view of Ajmeri Gate, Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate and Phulbari Gate.
7. Nahargarh Fort
Located on the ridge of Aravali Hills, the Nahargarh Fort was constructed in 1734 and expanded in 1868 and looks most elegant the lights are on at night. The rooms of this fort are interlinked by corridors and preserve some delicate frescoes along with toilets and kitchen hearths.
8. Jaisalmer Fort
Popularly known as Golden Fort or Sonal Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort has a fairy tale appearance at the sun setting time. The fort has several havelis decorated with ceilings, walls and intricate interiors. Having an eager to know the history of 12th century can encourage you to include this fort in your Rajasthan tour.
9. Mehrangarh Fort
Located on a 150 meter high hill, the Mehrangarh Fort is magnificent and formidable fort in Rajasthan. Visiting the fort, you will see the scars of canon ball hit by attacking Jaipur armies on the second gate. It also contains the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda who fell on the spot while defending the fort from the armies of Amber.
10. Taragarh Fort
The Taragarh Fort stands guarding the city of Ajmer, Rajasthan. This fort has six gates and Miran Saheb ki Dargah. It gives a stunning view of the city – located in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges. This fort has immense historical and archaeological importance.
Great list of Rajasthan tour. I’ll visit the haunted place, the Bhangarh Fort