Rajasthan is a land of forts and palaces. Built on high hilltops, in the middle of enormous deserts, and on islands in lakes, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan India, showcase the architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Many of these Rajasthan forts and palaces look rugged and rough from their exteriors; the interiors take you to an altogether different world. Surprises are the second name of these architectural marvels, which are the Rajasthan forts and palaces spread throughout Rajasthan India.
Make sure while you are on a journey to the eternal land of Rajasthan to stay in any of these Rajasthan forts and palaces, as many of these places are again regaining their past glory. Popularly known as the Heritage Hotels, these places are a blend of the royal past and modern world, which you can see on tours to Rajasthan India.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber, situated 11 kilometers from Jaipur, was the capital of the Kachhawaha clan for over six centuries before being shifted to present day Jaipur. According to popular belief, the town was originally labeled as ‘Ambikishwara’, other name of Lord Shiva. ‘Ambikishwara’ later got abridged as ‘Ambiner’ and even further as ‘Amber’.
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort placed at a distance of about 113 km from Udaipur, was built by brawny Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata). The Chittorgarh Fort is a hulking construction poised on a 180m tall hillock unfolding over 280-hectares. The fort includes loads of palaces such as Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini's Palace.
Golden fort or Sonar Kila, Jaisalmer
It is situated in Jaisalmer. Bhatti Chief Jaisal laid the foundation of the fort in 1156 A.D on Trikuta hill. The fort is also called Sonar Kila or Golden Fort because it is made up of yellow sandstone and seems to ignite into a golden flame when scorched by the desert sun.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is located on the top of the hill, by the name of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). Situated around 15kms from Jaipur the Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh II. It stands balanced on a precipice delimited by enormous parapets with secret tunnels and walkways. Jaigarh fort also has several palaces, temples which include the 10th century temple of Ram Harihar and the 12th century temple of Kal Bhairav, tall towers, gardens, a huge granary and above all well-planned cannon.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, locally identified as Sonar Quila is a dominating edifice amidst the golden hued Rajasthan sands. Sited right in the core of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort stands steadfastly on the world tourism map. The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort dates back to over 800 years and sophisticatedly garnish the Trikuta Hill.
Junagarh Fort
Built in the 15th century by Raja Rai Singh (one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar), Junagarh Fort is one of the most arresting forts of Northern India. The fort is an epitome of the expertise of the Rajputs in art and architecture complimented by stories of their valor and forfeit.
Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort or Iron Fort was built in the early 18th century by the Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal, the founder of Bharatpur. The Lohagarh fort is a lively corroboration to the knight-errantry and fortitude of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur. The fort is circumscribed and guarded by deep moats and derives its name from these invulnerable defenses.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest and most magnificent forts in India. It was instituted by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler in 1459 on a 150 m tall hill. According to historical accounts, Rao Jodha in the year 1458 was in pursuit for a safe location to establish his new capital.
Taragarh Fort, Kota
Erected in 1354 at a distance of approximately 39 km from Kota, Taragarh Fort is set in the scintillating milieu of undulating hills, exotic lakes and crystal clear water reservoirs. A precipitous route up the hillside leads to the gargantuan entrance of the Taragarh fort ornamented by conscientious carvings of elephants.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fortress after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. This massive fort has battlements extending 5 km from east towards the west and plunks 304 meters above the city and 595 meters above the sea level. Historians suggest that Mughal Emperor Babar spent a night at this fort, captured the hidden treasures and gifted them to his son, Humayun. Akbar's son, Jahangir had also lodged here for some time during his exile in a place now called Salim Mahal.
Luni Fort
Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved latticework friezes and intricate "Jharokas", it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age.
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