Learn about the top 10 forts in Rajasthan, their stunning architecture, and the culture of the Rajasthan Kingdom. Discover how to get to these places and the splendid scenery of Rajput palaces, which have a magnificent importance in the art and history of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is located in Northern India, covering 10.4 per cent of the geographical area of India state. The border lines of this capital touch with the Pakistan border and this city has 7th rank in India by its population as well as its largest city of India due to its area. This city is famous for tourists. Forts and palaces, temples, lakes, and deserts are integral points of attraction to visit. The Thar Desert is the largest Desert located in this city. The old name of Rajasthan was Rajputana, which means ruled by Rajputs. Rajput kings ruled this, so they built their hill forts and palaces here, which the Rajasthani government still maintains. Visitors come from across the world to visit these points and learn about the history of these buildings. Forts have magnificent importance in the heritage and culture of Rajasthan as they depict the culture and architectural style of the Old Era.
This guide will help you explore the top 10 forts in Rajasthan, which enhance the glorious beauty of Rajasthan with their splendid scenery and peaceful environment. Among these forts, Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Junagadh Fort, Junagadh Fort, Taragarh Fort, Galore Fort are the most up-listed forts in Rajasthan, and here we will mention the details related these points one by one. These complex forts are famous for their magnificent heritage and hidden tunnels. Most of these forts were constructed between 1300-1500 AD. These were designed to show wealth and for defence purposes, which show the glory of kings of that time. Forts are significant because if one rules over a fort, he can control and rule over the land or surroundings.
Amer Fort
Amer Fort is situated in Amer, a 4 square kilometre town in Rajasthan. This Fort is well known for its hilltop architectural style. The Fort was built in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh and depicts the Mughal architectural style. The Fort overlooks Malta Lake, which was a source of water supply for the Fort; marble and red sandstones are used in constructing the fort walls to make it solid and thick. As this Fort was built to protect Amer from its enemies, underground hidden tunnels were also developed, which connected Amer Fort with Jaigarh Fortis and are now open for public visit. The model of the Fort stands on 40 pillars, which make it distinct from other forts.
Diwan e aam, diwan e Khas, Seesh Mahal, and elephant rides are primary sources of enjoyment for visitors. The garden in the Fort is designed in a hexagonal structure and depicts the Persian and Mughal style geometric patterns. The park was created in Maota Lake to admire the harem ladies above all. Elephant ride in the Fort starts from the parking area and ends in the courtyard, which takes 10 to 20 minutes for a total ride. It is a joyful experience, and have fun in it. Light and sound show also becomes the mode of enjoyment for tourists, which starts in the evening. As Rajasthan high temperatures area, the winter season is best to visit these areas. The light and sound show begins in the evening and lasts 52 minutes from October to February. It starts at 7: 30 pm. Still, from March to April, it continues from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; the tickets for this show are also affordable, which is 295, including GST. Still, children below seven years are free to enter, so you should visit the Fort in the evening, and a guide must accompany you to guide and explore the Fort effectively.
Timing
- 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Everyday)
Entry Fee
- Rs. 25 Per Person For Indian
- Rs. 200 per person for foreign tourist
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, stretched around 1200 acre and a hilltop fort. This for was built in 17th century 1459c by ruler Rao Jodha. The majestic beauty of the Fort is revealed in its architectural style, which has a history of 550 years because rulers have altered it over time according to the construction techniques of their respective times. The walls of this Fort are massively thick and high as the width of the walls is 69, and the height is 118 feet. The Fort has seven gates, one of them named jai pol, which Raja Man Singh constructed to commemorate his victories in Jaipur City and Bikaner’s army in 1806. Moti Mahal, Pool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, Adulation Khana are some Palace which were built in Fort
The Palace is not just a building to visit; many activities are there to engage you. A museum is established in Fort which carries t-shirts, jewellery, bags, caps, books, perfumes and many other handcrafted things which you can buy directly from museum or book online. Regional artists perform folk music and dance at the front entry door. From the top of Fort, you can enjoy splendid scenery and exotic views of Jaipur and Pakistan. Chamunda Mataji temple is also in Fort, which tourists visit. Zip line adventure is also a source of attraction because 300 meters of zip line of different heights and lengths stretched in Fort and charged 1650 by adults and 1450 for children to experience this thrilling activity. This adventure is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but morning hours are best to experience the beauty of Rajasthan.
Timing
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Everyday)
Entry Fee
- Rs. 60 Per Person For Indian
- Rs. 400 per person for foreign tourist
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest Fort of Rajasthan, situated in Jaisalmer city. The city is also called the Golden City of India due to the yellow sandstones used in constructing the Fort and some in town. These stones shine in the sunlight and present a fascinating beauty of Jaisalmer. The Fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal at a height of 250ft from the countryside. The Fort has four gates, which are used to visit by tourists, and 7 Jain temples in it. Numerous merchant havelis were also constructed in Fort by wealthy merchants. Some of these were later converted into old museums, but a few are still maintained and lived by the people who built them.
Jaisalmer Fort has 50 rupees for entry for Indians, but foreigners have to pay 250 per person to enter the Fort. Camel safari is an adventurous activity for visitors who visit the Fort as this Fort is situated in the Thar desert, so camel ride is available in the dunes of the Desert. You can avail of this chance from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then in the evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The owners charge 500 per person for a camel ride. During the day, the temperature of the Desert increases, so visitors have to wear full sleeves to prevent sunburn, and you should also wear sports shoes, but at night, the temperature falls, so you have to take a moderate shawl or jacket with you. You can also try camping in the dunes or stay at the nearest accommodation of Jaisalmer Fort.
Timing
- 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Everyday)
Entry Fee
- Rs. 50 Per Person For Indian
- Rs. 250 per person for foreign tourist
Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is situated in Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, district of Rajasthan. Ranthambore is known for the land of tigers. The Fort was constructed in 944 AD at the top of two mountains, which join together at a point. Thus, the Fort is also famous for hill forts as this is 481 ft. high from sea level. This Fort is surrounded by dense forest and stretches about 4 miles. As with time, many of its constructions were ruined, but still, it shows the glory of its time. In Fort, there are Palaces, cenotaphs, tanks, and temples. By parking your car in a parking area, you have to walk 200 steps to reach the top of the Fort from where the park’s beauty can be enjoyed.
Ganesh temple, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court are the objects of attraction for tourists. Ganesh temple is designed in the Fort where people write letters to Ganesh, which are posted daily by local postmen. The Fort has seven gates for entry and a badal mahal called the Palace of Clouds; though it is a ruin today, its beauty can be felt by its walls, which stand with full glory. The Fort is lying in Ranthambore National Park, so history keeners visit the Fort as nature lovers also come to view the park’s beauty. Wildlife can also be observed in the forests surrounding the Fort. The voices of eagles and other wild animals can be heard on top of Fort. It would be best to visit the Fort from October to March as it is best to see these areas in this season. The Fort has no entry fee and opens from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so visitors must visit during the park’s opening hours from July to September. The park is closed, so only the Fort can be called as Madhopur has no airport but is connected with Jaipur airport’s bus network. Book online Ranthambore jungle safari controlled by the government. The ride will pick you up and drop you from your hotel. As well as you can also book your desired hotel by online booking.
Timing
- 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (Everyday)
Entry Fee
- Rs. 15 Per Person For Indian adult
- Rs. 10 Per Person For Indian Children
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is located on 180 meters 180-meter-high hill of Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar, Rajasthan. This Fort is the largest in India and Asia. Numerous monuments and towers were built by rulers in this Fort, such as Vijay Stambh, Kriti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, and Meera temple, which are historic buildings that have become the centre points of attention for tourists. The Fort is not a leisure hub, but you can buy many precious things like camel leather jutis, Thewa Jewellery and wooden painted toys inside the Fort. This Fort opens for tourists from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vijay Stambh is one of the towers of Fort, which means the Tower of Victory. This tower was established to celebrate the Victory of kings against their enemies of that time. This nine-storey tower has many sculptures and carvings on the outside walls, and you have to cross 157 steps to reach the top of the tower. Many paintings of weapons and gods are kept inside the tower. Kriti Stambh symbolically evokes the Tower of Fame. Rana Kumbha Palace was built near Vijay Stambh. This Palace is famous due to the place of Maharana Udai Singh. Padmini palace is renowned due to its story, according to which Alau Khilji, ruler of the set a mirror in his Palace in that direction that he can see Padmini princess. The fort management charged 25 rupees for children and 50 for adults from Indians. You can visit this Fort in Mewar by the nearest railway station of Chanderiyon.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort, another example of ancient history, is located at Aravalli Hills Udaipur, Rajasthan. The outside wall of this Fort is the Great Wall of India, which is 84 meters high and 36 kilometres long. There are approximately 70 temples inside the Fort relevant to Jains and Hindus. Shiva temple is the most visited temple of this Fort. When you enter Ram Pole in Fort, you can observe a 500-year-old ancient Shiva temple. This temple indicates the old Indian architectural heritage in style. As forests surround the Fort, you can enjoy the greenery and beauty of nature from the top of the Fort.
The Fort is famous for being the birthplace of the legendary Indian king Maharana Pratap. Outside the temple, a light and sound show is presented in the evening, so you should visit this place to enjoy its beauty. The Fort is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so this duration is hectic for tourists. Like other forts, this should also be visited in the winter season so you can enjoy the relaxed and pleasant weather of this place.
Junagarh Fort
Junahgarh is an excellent tourist attraction in Bikaner city, Rajasthan. Karen Chand, the prime minister of Raja Rai Sing, inaugurated the construction of this Fort. Like other forts of Rajasthan, this Fort is not built at hilltop. This building is the finest example of Rajput architecture blended with Gujarati and Mughal architectural styles. This Fort was constructed with red stones, which were brought from Jodhpur.
Anup Mahal, Mahal Parchina and the audio guide facility is the source of attraction to visit the location. Anup Mahal was used as an administrative headquarters of the kingdom. Italian tiles are Engraved on the walls of the Mahal, and art of different eras is painted on windows to make it distinct from other buildings. Later on, the extension of Anup Mahal was planned, and this extension was named Badal Mahal. .wooden swords, saws and paintings were kept in this Mahal, which depict the lives of kings and Queens of Fort. The opening hours of this Fort are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and local guides are available on entry at very reasonable prices, so non-Indians must hire them so that they can guide them about the Fort explicitly.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is placed on a top hill named Cheel ka Teela from the Aravalli range. This Fort is 500ft from sea level and was built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1725. The Fort was developed to protect the Amer Fort of Amer in Jaipur and overlooks Amer Fort and Maota Lake. The Fort is also known as Victory, and the same material used in Amer fort is used here: red sandstones. This tourism point is mainly known for featuring the world’s giant cannon. Jaivana cannon is placed at the Dungar gate of the Palace.
At the left of Awami gate lies the Museum of Fort, which showcases photographs of Jaipur’s royalty, spittoon, stamps and hand-drawn architectural designs of the Palace by artists of that time. Water reservoirs are also a main attraction in Fort, which depicts the water reservation technology of kings and the maximum utilization of these resources. Three water tanks were installed in Fort, connected with different lakes and canals on hills. Every drop of this stored water was valuable and helpful in war or drought. The visiting hours of this Fort are 9 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m., and entry charges are 150 for Indians but 200 for foreign visitors. Students can get discounts by showing their ID cards. Due to its curving paths, a bus will drop you 5km away from the Fort, and you have to reach on your feet, so the best way to access the Fort is by hiring a cab, taxi or auto.
Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort was established in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Fort is perched on the steep hillside of Ajmer and was built by Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 11th century. This appealing visit point is impressive in its architectural heritage and depicts the Rajasthani style of architecture. The Fort is famous for its spectacular tunnels, designed to hide out for escape from invasion by foreigners and Turkish. Three gateways are built to connect the Fort. The Fort was used as a military centre during the rule of the Mughals to run their army smoothly.
Bheem Burj, Garbha Gunjan and Rani Mahal are the attractions of this Fort. Rani Mahal is a fine piece of art and history. The view of the sunset will mesmerize you from this Mahal. Garbha Gunjan and Bhim Burj is a stone tower in Fort, and Garbha Gunjan is the most extensive canon on the wheel under the Bhim Burj tower. This cannon is the 2nd largest cannon in India. You can access Fort from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; any 25 rupees will be charged as an entry fee. A guide can help you explore the fascinating beauty of Fort, and the points worth visiting can be seen under guide instructions more effectively. Amigo Mango Garden Restaurant and Desert Rose Cafe are the nearest restaurants to Fort.
Jalore Fort
Jalore is a small town in the state of Rajasthan, and the main attraction is Jalore Fort, an exquisite example of ancient architecture style. This Fort was built in between 8 to 10 centuries. The Fort is well known for its massive gates and bastions. Four main gates are set to enter the Fort: Dhruv pol, Suraj pol, Siron pol, and Bal pol. Suraj pol is also known as sun pol because this pol is designed in such a pattern that sun rays can penetrate fully in Fort. A watch tower is also built on top of this pol.
Jain temples, mosque and top khana are the charming places to visit in this Fort. The Fort has numerous Jain temples on its premises, one of which is a temple with a shrine of Lord Adinath. This temple is worth visiting due to its beauty, enhanced by white marble on its floor. The mosque is also pretty and reflects the Gujarati style of architecture. This mosque is well known as the name of Kila mosque. Raja Bhoj, a ruler of that time, developed a Sanskrit school inside the Fort, but in the author’s era of rule, this was converted into Thopkhana, which means chamber of cannons. The beauty of this place is hidden in the inscription of geographical patterns of the mosque and temple on its walls. This chamber was used to store cannot weapons, swords and other weapons. This Fort has no entry fee and is open from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. 2 hours are enough to visit this place, and you can reach here by road or by train. Bhimal railway station is the nearest station to reach this Fort.
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Final Analysis
This guide provides detailed information related to the top 10 forts in Rajasthan. This article provides brief information regarding entry fees, activities and attractions found in these forts. As Rajasthan is famous for its vibrant culture and historical architecture, you should visit this city to learn about your forefathers’ glory, victories and culture. This visit will also be helpful to know about the luxurious living styles of Rajput kings. Cultural diversity and magical scenery will bound you to explore more about Indian culture, and the trip will give you a relaxing feel from a hectic routine. As Rajasthan is a heated area, you should visit in the winter season as the temperature will fall at moderate sunshine if you come in the summer, so you should have a sunscreen cap to avoid heat. To prevent hydration, a water bottle should also be kept in your bags, and clothes should follow the weather in the area.
