Majestic Forts of Rajasthan That Will Take You Back In Time

Being one of the largest forts in India, Chittorgarh fort is a world heritage site. This fort in Rajasthan was previously the capital of Mewar and is now situated in Chittorgarh. It is one of the most historically important forts in the entire north India and it reverberates with tales of heroism and sacrifice. It also displays the Rajput culture and values in true sense.

Nahargarh Fort is located in the Pink City of Jaipur and is one of the many countless palaces and beautiful historic buildings that speak of the magnificent and rich history of this city. Embellished with delicate carvings and stonework, the Nahargarh Fort is an impregnable structure, that together with its two neighbouring forts - Amer and Jaigarh, once stood as the strong defence of Jaipur city. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734 as a retreat. With some breathtaking views of the city, the Nahargarh Fort is known for its extended wall that connects it to Jaigarh Fort.
The fort is located on top of a hill and you can hire a cab or autorickshaw to the foot of the hill and trek the rest of the way.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortification on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan in western India. It is known and popular as a World Heritage Site included in forts of Rajasthan. Constructed and expanded in the course of the 15-19th century by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. It is the most important fortress in Mewar after Chittaurgarh.

Ranthambore Fort lies in the reserve itself though you need not buy a ticket to get into the reserve to see the fort. This fort in Rajasthan is situated higher up and the view from it is quite amazing.

Amber Fort, situated 11 kms from Jaipur, is a fort built with great artistic taste. Cradled on the top of a hill forming a beautiful reflection in Maotha Lake, it is popularly known as Amer Fort. This fort in Rajasthan through its large ramparts, several gateways and paved paths overlooks the Maotha Lake in the town of Amer, which used to serve as the capital of the erstwhile Jaipur princely state.

Jaisalmer Fort, nestled amid the golden sands of Thar Desert is steeped with rich past and heritage. Displaying the brilliant craftsmanship, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the most renowned forts of Rajasthan around the world.

Mehrangarh, also known as Mehran Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 in Jodhpur, is one of the largest forts in the country. It is situated at the top of a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by massive walls. One of the most easily recognisable forts in Jodhpur, it has appeared in many Hollywood and Bollywood productions such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises, and the more recent - Thugs of Hindostan. The entrance of the fort, atop a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. This fort of Rajasthan also has opulent palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) and Phool Mahal (Rose Palace).

Famous for the historical ruins and the ghost stories, Bhangarh has been regarded as the most haunted place in the country. It is located on the way between Jaipur and Delhi. The Bhangarh Fort is a 17th Century fort built in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It was built by one of the Navratans of Akbar's court, Man Singh I for his grandson Madho Singh I. As soon as you enter through the main gate of the ruined Rajasthan Fort, also known as Bhoot Bangla, it gives a chill down your spine. Within the fort, there are temples, palaces, and Havelis.

Jaigarh Fort is a grand structure perched on the top of the 'Cheel ka Teela' hills in the Pink City of Jaipur. This magnificent edifice was commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1726 to protect Amer Fort. Cradled on the top of the cliff, it is a palatial structure bounded by verdant greenery and massive battlements. This magnificent fort is connected to Amer Fort through subterranean passages and is famously known as the 'Fort of Victory' as it was never conquered. The fort currently houses the world's largest cannon on wheels - 'Jaivana' and offers a magnificent view of the Jaipur city.

The Junagarh Fort of Bikaner is a magnificent structure around which the city of Bikaner grew up. The fort was initially called Chintamani and was then renamed as the Junagarh or Old fort in the 20th century. The foundations of the Junagarh fort was built in 1478 by Rao Bika. However, it existed just as a stone fort then. The present grand structure was inaugurated on 17th February 1589. Besides having a rich history, the Junagarh Fort is a feat of architecture. The palaces inside the fort, the gardens, balconies, kiosks, etc. depict a composite architectural style which is influenced by the cultural differences of the different rulers and also foreign inspirations. The impressive Junagarh Fort stands with all its regal glory as an epitome of architectural brilliance. The dazzling and exquisite structures of this fort attract thousands of tourists from all over every year.

The 15th-century palace, Neemrana Fort, is an epitome of immense beauty. It finds itself in the Aravalli ranges which are the oldest fold mountains in the world. Now turned into a luxury resort, the palace was once under the reign of Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III. Built in 1464, it became the third capital of the king's descendants. The majestic fort almost covers 10 hectares of the area over the hill. It showcases a perplexing blend of traditional Rajasthani and modern styled interior. Since the time it had opened itself to the public, the palace has become the favourite place for weekend getaways. Located in an ideal location of Delhi-Jaipur highway it attracts the travellers from both the places. The Palace has earned a good reputation for its Rajasthani and French cuisines.

Castle Mandawa is a beautiful palace turned hotel- standing tall and proud as a testimony to the charming and colourful city of Mandawa. The town of Mandawa rests right in the middle of the desert state of Rajasthan, and Castle Mandawa falls in the Shekhawati region- a place blooming in myriad colours amidst the golden desert. Castle Mandawa was originally a palace and a fortress which has now been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. It is truly regality at its best. The regal family of Mandawa generously decided to share the redefined elegance and mighty glory of this beautiful work of art with the world and converted it into a luxurious and lavish five-star hotel where the visitors get a chance to avail its modern amenities and admire its palatial architecture.

Situated in the Jhalawar district, Gagron Fort is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture and a striking example of hill and water fort in Rajasthan. The fort is built on top of a hillock and offers a mesmerising 360 degree view of the landscape below. Besides a museum outside the fort gates, there is also a mausoleum of Sufi Saint Mitthe Shah.

Constructed in the year 1354, the Taragarh fort is one of the most impressive structures in the city of Ajmer, in the northern state of Rajasthan in India. The state of Bundi was founded in this year by Rao Deva, and this was when the construction of this massive square began. Popularly known as the 'Star Fort', the attraction is located on a steep hill and offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the entire city of Bundi situated in the Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges. This fort was described by the famous author Rudyard Kipling as "more the work of Goblins than of men". Sadly, time took its toll on this magnificent structure, and most of the majestic and fascinating architecture of the fort is now in ruins. You can, however, still appreciate the features of these forts in Rajasthan that exhibit the grandeur of the Rajput rule to this day.

Devgarh is a place situated at around 10 km away from Sikar on Harshnath road. The place is known to be popular as one of the strategic forts of Rajasthan that Rao Raja Devi Singh of Sikar had built in 1787. It's a worth visiting place. The place is exotic and vibrant in its own way and that's why it has started becoming one of the most favourite destinations among the visitors.

Khejarla Fort in Jodhpur is an ancient monument that has since been converted into a heritage hotel. Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for the royal kings and queens of ancient India to live in their magnificent castles? If so, the Khejarla Fort is an experience worth trying out. Originally built in the 17th century by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, the 400-year old edifice has since been turned into a hotel, with amenities that exhibit contemporary luxury laid out against the backdrop of the royal fortress. The Khejarla Fort Hotel is the place to be for a close look at the rich Indian heritage, without giving up on the convenience offered by modern-day hotels. The royal hospitality provided at the hotel is quite literally the cherry on top of the cake! Khejarla Fort offers an experience far beyond the ordinary!

Located at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, the Lohagarh Fort indeed stands true to its name and has survived solidly and battled the attacks of military forces as well as the ravages of time for centuries. It was one of the forts of Rajasthan constructed by the Bharatpur Jat rulers. Maharaja Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to a good cause and built numerous forts and palaces across his kingdom, one of them being the famous Lohagarh Fort. The monument is an architectural marvel that has especially captures the interests of architecture students and historians.

Bala Quila Fort or the Alwar Fort is situated in the Aravalli Range, above the town of Alwar. Built in 15th century by Hasan Khan Mewati, it has been under the rule of the Marathas, Yadavas, and the Kachwaha Rajputs. According to the Hindu Puranas, the fort is the strength of the King. The literal meaning of the 'Bala Quila' is the Young Fort. Laxman Pole is the only metalled road which connects the Fort to the Alwar city. The silver pages of history speak that Pratap Singh, the founder of Alwar state entered the fort through this metalled way only.

Found in the 16th century and owned by the Karamsot dynasty, this Rajasthan Fort was constructed by Rao Karamsiji, who was the eighth son of Rao Jodhaji and the founder of Jodhpur. It is located near Khinvsar Village, which lies in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Its location can be traced as halfway between Jodhpur and Nagaur, on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Because of the striking beauty of the Khimsar Fort, it has now been converted into a heritage hotel, and a part of it is occupied by the descendants of the royal family. The magnificent fort offers an enthralling experience to the visitors. It is one of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan due to its marvellous architecture and splendour.

The Hill Fort Kesroli is one of the rare heritage hotels in Alwar that has been in existence since the 14th century. A wonderful destination to enjoy the barrier sunsets, showing daily since 700 years and discovering the Neemrana heritage hotels in Alwar is this resort. Hill Fort-Kesroli is a great holiday choice for those looking for a relaxing weekend getaway from Delhi.

With Roop Sagar flowing on one side and this is one of the huge, magnificent forts of Rajasthan on the elevated coast. Deeg fort is the most favourite of tourists. Built in 1772, this fort was constructed strategically here due to the proximity with Agra.

Famous for its magnificent fort, this fort in Rajasthan is 51 km away from Sikar on the Sikar- Jaipur road. This fort was built in 1733 by Guman Singh Ladkhani, the view from the fort is absolutely stunning. Other forts in the township can also be visited with prior permission from the village head.

A beautiful piece of Rajputana architecture, it is the epicentre of the city. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the Jhalawar Fort is the pride of the city of Jhalawar built by Maharajrana Madan Singh. It is one of the forts of Rajasthan that is as beautiful inside as it is outside with many exclusive paintings adorning its giant walls.

Called as the marble city of India, Kishangarh city is a tourist spot in itself as the city is famous for its art and culture, Bani Thani style of painting and the Kishangarh fort in Rajasthan. It is the only place in the world with a temple of nine planets. Khoda Ganesh Ji temple, Kishangarh fort, Phool Mahal Palace, and Gondulav Lake are some of the major attractions of the city.

A palace and former fortress in the town of Roopangarh, Roopangarh fort has imperial monument with grand exterior and vivacious interiors. The nineteen large rooms of this beautifully renovated and restored fort of Rajasthan have been exquisitely decorated to create the royal ambience for the visitors. You may just go and explore the beauty of this war-fort while the fort is open for you to enjoy a royal stay at the heritage turned hotel in the land of kings.

This massive fortress also shows some exquisite doorways that were used as the entry points to this amazing citadel. Out of the innumerable pols, Jai Pol is said to be the most beautiful and fascinating with the majestic entry point deftly carved with lovely sculptures. As the name indicates, this door is the monument of victory of the then rulers.

Badalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is situated in the Jhunjhunu district of the Shekhawati region was constructed under the regime of a Muslim ruler, Nawab Fazal Khan in the early 16th century. It is situated atop a hill and has lush green surroundings and plenty of echo points to offer. It is also significant of the legendary battles that have been fought here. It was taken over by a Rajput leader Shardul Singhji in the 1730s.