Nahargarh Fort

Marked with a plethora of important historical events, Nahargarh Fort was built by the founder of Jaipur city, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1734. Used as a summer retreat palace, this fort was never attacked in its long and illustrious history. However, it has been a site of major historical events such as the signing of treaties with Maratha forces in 18th century. It is also noticed that the construction of the fort was hindered by Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit was appeased by a temple devoted to him inside the fort. The fort has also been known to provide shelter to several Europeans during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The Nahargarh Palace underwent major renovations in the year 1868 when RajaSawai Ram Singh built a range of palace within the Nahargarh Fort. In popular culture, Nahargarh has been featured in many famous films such as 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Shuddh Desi Romance'.

The fort exhibits a beautiful Indo-European architecture housing several beautiful structures inside. As you enter the fort through entrance gate called "Tadigate", you will find a temple dedicated to the Jaipur rulers towards left. Another temple devoted to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia also resides inside the complex. Other than that you will find a "Madhavendra Bhawan" built by Sawai Madho Singh. The structure is two storied building with suites for king and his twelve queens. Divided into nine similar apartments, each one consists of a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other attraction inside the palace includes Diwan-I-Aam, an open-air enclosure where the king met his subjects and listened to their problems and complaints.

Situated within the complex of Nahargarh Fort, this biological park is yet another star attraction of the fort. Spread across an area of 7.2 square kilometres of the Nahargarh Sanctuary, the organic park is adorned with fine granite and quartzite rocks. The place also boasts of its rich flora mostly presenting the steamy dehydrated deciduous and humid spike jungles. A number of animals can be seen in their natural surroundings here, some of which include Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger and Indian leopard. The flora is composed of plants that are representative of the ecoregion, that is Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests. Interestingly, this place hosts as many as  285 species of birds, which makes it a bird watcher's delight. Expect to see birds such as the white-naped tit, which can only be found here, and if you wish to have a rendezvous with other species as well, don't forget to visit the Ram Sagar.

Another destination here worth visiting is the Nahargarh Zoological which houses animals such as Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, panthers, hyenas, wolves, deer, crocodiles, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, etc. Specifics for the zoo include:-

Open Time: 15th March - 14th October between 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, 15th October - 14th March between 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Ticket Cost: Indian visitors: INR 50per person, Foreigner: INR 300 per person, Student: INR 20 per student
Vehicle Costs: Car/jeep: INR 300 per vehicle, Motor cycle: INR 30 per vehicle, Auto rickshaw: INR 60 per vehicle, Bus: INR 500 per vehicle
Camera Costs: Camera (Indian): INR 200, Camera (Foreigner): INR 400, Video Camera (Indian): INR 500, Video Camera (Foreigner): INR 1000

The opulent Madhavendra Palace at Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II as his luxurious retreat. Two centuries post, curator Peter Nagy has adorned it with exquisite sculptures that capture the indulgent past, giving birth to Sculpture Park. This joint project between the Government of Rajasthan and the NGO Saat Saath Arts opened to the public since 10 December 2017, becoming a space for the contemporary artists to showcase their work. It houses 53 artworks by 24 top artists, including Indian and international.

The larger, striking sculptures have been placed in the royal courtyard which gleams with an exuberant beauty. The regal palace is symmetrical from the inside but confusing to explore, yet it brings forth a sense of awe and wonder. The sculptures housed inside the palace are smaller yet equally, even more so, astounding. The Sculpture Park is an annual exhibition, which means the artworks will be replaced by November 2018, bringing forth a fresh new narrative.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Indian: INR 50, Foreign National: INR 200

1. Make sure you carry a water bottle with you.
2. A pair of comfortable footwear is recommended as you will walk on your foot inside the fort.
3. Carry packaged food with you but make sure you do not litter around.
4. Take a guide if you are interested in the intimate history of the fort.
5. You can also enjoy meals at the open air PADAO restaurant within the fort with a separate entry fee of INR 50 per person.

The city of Jaipur is well connected by good intra-city transportation. To reach the Nahargarh Fort from in and around the city one can easily hire a taxi, an auto rickshaw or take a bus. All of these modes of transportation are easily available as Nahargarh Fort is a popular destination.