Rajasthan forts and palaces holds some fascinating secrets and folk tales which speak volumes about the hidden historical wealth of Rajputs. The mystical charm it possesses is visible in its acclaimed forts and palaces. These historic marvels captivate you with their breathtaking beauty the moment you set your gaze on them. An interesting characteristic of these historical treasures is the many battles they have withstood.
As a consequence, a few forts still lie in a ruined state which testifies the power struggle they endured in the past. If the Rajasthan Forts and palaces tell you about the history and struggles, Palaces in Rajasthan will entice you with the lavish lifestyles of royal families. Hence, both these heritage structures deserve equal attention in Royal Rajasthan Tour if you want to dive into a rich history of Rajput kingdoms.
Below is a checklist of some famous forts and palaces you would get a chance to visit in our Rajasthan Tour Packages to look back into Rajasthan’s glorious past.
Rajasthan Forts and Palaces
1. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
This stunning fort located in Jodhpur reveals many interesting facts related to Rajputana’s history. Mehrangarh Fort is noted for its colorful glass windows and supreme location. Set on an elevated hill at a height of 400 ft, this fort is considered one of the prominent places to visit in jodhpur from our Rajasthan Tour Packages. Once you step inside, the magnificence of palaces, temples, courtyards, and galleries promise to leave you spellbound with the beauty.
2.Bhangarh Fort, Alwar
This 17th century Bhangarh Fort is well-known for being the most haunted place in India. It is because of this reason that only a select few dare to enter this abandoned Bhangarh fort. But those who manage to spend some time here are left awestruck with the sheer thrill and adventure it offers. Many ghost stories and legends can be heard from the locals about this fort. According to one such legend, Bhangarh fort was cursed by a magician who was later killed by a woman whom he attempted to lure with his magical powers. The fort can only be visited during day time to ensure the safety of travelers.
3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of those rare gems of Rajasthan that gives a clear image of the regal lifestyle enjoyed by the royal family of Jodhpur. This world-renowned palace currently operates as a heritage hotel with world-class luxury facilities. Staying here for a few days is a perfect chance to soak in the opulence of this grand palace. What’s interesting about this heritage hotel is that a section of it still functions as the residence of the royal family of Jodhpur. For this very reason, it is listed amongst the prominent places to visit in Jodhpur covered in all our Rajasthan Tour Packages.
Once you step inside this regal building, the fusion of eastern and western architectural elements will amaze you with their fine aestheticism. The museum inside is worth a visit as it briefs you on the history behind the construction of this palace.
4. Amer Fort, Jaipur
This grand Fort in Jaipur is mentioned in all the lists of places to visit Jaipur due to the role it serves in preserving the rich history of Rajputs. Amber fort encloses several palaces, temples, courtyards, and halls that hold an exclusive appeal. Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is an example of impeccable art featuring intricate mirror work done on its walls and ceilings. The two gates to the fort; Suraj Pol and Chand Pol welcome you with their intricately carved patterns. The main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk is the best place to observe the royal magnificence that defines this majestic building. Our Royal Rajasthan Tour package also includes an elephant ride to Amer Fort. Reaching the fort on the back of an elephant would be the perfect way to experience royalty.
5. City Palace, Jaipur
This breathtaking palace delights you with an elegance that is hard to find in other historical attractions in the list of best tourist places in Jaipur. Its layout incorporates hints of Indian, Persian and European architecture. The whole structure appears to be carved from pink and red sandstone and white marble which gives a beautiful warm glow to its exteriors. There are many interesting structures inside the palace including Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Queen’s Palace, courtyards and a temple. The most compelling feature of City Palace is the four gates built to represent the four seasons. Being the erstwhile seat of Maharaja of Jaipur, this palace holds great relevance in the history of Rajasthan.
6. Sonargarh Fort, Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Fort is in every way a treasure for all those who love to be transported away into a mythical land. What’s admirable about this Jaisalmer Fort is the living population it houses. Interacting with these men and women living inside the fort helps you unearth many interesting facts related to its history. The palaces, temples and other structures throw light on the grand lifestyles of the rulers. The Jain temples are worth visiting for their exquisite artwork. Jaisalmer fort is definitely amongst the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
7. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is a prestigious landmark that decorates the historical landscape of Jaipur. The moment you see this great structure, it guarantees to leave you amazed with its finely decorated windows. This palace was constructed for the royal women who followed a strict purdah system. There are over 953 windows in all five storeys of the palace which were used to keep an eye on the royal activities taking place outside. The museum introduces you to the artwork and armoury used by the royal clans in yesteryears. The outlandish architecture of this fort regards it as an esteemed attraction in Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour.
8. Chittor Fort, Chittorgarh
Probably, one of the oldest forts in Rajput history, Chittorgarh Fort is the pride of Rajput kings who struggled tirelessly to maintain their rule. This fort also holds great importance because of its massive size as it covers up to 700 acres of land which once withstood the ravages caused by the wars. It was built by Mauryan rulers but was later captured by the Rajputs. The tall gates leading to the palaces and temples located inside this fort take us back in time. Chittorgarh Fort also has a 122 m tall tower, Vihay Stambh from where one can observe activities taking place outside the fort.
9. Junagarh Fort – Bikaner
Junagarh fort in Bikaner appears to be the only fort that nobody could ever conquer despite the attacks it faced. The fort houses several palaces like Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Anup Mahal to name a few. Each of these palaces is designed in different themes according to the names they have been assigned. The fort also consists of a few temples and Havelis which depict the depth of the untold history of this fort. The fort has seven gates, the main gate being the Sun Gate or Suraj Pol leading you to the different buildings in the fort. The brilliant artwork done on the palaces and Havelis reveals the rich aesthetic sense of the makers. It is one of the must-visit places in Bikaner!
10. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh
This heritage structure, also known as Badal Mahal or the Palace of Cloud, is famous for the huge wall. It is the second-largest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. This wall is 3600 feet tall with many gates that take you inside a complex consisting of temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and water tanks. Ever since this fort came into existence in the fifteenth century, it has seen many wars. These wars tell us about the role Kumbalgarh fort played in guarding royal treasures for centuries. It is a World Heritage Site included in the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. One can spend a pleasurable evening while strolling through the ravines of Kumbhalgarh Fort.
