Seven stunning forts of Rajasthan
These mega monuments in the state should be on your must-see list
- After Hrs Correspondent
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- Jan 22, 2018, 08:44 PM IST
Whether you are a history freak or not, the mystical forts of Rajasthan are bound to make for a fascinating and enchanting journey for most tourists. So, which forts to pick? Here are the ones we think you should try to visit at least once in a lifetime.
1. Chittorgarh Fort is also called the Water Fort
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Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh —
Right now in focus because of the movie Padmaavat, Chittorgarh is home to this beautiful fort. Said to be the largest in India, it’s spread across over 700 acres and stands on a 180m high hill. Also known as the Water Fort, it comprises 22 water bodies, palaces, towers and temples. Among the various tales that made it famous is the story of Rani Padmini. Allaudin Khilji invaded the city in 1303 AD. Legend has it that Queen Padmini and the women of the court chose to sacrifice themselves on a pyre instead of submitting to anyone. This sacrifice has been called jauhar. The origins of this fort are traced to the Mahabharata. Another attraction here is the biggest Rajput festival — Jauhar Mela, held to honour the sacrifice and bravery of ancestors.
2. Amer Fort combines Rajput-Mughal architecture
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Amber/Amer Fort, Jaipur —
Jaipur is home to this beautiful, gigantic fort. Founded by Meena Raja Alan Singh (from Chanda clan of Meenas), Amer was a flourishing settlement dating as far back as 967 AD. Much of the present structure known as Amer Fort is actually the palace built by Raja Man Singh who ruled from 1590-1614 AD. The palace contains several spectacular buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Khas, and the elaborately painted Ganesh Pol built by the renowned warlord Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. It is seen to be a remarkable example for its combined Rajput-Mughal architecture. For those who think that an hour or so will be enough to explore the fort, think again. We recommend you set aside at least five-four hours for a good look.
3. Old world blends with modern living in Jaisalmer Fort
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Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer —
Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, has been the most-definite stopover for tourists. The main attraction of this town is the Jaisalmer Fort. Many temples, havelis, restaurant and shops are ensconced here, which makes a walk through the fort a journey in itself. As old world meshes with modern living here, every nook and cranny is steeped in history. It will be a bit of a surprise to see a motorbike suddenly zoom past you while you admire intricately carved windows and door frames of the constructions here. Ensure that you have a lot of time on hand to explore the fort.
4. A zip line lets you fly across the Mehrangarh Fort
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Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur —
We spent almost an entire day at this gorgeous fort in Jodhpur and were still left wanting for more time. The mammoth structure is what anyone who loves a fort dreams of. At the entrance, you are often greeted with live folk music. The fort is perched high on a rocky precipice overlooking the city of Jodhpur and is home to a museum, restaurants, exhibitions, and craft bazars. The audio tour is definitely worth your money. And if all that isn’t enough, this is where you can literally fly across the fort thanks to the zip line installed here by Flying Fox.
5. The murals of Taragarh Fort are the finest examples of Rajput paintings
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Taragarh Fort, Bundi —
The Taragarh Fort crowns the crest of a steep hill overlooking the town, while the Garh Palace spills picturesquely down the hillside. The palace can be entered through the imposing Hathia Pol (Elephant Gateway), which is flanked by two towers and topped by a pair of huge painted elephants. The most spectacular parts of the palace are the Chattar Mahal, and the Chitrashala, an arcaded gallery overlooking a hanging garden. The murals here are regarded as among the finest examples of Rajput painting and cover scenes from religious ceremonies, hunting and other princely amusements. The colours are predominantly blue and green, with touches of deep red and yellow.
6. Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second largest wall in the world; (inset) close-up of the fort
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Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand district —
This site is a Mewar fortress in the Rajsamand District. The fort was built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and enlarged through the 19th century. Situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each evening. It is the most important fort in Mewar after Chittorgarh. It has the second largest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. Rightly so, it is called the Great Wall of India.
7. Junagarh Fort has 37 palaces within
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Junagarh Fort, Bikaner —
The Junagarh Fort of Rajasthan is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has 37 beautiful palaces within. Made of red sandstone and marble, these palaces constitute a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The imposing fort has 986 long walls with 37 bastions, two entrances, many temples, and pavilions. A prominent feature of the fort is the stellar quality of the stone carving that rivals the best anywhere in the world. Many of the inner rooms of the palaces are beautifully decorated and painted in traditional style.
