Most Beautiful
and Palaces of Rajasthan, The City Of The Royals
Rajasthan is the only region in India where a sense of royal grandeur permeates every facet of daily life. Rajasthan has a really regal and majestic vibe about it. The many Havelis, Forts, and Palaces in Rajasthan are testaments to the bravery and valour of the powerful Rajputs. They bear witness to the illustrious past and traditions of the magnificent city, which was the birthplace of numerous fearless heroes.
But some of history's greatest romances and sacrifices are hidden underneath these magnificent and breathtaking architectural marvels. These magnificent forts and palaces each have a distinct history to share. And that contributes to their allure! Rajasthan is renowned for its lavish royal forts as well as its abundant lakes, stunning temples, vibrant fairs, and festivals.
Many visitors from near and far travel to Rajasthan each year to explore the royal state and experience its magic. Among the most well-known festivals hosted in the state are the Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Brij Festival, Desert Festival, and Nagaur Festival. The Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are just a few of the renowned wildlife areas that can be found in Rajasthan. However, that is plenty for now. Let's explore some of Rajasthan's most magnificent forts and palaces!
One of Rajasthan's largest forts is Jaisalmer, also referred to as the "Golden Fort" or "Sonar Quila." It was constructed in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During its heyday, it was the scene of numerous epic fights. It crowns Trikuta Hill and provides a stunning view of the bustling bazaars, opulent Hindu and Jain temples, and the huge Thar.
There are numerous palaces, temples, and housing complexes inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Thus, the size of this fort is only imaginable. The golden castle takes on many colours of gold as the sun's rays hit it between sunrise and sunset, which is a sight to behold.
Location: Jaisalmer Fort
Fort Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: 50 for Indians; 250 for foreigners ₹₹₹
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
The oldest and biggest fort in India, Chittorgarh Fort, was built in the seventh century. The walls of this fort, which bears Chittranged Maurya's name, resound with one of history's most heartbreaking legends, Rani Padmini's Jauhar. The Rajputs valiantly defended Rani Padmini's reputation when the Muslim tyrant Alauddin Khilji took control of Chittorgarh Fort because he was enamoured with her. Rani Padmini led all the women and children into the blazing fire while the war raged in the background, thereby permanently preserving both her and the Rajputanas' honour.
It is a stunning fort with seven entrances, the Sun Gate being the main one and featuring excellent sculptures. The Fort is also home to numerous Hindu temples, including the Meerabai, Kalika Mata, and Ganesha temples.
Location: Chittorgarh Fort
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm; every day Entry
Ranthambore Fort is located in the Ranthambore National Park and is a towering, powerful structure on the Thanbhore Hills. It tells of the heroic legends of the valiant Rajput king of the Chauhan Dynasty, Hammir Dev. The Ranthambore fort, which was constructed in the eleventh century, has lovely cobbled pathways, enormous walls, ramparts, and ditches. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes and lush vegetation.
The Royals loved to hunt near this magnificent fort. The ferocious roars of the Royal Bengal Tiger can still be heard today. The main attractions in Ranthambore Fort include Hammir's Court, Badal Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Dhula Mahal, Ganesha Temple, Shiva Temple, and Ramlalji Temple. A Jain temple honouring Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavnath is also located there.
Location: Ranthambore Fort
Timings: 07:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: 20 for Indians; 70 for foreigners ₹₹
The Amber Fort is a magnificent illustration of Rajput architectural style, rising boldly on the breathtakingly stunning hillocks of the Aravallis. Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha clan constructed this architectural marvel in the town of Amer during the sixteenth century. Red sandstone was used to construct this magnificent fort, which looks out over Maoti Lake. The Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-I-Am, and Diwan-I-Khas are Amber Fort's most stunning landmarks. While the Sheesh Mahal is entirely made of glass, the Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas are decorated with eye-catching, bold, and detailed artwork. The Sila Devi Temple is located within the fort complex and receives a lot of daily tourists. Raja Man Singh received the temple's idol as a gift after defeating the Raja of Jessore in battle in 1604.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, near Udaipur
Kumbhalgarh Fort, located in the Aravalli Hills, is proud to have the secondlongest wall, behind the Great Wall of China. Maharana Pratap, a legend, was born there. There are roughly 360 temples inside this fort, which has seven entrances. This fort, which looks out over some breathtaking views of steep ravines and verdant forests, is made even more charming by the Thar desert's sand dunes.
Within the Kumbhalgarh Fort are two magnificent palaces: the Kumbha Palace and the Badal Mahal.
Location: Qila Kumbhalgarh
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: 15 for Indians; 200 for foreigners ₹₹
The Lake Palace of Udaipur, constructed between 1743 and 1746 during the reign of Maharaja Jagat Singh II, is the stuff of legends! This palace, which spans a fouracre area on the Jag Niwas Island in the heart of Lake Pichola, offers some breathtaking vistas.
The royal family's summer vacation was the purpose for which this palace was constructed. Its interiors are stunning; the walls are painted with lovely and vibrantly coloured arabesques, while the floors are a timeless monotone. The Taj Hotels and Resorts Palaces bought the Lake Palace in 1971. It was transformed into a resort with 83 opulent and lavish rooms! It is now regarded as one of the most romantic locations by couples who visit on their honeymoon. The Lake Palace was used as a filming site for Hollywood and Bollywood movies including Octopussy and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani due to its splendour.
Location: Lake Palace, Pichola, Udaipur
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm; every day
Entry Fee: 200 for Indians; 1500 for foreigners ₹₹
