Historical Forts of Rajasthan: A Complete Guide
Historical Forts of Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan, which is also referred to as the Land of Kings is a living museum of the royal past of India with each fort and palace telling stories of courage, magnificence, and eternal exquisiteness. The Historical Forts of Rajasthan are not only architectural marvels, but a door to the centuries of Rajput heroism, heritage and culture. On the golden sands of Jaisalmer to Aravalli ranges of Jaipur and the lakes of Udaipur, every fort has its unique charm whereby the spirit of the glorious past of India is captured.
A trip to these forts provides tourists with an opportunity to explore the masterpiece of medieval architecture, sophisticated carvings, secret routes, and wide-angle outlooks of the landscapes of deserts. Be it the history lover, the photographer or the adventure in search of the adventure, the forts in Rajasthan will take you back to a time travel. They are soaring silent spectators of heroic conflicts, royal love and the pride of dynasties.
In the case of the modern day traveler, a visit to the Historical Forts of Rajasthan is not only about sightseeing but also entering into a royal period. In order to enjoy this glory smoothly, you may reserve guided tours to Rajasthan using reputed tour operators such as Go Kite Travel that provide comfort, authenticity and professional guide to all tourist destinations.
Here are the Historical Forts of Rajasthan
1. Amber fort, Jaipur Amber Fort- The Jewel of the Rajput architecture
Located at a hilltop overlooking the Maota Lake, the Amber Fort (or Amer Fort) is one of the most popular Historical Forts of the state of Rajasthan. This is a wonderful fort constructed by Raja Man Singh in the 16 th century, which consists of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
The great gateways of the fort, the reflection halls, the marble pavilions and elaborate frescoes take one to the land of luxury. Its most popular sightseeing place is the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) where a single candlelight is reflected a thousand times.
Tourists also have an opportunity to have an elephant ride on the fort or the evening sound and light show with a narration on the rich history of the fort. You will not want to miss a guided tour of Rajasthan as it will give you a hands-on experience of the place with local historians that will unravel the intriguing stories of the fort.
2. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur The Guardian of the Blue City
Mehrangarh Fort towers high above the city, 410 feet above, and it surpasses any other structure in terms of grandeur. This fort was constructed by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 and is still one of the best preserved Historical Forts in Rajasthan. Its very heavy walls, its elaborate latticed windows, its open expansive courtyards all bear the power of the Rathore kings.
The museum is also filled with royal palanquins, weapons, costumes, and paintings which chronicle the proud history of Jodhpur. The city is painted in shades of blue and the breathtaking views of the city can be taken at the ramparts of the fort.
To people intending to experience the royal beauty of Rajasthan at its fullest, GoKite Travel has a set of packages that would enable them easily explore Mehrangarh Fort and remember the experience.
3. Jaisalmer Fort- The Fort of Gold of the Desert
Jaisalmer Fort, which is also referred to as Sonar Qila or Gold Fort, originates within the core of the Thar Desert and shines in the spice-gold colors in the sunlight of the desert. This fort is the only one among the Historical Forts of Rajasthan to be occupied even today since its construction by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 up to date.
The time travelling through its small streets is like a journey back in time. The fort contains rich Jain temples, palaces and havelis made of golden sand stone. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site and included in the list of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
An escorted tour will provide you with an opportunity to see its architecture and history as well as the tales of desert trade and war. Therefore, when you intend to have a royal adventure you should book guided tours of Rajasthan and visit Jaisalmer Fort in your list.
4. Chittorgarh Fort- The Icon of Rajput Valour
The Chittorgarh Fort is an enormous seat of bravery, sacrifice and glory. It covers an area of 700 acres and it is one of the largest forts in India and also one of the most important Historical Forts of Rajasthan. Several sieges have been experienced in the fort such as the legendary Jauhar by Rani Padmini and the heroic battles waged by the forefathers of Maharana Pratap.
The fort complex contains a Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh and the fine palaces of Rana Kumbha Palace and Rani Padmini Palace, inside. Both buildings are silent narratives of heroic women of Rajput and valiant kings.
Chittorgarh Fort is not only a masterpiece of architecture, but it is also a feeling, a song of heroism and pride, which characterizes Rajasthan.
5. Kumbhalgarh fort - The great wall of India
Kumbhalgarh Fort was constructed by Rana Kumbha during the 15 th century and is known to house the largest wall in the world with a length of 36 kilometers and the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The fort is located at the top of the Aravalli Hills and this was a place of refuge of the Mewar rulers when they engaged in battles. It has over 360 temples, step wells and palaces within its precincts which give it a luminous touch. It is also the birth place of the great warrior Maharana Pratap.
Kumbhalgarh is one of the top Historical Forts of Rajasthan and the view of the sunset and the light show in the evening are breathtaking and help one experience the past.
6. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner -The Fortress that never was taken
By contrast, Junagarh Fort is erected high in the middle of the Bikaner city as opposed to most of the forts that were constructed within the hilltops. It is one of the rare Historical Forts in Rajasthan that has never been invaded by attackers because it was built by Raja Rai Singh in the late 16 th century.
The architecture of Junagarh is a unique combination of the Rajput, Mughal and Gujarati architecture. It has beautiful rooms that are beautifully decorated inside such as Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal. Every single corner is decorated with frescos, mirrors, and gold leaf paintings.
Visiting Junagarh Fort will provide you with some understanding of how the royalties used to live in Bikaner and thus it will be a must visit in your Rajasthan tour.
7. Bundi Fort, Taragarh Fort, Bundi The Star Fort of Rajasthan
Located above the scenic Bundi town, the Taragarh Fort (also called Star Fort) is dated back to the 14 th century. It is among the oldest hill forts in India and a secret tourist attraction to the Historical Forts of Rajasthan.
The fort, which is partially ruined, however, still retains its charm with its panoramic views, massive battlements and reservoirs cut out of the rock. The Bhim Burj cannon and the magnificent Rani Mahal and its murals are the evidence of the great past of Bundi.
Taragarh is a peaceful alternative to the overly popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan- and is ideal place to explore the history not yet explored by the tourists.
8. Ranthambore Fort -The Wild Fort
It is a natural and historical fort situated within the renowned Ranthambore National Park. The fort was a royal hunting ground, but at present, it is in the middle of green forests that are full of wildlife, such as tigers, leopards, and deer.
Ranthambore Fort was a structure constructed by the Chauhan kings in the 10 th century and it was used to offer strategic defense against enemies. Its observation decks provide panoramic shots on the jungle and lakes around it and it is a heaven to the photographers.
Being included in the list of Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO list, Ranthambore is a reminder that history and wilderness could be a great couple.
9. Nahargarh Fort -Abode of Tigers in Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort This was a fort of protection and retreat constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It is a magnificent view of the sunset overlooking the Pink City of Jaipur as well as a peep into the royal leisure life.
The Madhavendra Palace of the fort has suites that are interconnected and constructed to house the king and his queens and the architecture is brilliant and symmetrical. The fort is lit at night making it a magnificent spectacle in the backdrop of the city lights at Jaipur.
Being one of the greatest Historical Forts of Rajasthan, Nahargarh is a kind of a representative of the kingship beauty and the heritage of Jaipur.
10. Gagron Fort, Jhalawar -The Water Fort
Gagron Fort is special because on three sides it is enclosed by water and on the fourth side is a moat that is why it is considered to be one of the few Jal Durgas (Water Forts) in India. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hill Forts of the Rajasthan and was constructed by the Parmar dynasty in the 12th century.
The fort has been the site of many battles and it is a defense architectural marvel. It also hosts mausoleum of Saint Mittheshah, which can be seen as a mix of the Rajput and the Sufi culture.
Gagron Fort is a must-visit site full of tranquillity and historical charm to the tourists who venture into the unexplored parts of Rajasthan.
Other Historical Forts of Rajasthan that are Notable
Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) An ancient fort that is situated upon the Alwar city.
• Lohagarh Fort (Bharatpur) -Lohagarh Fort is also called the Iron Fort, and is renowned in its invincibility.
• Taragarh Fort (Ajmer) -Panorama of the city and the Ana Sagar Lake.
• Mandawa fort (Shekhawati) -The home of frescoes and artistic background.
All these forts contribute to the distinguishing taste of the massive story of the Historical Forts in Rajasthan, and this diversity of architecture and tales in the state.
The most appropriate time to visit the Forts of Rajasthan
The best season to visit forts of Rajasthan is between October to March when the climate is nice. The winter days allow the use of escalators in the fort and the walk across large courtyards to be comfortable.
You can see the colorful culture of Rajasthan being played during such festivals as Desert Festival (Jaisalmer) or Gangaur (Jaipur).
Fort Touring Travel tips in Rajasthan
Have good shoes becaduse most forts have steep inclines or expansive places to visit.
Carry water and sunscreen, particularly when doing it during the day.
Consider using GoKite Travel as a guided tour in order to have a profound understanding and local tales.
Get in early before the crowds arrive and get beautiful morning shots.
Conclusion
The Historical Forts of Rajasthan are not merely mere architectural marvels but they are also chapters of the great Indian epic of courage, romance, and artistry. Both the forts with their high gates and beautiful carvings tell stories of kings, queens and kingdoms that marked Indian heritage. The forts of Rajasthan are the everlasting protectors of the past, and they were built along the gleaming sands of Jaisalmer and the calm hills of Kumbhalgarh.
It is a historical adventure to explore these fortresses and all the stones ring of the heroism and the charm. The forts at Rajasthan are a trip of a lifetime to any history lover or even a casual admirer of royal grandeur. You should maximize your trip, and so book guided tours to Rajasthan with GoKite Travel, your reliable companion in experiencing the magic, mystery and grandeur of this royal state.