rajasthan forts & palaces

The landscape of Rajasthan is dotted with numerous forts and palaces. All of them are rich legacies of the kings who had ruled over the place.The majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan attract tourists in large numbers for their exquisite architecture and glorious history attached to them. The most popular forts and palaces of the place are mentioned below:-

The Forts of Rajasthan

» Chittargarh Fort :The magnificent fort is believed to have been constructed by Mori rulers in the 7th century. The sprawling fort is located on a 180 meter high hill and covers an area of 700 acres.

» Mehrangarh Fort : Mehrangarh Fort was founded by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 after he moved his capital to Mehrangarh from nearby Mandore. There are a few magnificent palaces within the vicinity of the fort like Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.

» Kumbhalgarh Fort : This fort was built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha. The massive fort has huge gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers further adds to the attraction of the place.

» Jaisalmer Fort : It is interesting to note that about a fourth of the old city's population resided within the fort walls of this fort. The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference. Also present are a group of five Jain Temples within the fort complex which open only at noon. The amber hue of the fort gave Jaisalmer the name - Golden City.

» Amer Fort (Amber Fort ) : Built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, the Amer Fort is . Set on the rugged hills outside of town of Jaipur is the Amer Fort (Amber Fort). The fort, one of the most sought after destination of Rajasthan is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the major attractions in the fort is the Seesh Mahal (mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors.

The Palaces of Rajasthan

» Jaipur City Palace :Located in the heart of the walled city, the palace was built by Sawai Jai Singh who build Jaipur. The architecture and interior decoration of the palace leaves all spell bound. The palace was built in phases over a period of time.

Udaipur City Palace : The majestic City Palace of Udaipur stands along the banks of the Lake Pichola. The palace in sheer white raises itself on a hill and is bounded by crenellated walls. Many rules of Udaipur has contributed to the establishment of this palace. The construction originally commenced by Maharana Udai Singh II, the later additions were made by successive rulers. The palace is made of granite and marble. An array of courtyards, jharokhas, chattris, terraces, corridors, stairways, over planning pavilions and hanging gardens, all beautifully designed, and planned presenting an astounding sight to view.

» Umaid Bhawan Palace : The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the biggest private residences in the world. A colossal 347 room structure with two monumental wings separated by a central dome soaring to a height of 185 feet. Located in Jodhpur amidst the great Indian Thar Desert, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a prime tourist attraction in Jodhpur Rajasthan. Built in the 20th century by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Maharaja Umaid Singh planned the Palace as a centrepiece of his massive famine-relief scheme. Now, a part of the palace is converted into a hotel in the state of Rajasthan in India, offering its guest some very outstanding services and facilities of its kind. Some part of it is used as a museum and rest of it is used for residential purpose by the royal family.

» Udaipur Lake Palace :The breathtaking palace is located on Jag Niwas Island and covers the entire 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1743, it has now been converted into a five star palace hotel.

» Alwar City Palace : Built in the year 1793 by Raja Bakhtawar Singh, the palace architecture has both Rajput and Mughal stvles. The best attraction are its graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower styled bases.