Tourism Rajasthan - Forts & Palaces

The royal families of Rajasthan have always been known to live in the lives best luxuries. Rajasthan on the whole is a majestic tapestry woven in threads of exotic hues. Each of the forts and palaces in Rajasthan speaks volumes about the royal Families of Rajasthan. A land dotted with many majestic forts and palaces - all with their unique stamp of individuality. Rajasthan's forts and palaces can be found anywhere and everywhere - on the rugged and rocky Aravallis hilltops, in dense forests, over the ridge, in the middle of shimmering blue lakes and even in the midstream of a river.

These forts and palaces of Rajasthan still lingers with the magic of the fierce culture and traditions of this state. Wandering minstrels with their dancing wooden puppets have for generations transmitted folklore, legend and local history - many an episode of romance, knightly prowess and chivalry connected with this Land of Kings. Off late the royal families of Rajasthan have started converting their forts and palaces into heritage hotels. The hospitality offered by the royal families of Rajasthan in the heritage hotels make your stay unforgettable.

Ravaged by the wars and impact of time, these great monuments are now again playing hosts to number of visitors. Although some of the forts are totally barren, some enclose entire townships within their parapets. Recent initiative taken by the government and former occupants of these structures to recreate them for modern hospitality industry has led to great demand amongst the tourists to visit them.

Unlike Rajasthan, nowhere else in the world can you find so many majestic forts and palaces. The prominent forts include those in Jodhpur (Mehrangarh), Jaisalmer, Bundi (Taragarh), Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Amber & Jaigarh in Jaipur.

Mehrangarh Fort: Tourism Rajasthan The magnificent and imposing Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's finest, has a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. Seemingly growing out of the rocky cliff on which it is perched, the fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed.

Jaisalmer Fort: Tourism Rajasthan Jaisalmer is one of the most exotic towns in the whole of Rajasthan. Rawal Jaisal, built the fort over eight centuries ago in 1156 A.D. The Jaisalmer fort is also called the Golden fort as it was made of yellow sandstone. The soaring walls of the fort gives a glowing golden in the rays of the setting sun, making it seem to rise out of the surrounding yellow sand. Within the fort, one can indulge in several interesting walks down cobbled lanes, and along the high fort walls overlooking the town and far reaching desert. All roads eventually emerge at the main quadrangle.

Taragarh Fort: Tourism Rajasthan The Taragarh Fort, built in 1354, with its imposing structure of stone, is situated on a steep hill and has massive battlements and ramparts. The fort welcomes the tourist through an enormous gateway. Once inside the fort, one can see the Bhim Burj, the largest battlement, and a huge water reservoir carved out of solid rock that once supplied water to the palace. The fort also provides a panoramic view of the entire town of Bundi.

Chittaurgarh Fort: Tourism Rajasthan Chittaurgarh is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan famous for the magnificent fort that stands tall on a 152-m-high rocky hill. The Chittaurgarh fort epitomises the doomed romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. The fort with its impressive location and colourful history is the main source of attraction in the town. The walls of the fort, 5 km long, enclose the deserted ruins while the slopes are covered with scrub jungle. The immense stretch of the walls and the ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism. The modern town of Chittor lies at the foot of the hill.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: Tourism Rajasthan Cradled amidst a cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali range, the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory of its kings and princes. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1,914 m above the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (AD 1419-63) and is the principal fort after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km northwest of Udaipur. A unique fact about Kumbhalgarh fort is that it was taken by the Mughals only once in its entire history. And even at that time, it took the combined armies of Delhi, Amber, and Marwar to breach its defense. This was the place where the rulers of Mewar retreated during times of danger.

Amber & Jaigarh Fort: Tourism Rajasthan Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. For an experience that's truly royal, visitor's can reach the fort through snaking pathways on elephant back.

Named after Jai Singh II, the Jaigarh Fort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by huge battlements with inside walkways offering stunning views on all sides. Most of the palaces have been converted either into museums or beautiful hotels. The must-see ones include:

Lake Palace: Tourism Rajasthan In the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, stands the most exotic heritage hotels of all, the Lake Palace. Simply unparallel and irresistible, overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola, the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace is a harmonious arrangement of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Tourism Rajasthan A grand hotel offering the ambience of a traditional royal palace, the majestic Umaid Bhavan Palace is located in the joyous city of Jodhpur. It is also referred to as the Chittor Palace owing to the fact that the Chittor sandstone was used in its construction. It took 16 years to build this palace that is now segmented into the royal residence, the heritage hotel and the museum. The style of construction is typical of the Rajputs with the beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, terrific terraces, green gardens and royal rooms. All the rooms have been elegantly furnished with antique furniture pieces.

This 20th century Heritage Hotel is quiet western in design. The ballroom in the palace reveals the western lifestyle being followed by the royal residents. Take your pick from the Mughalai, Indian, Chinese and Continental. You may even visit the private museum to get a better insight into the royal family or try a hand at the indoor pool at the sun terrace.

Rambagh Palace: The Rambagh Palace has a royal history before its conversion into a heritage hotel in 1972. This royal retreat was built way back in 1835 by the queen of Jaipur and was later modified to be a guesthouse and hunting lodge. Since 1925 the present day heritage hotel was the abode of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The heritage hotel is ideally located in the heart of Jaipur and has made a place of its own amongst the other must-visits of the city like the Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace and Jantar Mantar.

Housing over 100 regal rooms, the palace comprises of wide and terrific terraces, spacious and spectacular corridors and beautiful banquet rooms. Each room lends the imperial impression of the palace. They have been beautifully done and tastefully decorated. Amongst the many unforgettable rooms lies the Chinese room, which is unique with its red and golden tapestry and antiques.

Samode Palace: Tourism Rajasthan Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels. The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators.

Unlike the other havelis of Rajasthan, the Samode Palace does not belong to any royal family but a family of noblemen, the Rawals of Samode. It is about four hundred years old, and has some new additions and modifications. Samode is situated around 42 km from Jaipur.

Dundlod Fort and Palace: Tourism Rajasthan Once a medieval fort where only the Prince and princes were allowed to reside, today Dundlod Fort and Palace is one of the leading heritage hotels in Rajasthan and provides complete comfort with royal hospitality. Dundlod Fort and Palace is situated in Dundlod, a small village situated in the heart of the Shekhawati region. Visiting this village is like visiting an open-air art gallery that has not changed much since the time it was built. The fort of Dundlod is an embodiment of the cultural amalgamation of the Rajputana and Mughal Schools of Art and Architecture. Its motif of flowers and foliage, minarets, mythological paintings, archaic furniture, wall hangings of arrows, and shields have remained unchanged since ages.

Jai Mahal Palace: Tourism Rajasthan Jai Mahal Palace, located in Jaipur, was once the home of the Prime Minister of the royal state of Jaipur. Located downtown, it is close to the main shopping center and historical monuments. The hotel has 102 rooms that include 5 suites. Dining facilities include Hawa Mahal, an open-air lounge serving tea and snacks, Rang Mahal, a bar, and Gulab Mahal, a multi-cuisine restaurant. Ample leisure activities and facilities are available.

Fort Rajwada: Tourism Rajasthan Situated in Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajasthan, Fort Rajwada stands tall with its rich heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture. Located in 20 acres of land, this princely home has an interior decor, created by the genius of renowned opera set designer, Ms. Stephanie Engeln.