Forts of Jaipur, Rajasthan
As part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ tourist circuit of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, the Pink City is a traveler’s dream. Jaipur is steeped in history, and its palaces and forts are a reminder of a glorious past. We’ve picked out some of the best places to visit in Jaipur when you’re there.
Amber Fort (also Amer Fort)–Located around 11 km north of the city, the Amber Fort with its Hindu and Rajput artistic styles is an icon from the reign of Raja Man Singh I. Perched on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake, the complex houses grand palaces, gardens and temples. The mirror work and mosaics in the interiors of the palaces enhance the grandeur of this complex. Check out the ‘Magic Flower’ fresco that is carved in marble at the base of one of the pillars around the Sheesh Mahal.
Jaigarh Fort–Similar in structure to the Amber Fort, but not with the same delicate interiors, the Jaigarh Fort is a rugged, military structure. The fort with its intimidating gateways and watchtowers is perched on ‘the Hill of Eagles’ in the Aravalli Range, and provides nice views of the hills and the Amber Fort below. The fort is home to largest cannon on wheels of the Early Modern Era, Jaivana, which wasn’t fired in any battle.
Nahargarh Fort – Also known as Tiger Fort, the Nahargarh Fort is located high up in the Aravalli Hills overlooking the Pink City. The hunting residence of the royalty, this fort complex has some beautiful frescoes adorning its interiors. The 2006 film ‘Rang De Basanti’ made this beautiful fort an even more popular destination owing to some sequences that were shot there. Time your visit to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
City Palace – Once you enter the City Palace, its opulence will render you speechless. It isn’t surprising that a palace is reflective of such riches, but Jaipur’s royalty must have truly been in another league! The palace is truly one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It houses the Mubarak Mahal with its fusion of Islamic, Rajput and European architectural styles, the Chandra Mahal with its stunning peacock gate, and the Maharani Palace (palace of the queens) among other structures.
HawaMahal – Think Jaipur, and one of the first images that pops into anyone’s mind is that of the HawaMahal or the Palace of the Winds.It has 953 windows with intricate latticework, and was designed in such a way that the royal ladies could observe the goings-on in the street without being seen. The HawaMahal usually figures in any traveler’s list of places to visit in Jaipur.
Author Rajesh Thakur is a traveller and adventure seeker writing about a number of Indian & International holiday destinations. Solo Travelling, playing with nature and backpacking are few more undertakings author loves to do. As a blogger he writes about travel guide and holiday packages at WeAreHolidays.co.in
