Imposing, valorous, and oh-so-grand, these colossal hilltop forts of Rajasthan have many regal sagas to tell!
Depicting the glorious past with eclectic architecture and grand palatial grounds, the forts of Rajasthan are as grand as it gets. The royal state is known to house more than 45 forts, out of which six have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wander through their decorated narrow passages, feel your fingers against the intricate carvings, admire the fine craftsmanship, and listen carefully to the tales of the glorious past they have lived through. Here’s a list of the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan!
Amer Fort, Jaipur
Perched atop a hillock around 11 km from Jaipur, Amer Fort stands tall in its glory overlooking the pristine Maotha Lake. Finely-crafted walls made of pale yellow and pink sandstone and marble give this giant fortress a royal charm that is hard to miss. Walk your way to the top, passing through expansive courtyards, alleys, and staircases, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The 16th-century fort is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also home to some underground tunnels that connect Amer to Jaigarh Fort!
What to see: The Shila Devi Temple, the Ganesh Pol that leads to the private palaces of the kings, and the beautiful light and sound show on the fort’s history and grandeur.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Sitting in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, 400 feet above the sky line of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest in India. Commissioned by Rao Jodha back in 1460, the imposing façade will remind you of major highlights from the Rajputana history as well as movie affiliations, such as Awarapan and The Dark Knight Rises. There are exquisite carvings and interiors which flaunt the regal Rajasthani designs. Rudyard Kipling even called it “ the work of giants”!
What to see: Built with burnished red sandstone, Mehrangarh Fort is home to a dedicated museum with a collection of miniature paintings, arms and armours, textiles, decorative arts, and furniture from 17th century.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh
Notable for its 38-km wall, second to only the Great Wall of China, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a magnificent citadel built by Maharana Kumbha back in the 15th century. The 1,100-metre-tall fortress is located 84 km north of Udaipur in the wilderness. The UNESCO-listed site is strategically located amid the Aravalis, and was built in Rajput military architectural style.
What to see: A mansion known as Jhalia-ka-Malia or the Palace of Queen Jhali situated near Pagda Pol inside the fort is believed to be the place where Maharana Pratap, the greatest Mewar ruler, was born.
Chittorgarh, Chittor
Also known as Chittor Fort, Chittorgarh sprawls across an extensive 700 acres of lush land featuring an impressive, imposing architecture and a tragic history. Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The fort has been attacked thrice with the reign of Allauddin Khilji, Maharana Udai Singh and Bahadur Shah as rulers. Each time, the women of the region chose death over dishonour by throwing themselves on huge pyres. A scene from the Bollywood movie Padmaavat, accurately showed the bone-chilling mass self-immolation called jauhar.
What to see: Visit the Tower of Victory, Tower of Fame, Meera and Kumbha Shyam temples, Palace of Padmini, and water reservoirs.
Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer
Unlike most other forts in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction but home to local shops, hotels, and ancient havelis where generations continue to live. Reflecting the golden hues of the city, the fort has a sobriquet of Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, which basically spells its aureate appeal. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray’s famous Feluda stories.
What to see: Wait till sunset to see the fort seemingly rising from the desert and becoming one with the golden hues of the sand. It’s magical!
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