Forts in Rajasthan That Are Worthy of Travel Goals

With its rich cultural linkages, in a border state that has seen most of the mid-century invasions that tore the Indian subcontinent apart, Rajasthan has a rich collection of forts and palaces that are a complete treasure for the history and art aficionado. Head over to Rajasthan one time just to explore the nuances of its extremely colourful history, and these structures, which have stood the ravages of time. This kaleidoscopic picture of a medieval Rajasthan will not disappoint. Read on!

1. Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort, today serving as living quarters for around 3000 people, zig-zagged by curio shops, guest houses and restaurants for tourists, houses and temples, was once a hotbed of war and unrest. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fortifications built by any empire in the world.

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2. Jaigarh Fort

The ramparts around the Jaigarh Fort are beautiful and seemingly arid, yet frightfully formidable. The palace and fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh II, in an attempt to guard against enemy advances to his capital. The Amer, Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts were almost a trifecta built to safeguard the city from attacks and invasions. The spectacular beauty and the panoramic view of the Jaigarh Fort is magnificent, if you’re around.

Read More: Rajasthan: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

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3. Nahargarh Fort

One among Jaipur’s network of palaces and craggy battlements meant to fortify the city, the Nahargarh fort, alongside Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort was one of the primary defences of the Pink City. The Nahargarh Fort holds a summer palace for the royal family, including chambers for the Queens and at the helm, one for the King. The night view of the city lights of Jaipur from Nahargarh, and the great size of the city by day, are experiences you can’t miss out on.

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4. Kumbhalgarh Fort

The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by the Mewar rulers of Rajasthan, and remains the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is built under the mighty, watchful eye of the Aravali ranges, with seven ramparts and huge watchtowers. The total length of the walls of Kumbhalgarh are second only to the Great Wall of China, making it second to the list of the largest fortifications of the world. The magnum of the fort is to be seen to be believed, after the ascent to the place. Another fascinating aspect of the complex is that it has a total of 360 temples within its walls.

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5. City Palace Udaipur

 The City Palace, Udaipur, is one of the most beautiful structures built in the Rajasthani city of Udaipur. Outside the palace stands the huge expanse of the stunningly blue Lake Pichola, where you can take boat rides to simply gawk at the marvellous city of Udaipur and the City Palace at once. As if that’s not enough, the exotic garden within the palace will leave you speechless in wonder.

Read More: Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rajasthan

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6. Chittorgarh Fort

The largest known fort in India, and hence one of the most important forts of Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort stood witness to the invasion of Allauddin Khilji for the love of Queen Padmini of Chittaur. It stands as a proof of Rajput cultures, values and the heroism displayed in war against foreign dominance in Rajasthan. It is also famous as a water fort due to its collection of water bodies in the forms of a total of 84 lakes, wells (kunds) and stepwells (baoris), out of which only 22 exist today. The fort is very pictorially sound, and is among the top things to do in Udaipur.

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7. City Palace Jaipur

The City Palace Jaipur is one of the most beautiful conservation spots for the Rajput conception and heritage of the city. It has lovely chambers of the King and Queen, and houses the relics and cultural connotations of the early days of Jaipur. Royal costumes, silk sarees from Banaras, pashmina shawls of the queens, fabrics with folk embroidery and the clothes of Sawai Madho Singh are on display in a museum of the City Palace. The structures and architecture of the palace are remarkable, courtesy the fusion of Rajput and Mughal Architecture.

Read More: Forts in Rajasthan You Can Actually Stay In

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8. Amer Fort

Beautifully and powerfully fortified by stone walls and tastefully done up in a culmination of Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture, the Amer Fort was one of the mainstays of the Kachwahas of Amber. The inside of the palace is decked up with paintings and carvings, studded with precious stones and has beautiful stairwells to speak of. Extremely popular for its rich history and grandeur, Amer Fort is not one to miss, if you’re exploring the artful heritage of Rajasthan!

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The best time to visit any of these forts of Rajasthan is from September through March. Rajasthan is wonderful during the autumn and winter months, so book your flights and hotels now!

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