22 forts and palaces of Rajasthan
India is a land of history and culture with a spike of traditions and authenticity. Do you imagine yourself witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the forts and palaces in India only to be wanting to never go back?
The lofty forts, royal palaces, intricate carving, forty frescoes, and the ever-dripping elegance from the architectural superiors edifices in India are what every traveller dreams to witness.
Imagine waking up to an old-world charm of a place and experiencing an odd sense of a time travel through opulence and class.
We bring you the top 22 forts and palaces in Rajasthan where even the birds sing songs of their praises while time kills you to an eternally royal sleep.
City Palace, Udaipur
Get lost in the beauty of the stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural style. Udaipur palace is not just a palace, it is a way of life.
The beautiful complex of palaces stands proudly by the banks of Lake Pichola. There’s a reason why Udaipur is known as “Venice of the East”, and it is this palace and the flamboyance surrounding it.
Climb at the top of the palace to absorb a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city. Royal, much?
Amber Palace, Jaipur
Walk the stoned paths and narrow lanes towards the heights of this super lofty fort perched at the top of a hill overlooking Maota Lake.
Amber Fort is one of the largest forts in India and also a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Owing to its opulent Hindu culture and traditions, rich architecture, it attracts a massive footfall.
The red sandstone and white marble edifice are stunning at every nook and cranny which calls for serious attention and appreciation of its well-rooted beauty.
Walk the extra walk and enjoy the rich heritage in the ever-royal Pink city.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Stay a little longer to know the story behind building a massive honeycomb like red sandstone and brick edifice smacked right in the middle of the city.
Hawa Mahal in the pink city is a five-storied architectural marvel.
With an endless display of windows known as ‘Jharokhas’, it was built for the ladies of the royal household to watch the procession going on in the streets from the top through the windows.
Climb at the top and shout at the top of your lungs, maybe? Go bask in the wind already!
City Palace, Jaipur
If it is a royal blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture is what you’re looking for, then there can never be a better place to come to.
The City Palace in Jaipur is home to the present-day royalty comprising of a complex of palaces.
The courtyard in the middle depicting four seasons and four Gods is a major attraction.
Appreciate the frescoes, intricacies and the royal beauty of the palace.
Udaivilas Palace, Udaipur
Brace yourself to get hit by a shocking wave of heritage, art and culture if you happen to witness the royal beauty of this palace turned Heritage Hotel.
Take a walk in the lush gardens while you bask in the freshness of those beautifully sculpted fountains oozing out elegance.
Furthermore, Udaivilas Palace is one beautiful destination to have a big fat Indian wedding.
Well, at least the movies say so!
Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar
Get ready to embark on a timeless royal journey in this 15th-century heritage hotel which used to be a palace in its golden days.
Moreover, the luxurious touch of the architecture and the richness of the heritage and culture will charm you into believing that it is the best place to rejuvenate and drown in luxury.
This humongous palace standing proudly at the top of a hillock makes it sure for everyone to witness its grandiosity.
Be that as it may, the panoramic view of the city from the top of this fort is breathtaking in its own old world charm.
Jagmandir Palace, Udaipur
Take a royal step in the boulevards of the Garden of Heaven.
Nope, we’re not even kidding. This is what Jagmandir palace is also known as. Intriguing, eh?
The island palace which will compel you to reach to it while riding on a cute little boat or a ferry is quintessential.
Be ready to be smitten by royal and world-class restaurants while you strut in its premises.
It reeks of elegance and class. You definitely can’t miss out on this one.
Our Rajasthan itinerary will take you a little closer to this enigma.
Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur
Drown deep in the rustic beauty of the ruins of Bhangarh Fort somewhere between Alwar and Jaipur. You know what’s the catch? This one is reportedly haunted.
Ooh, interesting, right?
The almost demolished structure still fails to dull the beauty of the erstwhile fort and we promise, we aren’t even lying about it.
The tourists are refrained from visiting the fort at night owing to the paranormal activities that reportedly happen.
While you’re at it, do make it a point to visit the temples and Sariska tiger reserve in the neighbourhood.
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort is one of the most splendid forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Crowning the pink city of Jaipur, this fort is architecturally amazeballs.
The frescoes adorning the walls of the fort will leave you stunned.
Moreover, every corridor is connected to another.
Also, if you remember the famous Bollywood movie ‘Rang De Basanti’, you’d know that it was shot in here.
Gives you all the more reasons to check this one out eh?
Book your tickets to Jaipur with us already!
Chittor Fort, Chittorgarh
Guess what? This one is the largest fort in India!
Excited to know more about this one? Well, we’ll let you in on it.
Every stone of this edifice talks about the bloodshed, battles and legends of chivalry and loyalty of the Sisodia warriors.
Bask in the boldness of its ramparts and huge fates voicing bravado timelessly.
Legend has it that Rani Padmini Laos her life after her husband was killed in a battle followed by other women and children here in the fort.
Valour and courage echo in the walls of the fort.
This one is a must visit.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Imagine waking up to a crimson sun sitting on the edge of a golden fort. Sounds spectacular?
Jaisalmer fort is the one place that’ll give you the grounded homely luxury to do so.
The cobbled and narrow boulevards home to a lot of people are what makes the fort inhabited and timeless.
The colossal yellow wall stretching and merging with the gold of the sand in the desert makes the fort look surreal.
Get your cameras and click the memories away. Furthermore, a lot of international trade happened in the fort, thus, making it really popular globally.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Protecting the ones inside, this lofty fort is an epitome of boldness and bravado.
With seven gates and a timeless collection of paintings, murals, palanquin of the queen, and intricate carving on the walls and the pillars, this fort is artistically opulent and architecturally even more.
Fun fact? The Dark Knight was shot here. Makes it more interesting?
Well, if that wasn’t enough, there are a lot of adventure sports that Happen across the wide stretch of this huge fort.
Time to taste the thunder? Well, maybe an adrenaline rush can’t wait for you to love it more.
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur
Nestled within the grounds of the famous Ranthambore National Park is the remarkable Ranthambore Fort speaks volumes of the royal stories and the very fact that it used to be the hunting ground of the kings of Jaipur.
Take a long look at the three surrounding lakes and the hunting grounds all around. It’s one big gem in the wild. Unleash your inner wildling while you take a walk in the park surrounding it.
Sawai Madhopur page will make you frown deep in its wonders.
Gajner Palace, Bikaner
Built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh, this is one of the most beautiful forts and palaces in Rajasthan.
With the tranquillity of a lake on one side and the wilderness of a sanctuary on the other, it makes it the perfect royal package to spend time pampering yourself at on a vacation.
Furthermore, it is a palace turned heritage hotel which leaves no stone unturned in making your stay an unforgettable one.
The perfect amalgamation of history, royalty and present-day luxuries makes it one of the best travel destinations.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Take a drive to Man Sagar Lake and end up relishing the age-old beauty of one mysterious palace. Confused?
Well, Jai Mahal Palace is one awe-striking example of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture combined in one.
Be that as it may, that is not even the reason why we call it mysterious.
The palace is a five-storied edifice, 4 of whose floors are sunk in the lake. Interesting, right?
The garden at the top 5thfloor is stunning and makes you want to visit this one rustic palace.
Moreover, it doesn’t even end there! The migratory birds around the palace make up for one stunning sight.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Taste the genuine opulence and richness that comes with a stay at Rambagh Palace.
This magnificent architectural enigma is quintessential in a way that it has gone through a lot of changes in time.
It used to be hunting lodge amidst the thick forests back in the royal days.
Owned by Taj Group of hotels now, it makes it all the more charming now that is a heritage hotel where you can plan your long luxurious stay.
Furthermore, the intricate carvings and palatial reflections of this elegant edifice will steal your breath away.
Book your tickets, already!
Mandawa Fort, Shekhawati
With a backdrop of Aravalli hills and the vibes of royalty and elegance, Mandawa Fort in the Shekhawati region of Mandawa is one gem of a fort that stands to boast about its timeless beauty.
Furthermore, the paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna on the walls of the fort are quintessential.
Yet again, this is a fort turned hotel which gives you the luxury to stay within its walls and bask in the elegance.
Lakshman Sagar
If there is one fort where you can go for a time travel and unleash your inner wildling at the same time, it is Lakshman Sagar.
Guess how?
This old world fort used to be a hunting lodge back in the days so it makes it easier for tourists to spot tigers, bears and an endless treasure of some exotic birds.
Moreover, it was turned into a wildlife resort where you can just be and enjoy the perks of a true Indian vacation.
The carvings on the pillars are stunning and so are vibes of the colonial era from the architecture.
Go ahead, dive right in the traditional and authentic Rajput culture.
Khimsar Fort, Jodhpur
Khimsar fort is one of the most significant forts and palaces in India.
Home to the present day Karamsi Rathore Dynasty, this fort drools elegance and class even today.
The royal family has kept one half for the tourists to bask in its class and golden charm while it lives in the other half.
This magnificent fort will keep you hypnotised with its beauty for days and you might just want to overstay your welcome there.
You sure don’t want to miss out on this wonder.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Near Udaipur
If you’ve gone through some of the historical legends of India, you must have heard about the valiant and bold Maharana Pratap.
Home to one of the most significant fighters and kings, Kumbhalgarh fort reeks of chivalry and honour with its mighty architecture.
Oh, and by the way, there is a spectacular light show that happens every evening in the fort for the visitors.
If that’s wasn’t enough to blow your minds, this fort has 7 fortified gates and three hundred and sixty temples within its premises.
Unbelievable, right?
Serving as an oasis in the Thar desert, this fort is one lofty edifice blended with the holiness of Hindu and Jain temples.
Care to see for yourself?
Monsoon Palace, Udaipur
Also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, this palace overlooks the Fateh Sagar lake while it rests proudly on top of the Aravalli hills.
Legend has it that it was built to enough the magnificence of monsoon clouds while basking in the charm of the panoramic view of the city.
Make sure to witness a breathtaking sunset while the crimson sky compliments the glittery lights of the palace.
Sounds beautiful already? Time to witness it for real!
Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
Nestled in the laps of the Balsamand Lake, this palace is magnificence redefined.
The Jodhpur red sandstone edifice reflecting the Rajputana style of architecture is quintessential and takes pride in being one of the summer stays for most of the kings and rulers in Rajasthan. Explore Rajasthan with top notch Rajasthan travel agency.
Take a walk along the waterways and let the sprawling orchards enchant you into believing that it’s heaven.
Also, this palace turned hotel awaits your visit and can’t wait to be witnessed and appreciated by your eyes.
Make this trip to India memorable with us while we help you visit some of the most magnificent forts and palaces in India.
Originally published at www.thegrandindianroute.com on October 13, 2018.
