Rajasthan is an exceptionally rich state in terms of culture and history. Almost all cities here come with their share of exceptional fables and architectural marvels but Jaipur has a way of standing out. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur has rightly earned its place among the most visited cities in the country. Stunning historic landmarks, temples, museums and great cuisine make up the city which is revered by both locals and tourists alike. Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace and Birla Mandir are just a few of the many attractions that you can explore in Jaipur.
Besides the above iconic sites, Jaipur and its neighbouring areas are home to forts and palaces which are renowned for their grandeur and architecture. These royal historic sites are significant for the battles fought and won here in the olden days and therefore all travellers should visit them at least once. If you are planning to visit Pink City soon, keep this list of forts to visit in Jaipur handy!
4 Best Forts In Jaipur
1. Amber Fort
The most famous and best fort in Jaipur, Amber Fort is located on the top of the hill which overlooks the Maotha Lake. Popularly called the Amer Fort, this massive structure was built in the year 1592, by Mughal ruler Akbar’s most trusted general, Maharana Man Singh II and later served as the residence for Rajput rulers. The massive fort is an architectural delight made up of several staircases, gateways, and passages made like mazes and combines the best of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Amer Fort is also home to other iconic sites such as the Sheesh Mahal which is renowned across the world over for its intricate mirror work and Jas Mandir. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site now and to reach it you can either travel its wall through a jeep or experience an elephant ride up the hill in likeness to the Rajput rulers who lived here. It can take you 4-5 hours to check out the fort in detail and if you stop here after sunset, you can also witness the magical light and sound show which is a great experience on its own.
- Entry Fee: INR 50/- (Indian Adults)| INR 10/- (Indian Students)
- INR 550/- (Foreigners) | INR 100/- (Foreign Students)
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Jaipur
2. Nahargarh Fort
Located amidst the Aravallis, Nahargarh Fort, a renowned fort in Jaipur was built for the defence of Jaipur along with the mighty Amer and Jaigarh Fort. The fort was built in the year 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a retreat and features stunning architecture complete with intricate carvings and stonework. Nahargarh, also known as the “Tiger Fort” served as a retreat for the royal ladies and had a dedicated wing called Zenana. The wing’s counterpart call the ‘Mardana Mahal’ was built as a complex for the royal men.
The fort features Indo-European architecture with various attractions including its entrance – Tadigate, Madhavendra Bhawan and Diwan-i-Am, an open-air area where the king met his subjects and held discussions. While you’re here, you can also explore the Nahargarh Biological Park which aims at protecting and educating people about the rich flora and fauna of this region. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species and animals including Asiatic Lions, tigers, panthers, crocodiles and more.
- Entry Fee: INR 50/- (Indian Adults)| INR 25/- (Students) & INR 200/- (Foreigners)
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
3. City Palace
One of the crowned attractions of Jaipur, City Palace was built between the years 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The palace which was once the administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur is divided into numerous courtyards, buildings and bespoke gardens. The palace has been transformed into a museum which showcases a wide variety of ancient handicrafts, clothes and more used by the royal family. The palace has an architecture comprising Rajput, Mughal and European styles.
Besides the museum located in Mubarak Mahal, the other attractions of the palace include Chandra Mahal which features a Peacock Gate, beautiful floral paintings and intricate mirror work, Pritam Niwas Chowk which has four gates with illustrations depicting the four seasons and Diwan-i-Am which was the ‘Hall of Private Audience’. The palace has plenty of things to explore with its artistic and stunning features.
- Entry Fee: INR 200/- (Indians) | INR 700/- (Foreigners)
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Jaigarh Fort
Built atop Eagle Hill, Jaigarh Fort is a massive edifice that was built in 1726 for the protection of Amer Fort. It is also called the ‘Fort Of Victory’ as it was never conquered and it is connected to Amer through underground passages. Surrounded by lush greenery, Jaigarh Fort is home to the world’s largest cannon on wheels – ‘Jaivana’, which is one of the main attractions here. The fort has a 3km wall which is made out of red sandstone and has Indo-Persian architecture which comprises watch towers, gardens, ancient storage systems and water reserves. Some other must-see sites at Jaigarh Fort include museums of arms and ammunitions, Ram Harihar Temple, Lalit Mandir and Kal Bhairav Temple.
- Entry Fee: INR 35/- (Indians) | INR 85/- (Foreigners)
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM
If you wish to explore this wonderful city, this Jaipur forts list will come in handy. Make sure you visit between October to March as the temperature tends to soar here during the summer months. But one thing is for sure, a visit to Jaipur will surely be a memorable experience for you!
