Posted 23 August 2023 in Culture and Heritage

10 of Rajasthan’s most magnificent forts that are a must visit

Rajasthan is one of the best-known locations in India among tourists. The state is a quintessential example of what India’s culture and traditions look like. The state, with its magnanimous forts and palaces, also gives us a sneak-peak into the beautiful history that India very proudly preserves.

Not only is the place rich in culture but it is also rich in colours. You will not come across a dull corner in Rajasthan. From the forts and palaces, to the houses, everything in Rajasthan is bathed in beautiful colours. The traditional clothes with a myriad of colours and mirror work, are another example of the richness of colour that Rajasthan presents.

The state is known for a lot of other things like its beautiful handicraft, golden sand, delicious cuisine, majestic monuments, music, arts, and rich culture. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and the city is known for its beautiful landscapes and forts. There are many other places worth visiting in Rajasthan like Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.

Here are the popular forts of Rajasthan

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Constructed in A.D. 1156 by King Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort is a treat to the eyes. It happens to be one of the largest forts in India. Did you know that the Jaisalmer Fort is also called Sonar Quila or Golden Fort? This is because of the golden appeal of this gorgeous fort. This fort is set on the top of the hill, making it visible from many parts of Jaisalmer.

Read more - Why you should travel to Jaisalmer

2. Mehrangarh Fort

A really popular location for film shootings, Mehrangarh Fort is the true pride of Rajasthan. It is set in the city of Jodhpur and is perched on the top of a hill. From the fort, you can see a magnificent view of the city of Jodhpur. Inside the fort, you will find carvings and gorgeous interiors, which will tell you more about the rich culture of the time.

3. Ranthambore Fort

Located near the famous Ranthambore National Park, the Fort is set amidst forests and nature. The fort was constructed in the 10th century. Till date, it is in perfect shape, all thanks to the brilliant architecture of the fort. In the past, many rulers have tried to either destroy or conquer the fort.

4. Amer Fort

Located in Jaipur, Amer Fort is a gorgeous structure and pride of Rajasthan. It is set on a hilltop and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone carvings and architecture of the place will definitely impress you. Moreover, it is a great sight for photography. So, do take your cameras to this marvellous location.

5. Chittorgarh Fort

Spread across an area of 700 acres, Chittorgarh Fort is known for its magnanimity and beautiful architecture. There have been attempts to destroy the place by rulers like Allauddin Khilji and Maharana Udai Singh. Inside the Chittorgarh Fort, you can find gems like Padmini’s Palace, Gaumukh Reservoir, and Meera Temple.

6. Kumbhalgarh Fort

It might interest you to know that the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the birthplace of King Maharana Pratap. The fort was constructed in the 15th century and has the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.

7. Neemrana Fort

Neemrana Fort is a popular spot for many. It is a good place to spend a day or two with your family and friends. It is located near Neemrana Palace and has become a popular location of late. The fort is known for its grandeur, magnificence, and permanence.

8. Bhangarh Fort

Known as one of the most haunted places in India, Bhangarh Fort was built by Bhagwant Das in the 17th century. It is located between Jaipur and Delhi, in Alwar. The fort is known for its ruins and all the ghost stories surrounding it. There are four different gates for entry to the fort – Delhi Gate, Phulbari Gate, Ajmeri Gate, and Lahori Gate.

9. Lohagarh Fort

Situated in Bharatpur, Lohagarh Fort has stood solid throughout the years in spite of being attacked by forces. The fort was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, who was a ruler of Bharatpur at that time. The literal meaning of the Lohagarh Fort is ‘fort of iron’. This means that it is difficult to penetrate inside this fort. There is also a museum located inside the fort.

10. Khimsar Fort

Standing rock solid since the 16th century, the Khimsar Fort belonged to the Karamsot dynasty. It was constructed by Rao Karamsiji, who was the son of the founder of Jodhpur. The fort is situated about halfway between Jodhpur and Nagaur. A part of the fort has been converted into a hotel. Moreover, there is one part where the descendants of the royal family still live.

Tips before travelling

In order to make the most of your trip, you need to plan your stay duration depending on the number of cities you want to visit. Places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur require a minimum of three days of stay so that you can explore the city fully.
In Rajasthan, you can hire autos for an entire day as well. If you are not sure about the rates, then please contact your hotel or tourist guide.
Please pack according to the weather. If you are going in the summers, then take cotton clothes, hats, and umbrellas with you. If you are planning a visit during the winters, then make sure that you carry woollen clothes.
The best things to purchase from Rajasthan are colourful shawls, scarves, footwear, jewellery, and stoles. They can be found in the traditional Rajasthani print. You will find these at any local market at really affordable rates.
When you are going to a fort or palace, make sure you have a guide with you who can narrate the history of the place to you. It is once you know the historical context of a place that you will find the monument truly interesting.
When in Rajasthan, make sure you attend cultural shows like puppet and dance shows. Choki Dhani is a great place to discover the true culture of Rajasthan.

How to reach?

By air: Almost all major cities in India, as well as abroad, have direct routes leading to different cities in Rajasthan, like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. So, you can book a flight to any airport in the state of Rajasthan.
By train: Rajasthan is well-connected to different cities in India through the train. You can search for a train route to any major city in Rajasthan, be it Jodhpur, Jaipur, or Udaipur.
By road: Rajasthan has a beautiful network of highways and expressways, which not only allow you to drive in comfort but also show you amazing landscapes.

How to get around?

The best way to get around in Rajasthan is by hiring a taxi, auto, or rickshaw. Alternatively, you can take the bus for inter-city or intra-city travel.

Conclusion

Rajasthan presents a kaleidoscope of colours, culture, history, art, and more. It is a place where you can find the true remnants of India’s rich cultural past, be it in the form of dance, music, forts, palaces, or food. Rajasthan is, therefore, a hotspot of culture and tradition that looks back proudly at Indian history and is, at the same time, taking great strides towards advancement and development.