December 15th, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

Ambling through the royal city of Jaipur, one is surprised by an ancient fort or monument at almost every turn and corner. Standing tall and flaunting their brilliant architecture and intelligent design, these magnificent fortresses have put the ‘Pink City’ on the global map reeling in tourists from around the world.

The city has so much to explore that you lose track of time traversing from one attraction to another. Here are the shortcuts, tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your travels.

Created by: Aakash Aggarwal

Related Blog Posts: A Walk Through the Pink City: Part One | A Walk Through the Pink City: Part Two | A Walk Through the Pink City: Part Three

Top 10 Forts of Jaipur

  1. Exploring the Amer Fort
  2. Hiking up to Jaigarh Fort
  3. Driving up to Nahargarh Fort
  4. Bala Quila Fort
  5. Bhangarh Fort
  6. Taragarh Fort
  7. Kesroli Hill Fort
  8. Laxmangarh Fort
  9. Mandawa Fort
  10. Nawalgarh Fort

1. Exploring the Amer Fort

Amber Fort or Amer Fort
Amer Fort casting a mirror-like reflection on the Moatha Lake

Start your fort expedition with Amber Fort. Resting atop the Eagle’s Hill (Cheel ka Teela) in the Aravalis, the earthen tone of the fort casts a stunning reflection on the Maotha Lake. The fort peripheries are flanked by lush gardens on both sides, namely, Kesari Kyari and Dil Aram Bagh. Once you purchase the tickets at the counter you can walk your way up to the main fort entrance- Sinh Pol. If you are early, you may opt for an elephant ride up the pathway to the fort complex.

The fortress exhibits a traditional Hindu and Rajputana style of architecture. The main structure is built with aesthetically crafted marble and red sandstone. Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas, Sheesh Mahal, Mughal Gardens and Shila Mata Mandir are the main structures and attractions inside Amer Fort.

Walkthrough the corridors and hidden passages to trace the history of the fortress. Spend your time marveling at the craft and skills used in the making of each element.

A few traditional clothing & souvenir shops and a bookstore are also located inside the fort.

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Fort Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Entry Fee: Rs. 100

2. Hiking up to Jaigarh Fort

Enroute Jaigarh Fort from the secret passage
Enroute Jaigarh Fort from the secret passage

To save time and truly commit to your explorer persona, take a hidden cave/passage from Amer Fort to reach the Jaigarh Fort. The hike takes you through a narrow brick-laden pathway ensconced between the fort boundary with nothing but wilderness around it.

Once you reach the fort entrance purchase the tickets at the counter to explore the fortress. Sprawled over a hill, the palatial structure is built with walls of red sandstone. The fort was historically built as a security measure to protect Jaipur and Amer fort from invaders. It houses a huge cannon foundry and battle equipment which form the main attractions. The fort also has a huge palace complex housing Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir and the Vilas Mandir.

As you stand close to the fort boundary, a stunning view of Hanuman Sagar Lake, Amer Town and the Aravalis pleasantly greets you.

Fun Fact: It is widely believed that a huge treasure was buried under the Jaigarh fort which was seized by the Government of Rajasthan in the 1970s.

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Fort Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fort Entry fee: Rs. 50

3. Driving up to Nahargarh Fort

A view of Jal Mahal enroute Nahargarh Fort

A view of Jal Mahal Enroute Nahargarh Fort

The way to Nahargarh Fort from Jaigarh Fort is a stretch of 6 kms. Give your feet some rest and drive up to Nahargarh or alternatively book an Uber to go. The way to the fort is beautiful. At some twists and turns, you will catch a glimpse of Lake Palace in the distance.

Having purchased your tickets, you will be greeted by an old world royal charm of the fortress. The Jaipur Wax Museum is the first structure inside the fort along with a few eating stalls and refreshment centers. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam.

The main fort structure reflects an Indo-European architecture. To the left of the entrance gate is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jaipur royals. Another attraction is the two storeyed ‘Madhavendra Bhawan’ harboring suites for the king and his queens each equipped with a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam.

The fort interiors are stunning. The walls are painted with unique floral motifs while the doors and windows are adorned with colorful glass panels. As you peek out of a window, you will be welcomed by a panoramic view of the entire cityscape. If you pay enough attention, you’ll be able to spot other monuments of Jaipur- Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Lake Palace.

Spend your time exploring the palace rooms and corridors.

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Fort Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fort Entry Fee: Rs. 50

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4. Bala Quila Fort

Located at a distance of about 148 km from Jaipur, the Bala Quila fort is actually located in Alwar. Built in the 15th century, the fort covers a massive five kilometers of area and that can make it a bit difficult to cover the entire expanse in a short span of time. Try to go there with ample time on your hands. The grounds of the fort provide ample scope for sightseeing and for small explorations. There are scriptures inscripted on the walls inside the fort. There are more than 50 towers and bastions and musketry inside the fort which clearly shows that the fort was a great bastion of power in its heyday. You will have a spectacular view of the land around the fort from the towers but be sure to stay with your group as the grounds are huge.

Fort Timings: 10:00 am to 5 pm

Fort entry: INR 50

5. Bhangarh Fort

The fort is located about 77 km away from Jaipur and is located close to the Sariska Tiger reserve, which of course you may visit during your trip to the fort. It is one of the prime tourist spots here and mostly because of the lores that say that the fort is haunted. In fact, entering the fort after sundown is still not allowed. Some parts of the fort are in ruins so taking a guide with you would be a good idea. Some adventure lovers do try to visit the fort after sundown though. It is also a splendid place for photography as the ruins make a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The Gopinath Temple inside the fort is also a major attraction.

Fort Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Fort entry: INR 150

6. Taragarh Fort

The fort is located at a distance of 139 km from Jaipur and is situated in Ajmer. The fort is one of the oldest in all of Rajasthan, built in the 14th century. The iconic structure has many carvings on its walls and some are so intricate that it evokes wonders in art lovers even today. There are three main gateways to the fort- the Gagudi ki Phatak, Laxmi Pol, and the Phuta Darwaza. Each door has a story to tell and the guides will tell you why the doors are so named and they are lovely stories to listen to. The fort is also famous for the mountain tunnels that pass beneath the forts. There are also small palaces and Havelis inside the fort and one can only imagine the lives of the people who resided here hundreds of years back.

Fort Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Fort entry: INR 100

7. Kesroli Hill Fort

This fort is also located in Alwar and is about 109 km away from Jaipur. Built-in 14th century, the fort is now converted into a heritage hotel and you may also reside here for your Jaipur tour if you wish. In fact, if it is a luxury vacation you are wishing for or even looking for a venue for a destination wedding, this is the place to be in. The hill fort provides mesmerizing views of the land from atop and is also quite a fort to explore with its high towers and turrets, arched balconies and open terraces here and there where the high- born ladies used to spend their time. The fort has been splendid restored and is a joy to visit.

Fort Timings: All-day

Fort entry: Depending on your stay in the hotel

8. Laxmangarh Fort

This mighty fort is located at a distance of 122 km from Jaipur and looks over the entire region of Shekhawat. It has a glorious history of 200 years and as soon as you enter the Shekhawat region, you can spot the massive fort outlined against the sky, calling to travelers like a beacon. There is also a large garden inside the fort that is maintained very well and once used to be a royal hangout. A section of the fort is owned privately and the rest of the fort is open for tourist exploration. There is a temple at the very peak of the fort and it is believed that the warriors paid their respects to the deity here before they headed for battle. One can enjoy a grand and panoramic view of the city from here.

Fort Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Fort entry: Free

9. Mandawa Fort

This is another major fort located in the Shekhawati region and is located at a distance of about 125 km from Jaipur. Also converted into a heritage hotel, this fort is splendid if you want to enjoy a luxury vacation and live a few days like the queens and kings you have only read about. The architecture of the fort has been inspired from Rajasthani as well as from Mughal art. The Havelis and palaces inside the fort are wonderful to gaze at. If you want to enjoy a truly royal vacation, then you have to spend a few days here.

Fort Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

Fort entry: INR 100

10. Nawalgarh Fort

One of the major forts in Jaipur is located at a distance of about 115 km from the main city. Located on the outskirts of the Shekhawati region, the fort is famous for its Havelis and frescos and the other details inside the fort. It was built in the 17th century and there are a number of famous structures inside the palace like the Roop Niwas Palace, Sheesh Mahal, Anandi Lal Podar Haveli, Bhagat Haveli, Mahamaya Mandir, and many such attractions. There are also a number of temples of gods and goddesses and locals also visit some of them. If you want to have a look at some amazing examples of Rajasthani architecture at the same place, then you should definitely visit this fort.

Fort Timings: 10 am 6 pm

Fort entry: INR 150

 

Take a quick glimpse:

Related Blog Posts: A Walk Through the Pink City: Part One | A Walk Through the Pink City: Part Two | A Walk Through the Pink City: Part Three

More blogs on Jaipur: Jaipur Archives

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About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.