Majestic Forts of Jaipur

Now its time to write about the majestic forts of Jaipur. The hill forts of Rajasthan are part of Unesco world heritage sites. I visited 3 fort, Amer Fort, Jaigarh & Nahargarh. All these three forts formed strong defence ring for the Jaipur city. Big, majestic, got royal touch, perfect blend of Indian, Mughal & European style of architecture, lots of stories behind it, rumours, history.

Amer fort, also known as Amber fort. 11 km from Jaipur, located high on the Aravali hill, overlooking maota lake. This fort was built by Raja Man Singh. This fort is iconic attraction of Rajasthan.




Amer Fort is divided into four main sections which each has its own entry gate and courtyard
To reach Amer fort, you will have to start from Grand Entrance Gate, here you can take elephant ride to the top on main building. I preferred walking and it was hardly 10 mins walk and I reached the first main section of fort, Suraj pole (Sun Gate). Once you cross this gate you will see a big courtyard known as Jaleb Chowk. This is the place where King’s army used to take rest.

After crossing Singh Pole (Lion Gate), you will see Diwan-e-aam (Hall of public audience) where king used to meet common man. Its big hall built in sandstone and marble. Just opposite to Diwan-e-aam, Ganesh Pole is there, Ganesh pole is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Majestic, artistic and most beautiful of all the gates I have seen in Jaipur. Breathtaking and really a master piece of work.

Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private audiences) the place where the king used to meet special guests. This place is completely decorated by using marbles, mirrors. Its also known as Sheesh Mahal. The local legend is that just one candle offers enough light to light up the entire hall due to the reflective nature of the mirrors. Exquisitely beautified with glass inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceilings.The artwork done on the walls will leave you stunned and speechless.

Pigeons at Amber Fort

View from Amer fort ( Maota Lake)


I was there for almost 2 hrs and then I decided to come out, While coming out from fourth courtyard, I saw one ancient tunnel, the secret tunnel. Earlier I was reluctant to go there,then I thought lets see this place as well. It was quite strange that there was no one except me, not much light there. I started exploring the tunnel, then after 5 -10 mins I felt that I might be lost so its better to go back to entry gate of tunnel. I think direction board is needed over there.




4th day of my Jaipur stay and then I visited Jaigrah Fort. built by Raja Jai Singh II to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex and was named after him. Its also know as Victory Fort, because it has never been conquered.

The major attraction in the fort is Jaivana, the largest cannan the world’s largest cannon on wheels.






The fort was a major center for cannon production during that era and you can see most of those manufactured weapons in the museum inside the premises of the Jaigarh Fort. Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside the museum. I was amazed to see many weapons, cannons there, still well preserved and maintained by museum authority.

The main palace complex has many interesting places to see. DSCN0290

The first thing you will see in palace complex is the open courtyard Subath Nivas, where King used to meet army. Once I crossed Subath Nivas, I saw another courtyard which was surrounded by rooms and puppet show was going on.

View from Jaigarh Fort
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I spent around 2 hrs in Jaigrah fort and then moved on to the next fort, Nahargarh
Nahargarh Fort also known as abode of tigers, stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking Jaipur. The view of Jaipur city from this fort is breath taking.

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The original name of this fort was something different but later changed to Nahargarh, Interesting legend behind this. When construction of the fort started, resting place of Saint Nahar Singh was disturbed, his sprit obstructed construction and this place became haunted. Later king built a temple for him within fort premises and changed the name to Nahargarh. Then only the construction work was able to start and all haunting activities stopped.

Madhvendra Palace was constructed inside the fort. Maharaja Sawai Ram singh and Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh used to stay here. The two storied palace has nine similar apartments. This palace is beautiful combination of Indian and European style of architecture.

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The Amphitheatre
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Bawadi (Step Well), I heard that some of the scenes from “Rang De Basanti” was filmed over here
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Jal Mahal, view from Nahargarh
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Exploring all these forts can be really hard work for many, as you will have to walk a lot and if weather is hot then it would be really difficult. However these are must visit places in Jaipur.

Another thing which attracted me was the history and stories behind all these forts. You will be amazed by these majestic and royal forts and then you will feel proud that these forts are part of India. Its quite strange that when I used to study in school I hated the history subject most but when I started visiting many places, I always go back to history and gather as much information I can.

I  think that should be the way to learn history. Students should be encouraged to visit those places and then there would be interest, they will attract to history, they will try to know more about. For example if you want students to study about Rani Laxmi Bai, take them to Jhansi and the forts there, if you want them to study about Mughal era, take them to Old Delhi, Agra. If you want to them to study about India’s independence movement or Mahatma Gandhi, take them to Porbandar, Sabarmati Ashram, Jallianwala bagh or many other historic places.

I will be writing one more blog post on Rajasthan. Will cover Ajmer & Puskar.

1 comment:

  1. There are a many places that a person is capable to go and visit in this State. Jaipur tour packages offer historically important places at Jaipur, magnificent forts and palaces of kings, Rajasthan built by different rulers in excess of the centuries in their creative but practical style.

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