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Hill forts Of Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most important places to visit in Chittorgarh. This historical fort is the pride of the Rajasthani town as it stands imposingly upon the top of a hill, looking down protectively over the city. Nearly all of Chittorgarh’s attractions are housed inside the fort. The Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure which was first built in the 7th century and covers an area of approximately 700 acres.

As you go footloose in the charming complex of the Amer fort made of pink and yellow sandstone, you will witness the regal finesse of Rajputanas. The majestic beauty resides in the pink city of Jaipur, bathing in charm atop the Cheel ka Teela(Hill of Eagles).

The fort is a pearl on the crown of Jaipur. Over five thousand tourists visit the fort every day to bask in its royal splendour. The Amer fort has also been inducted into the UNESCO world heritage list along with five other forts of Rajasthan.

The fort is famous for the exquisite Hindu elements peaking through its architecture. The palace features large parapets and several intricately designed gateways that give it a stately vibe. Rajput ruler Raja Man Singh built the fort in 1592.

The fort is a famous historical monument and a reflection of Rajputana style architecture. It is most famous for its elephant rides and the sound and light show that draws the tourists in thousands every day. The fort is a fine example of the creativity and craftsmanship of the Rajput artists and architects. Amer Fort is one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan and says a lot about the state’s glorious past.

Also known as Sonar Quilla or Sone ka Quilla (golden fort) Jaisalmer fort stands high showcasing its beauty and elegance as it is one of the world’s largest forts located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Sonar Quila is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan.

Its extensive yellow sandstone walls are bright yellow during the day and fade to honey-gold as the sun sets and due to this, it is also called the Golden fort. This dessert beauty has seen many battles while standing amidst the sandy stretches of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta hill. Jaisalmer itself is known as the golden city and offers the cultural fusion of nomadic desert and royalty which will let you experience something different.

You will be amused by the architectural beauty of Jaisalmer Fort and other sites of the golden city. Built by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD this UNESCO World Heritage site is the pride of the Thar desert and is a symbol of strength. Jaisalmer Fort has played a vital role from the glorious past to the present. It has been part of many amazing cultures of the different dynasty ruling.

It has kept the traditions of past safe by preserving their designs and visions. This place will never fail to surprise you from its majestic beauty and will give you a different vision towards the history, traditions, and culture of the country.

History of Jaisalmer Fort

The Golden fort is said to be established by Raja Rawal Jaisal, who was a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. He selected the Trikuta hills located at the great Thar Desert for his fort to stand and symbolize the dominance and power of the royal Rajput's.

Sonar Quila is known as the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and has seen and been part of many legendary battles but even today it holds the same charm and positive vibes which will leave you aw-struck when you will witness this great structure. So, one can notice the fusion of Islamic and Rajput architecture. It has also been part of the silk trade route from the 16th to the 18th century. 

Sonar Quila is a legendary structure and holds a great significance in the grand history. The  fort has four grand entrance Ganesh Pol, Akshaya Pol, Suraj Pol, and Hawa Pol which have their own significance like Suraj pol named was given to one because the first sun rays over the city used to hit this very gate similarly other gates also have interesting stories related to them and are very beautifully carved and designed in a way that it is a combination of power and beauty.

The Architecture of Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort is also famous for its architectural beauty. With the amazing measurement of 1,500 ft (460 m) long and 750 ft (230 m) wide it is built on a hill that rises above a height of 250 ft (76 m). You will be delighted to witness the essence of Rajasthani architectural touch with beautiful designs and patterns. Built with the gorgeous yellow sandstone the entire fort has an amazing look and shines like gold when the sun-rays fall on the walls.

With the glorious sunrise and majestic sunset, this structure changes color from tawny lion yellow to honey- gold. You will be amused to see the four entrances to the fort which are named Hawa Pole, Akshay Pole, Suraj Pole, and Ganesha Pole. There are many other places that add their importance to histories such as Akhai Vilas, the Rang Mahal, Sarvottam Vilas, Gaj Mahal, and the Moti Mahal.

The Moti Mahal is also known as Salam Singh Ki Haweli and is extremely beautiful with the amazing architecture, built-in 1815 with a peacock-shaped roof & numerous balconies this place will give a jaw-dropping view. These places too have been formed by keeping the designs, patterns, and texture at the priority and has been taken utmost care that they stand to showcase the royalty and energy of Rajput's and taking Rajasthani style on another level.

Rajasthan is one of the most historically significant places in India, and there are several forts, such as the Ranthambore Fort, that bear testimony to their glorious rule. In fact, Ranthambore Fort is one of the oldest, most magnificent and most representative forts made by the Rajputs in all of Rajasthan. Built during the 12th century by the royal Chauhan family, this fort is also a World Heritage Site, as declared by UNESCO. If you want to experience the true essence and history of Rajasthan, you must visit Ranthambore and the Fort that is the city’s crowning glory.

The Ranthambore Fort stands on the skyline of the Ranthambore National Park, looking over the settlements and surrounding landscape underneath and offering some of the most breathtaking views from its ramparts. You can also see the dense foliage and grasslands of the Ranthambore National Park from the fort, which is another reason tourists flock to the fort from all parts of the country.

The Ranthambore Fort is also a marvelous specimen of Rajput architecture. The fort is surrounded with large stone walls, stone steps, pillars and large domes which make the fort appear majestic. Due to the proximity of the National Park and wildlife reserve, you might also find birds, monkeys and even peacocks in the fort complex. Ranthambore Fort is the perfect place to go sightseeing, trekking, hiking or nature-walking when you are in Rajasthan.

Jaigarh Fort is a monumental fort located on the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, towering at an impressive height of 500m above sea level. The fort was constructed in 1726 by the famous Raja Jai Singh II as a means to fortify the Amer Fort. 

In fact, you can see an unobstructed view of Amer Fort and its complex from the Jaigarh Fort and also witness a breath-taking view of the green hills and lakes that surround the fort. It is one of the most distinctive historical monuments in the Jaipur area and has many unique features that make it unique. 

The largest canon in the world, which is called the Jaivana Cannon, can be found inside the premises. The canon was built inside the Jaigarh Fort itself and is said to have participated in many famous Rajput battles and wars. Other attractions inside the fort include the Vilas Mandir, the Aram Mandir, Laxmi Vilas and the Lalit Mandir. 

A unique feature of the fort is the lattice-work windows from where you can observe the expanse of the surrounding landscape and the large Persian garden which has four distinct parts. The original purpose of the Jaigarh Fort was to store arms, ammunition, armours and supplies for the Amer Fort in case of war.

It is now a significant historical monument itself, with visitors travelling from far and wide to get an insight into the rich culture and history of the Rajputs of Amer. The monument is approximately 3 kilometres long and stands at a width of 1 kilometre. 

Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan 302028

Timings: The fort is open every day, from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. On Saturdays, the Jaigarh Fort remains open till 8:00 pm. 

Fee: The entry fee to the Jaigarh Fort is INR 35 for Indian nationals, while foreigners and tourists from outside the country have to pay INR 85 for entrance.