21 Famous Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan are surrounded by various tourist spots that still maintain a diorama of the medieval clamor and are known for their royal aura and fascinating past rich with tales of chivalry and valiance. Since the dawn of time, several kingdoms have invaded and ruled this wonderful region in India, but none of them have been able to challenge the princely position of the Rajput and Jat rulers. As a result, Rajasthan's stunning architectural creations are forts, castles, Havelis, and temples built by the Rajputs and Jats. Most of these massive structures date back to the Middle Ages; only a tiny portion has been retained as the royal family's private mansions, while the others have been transformed into public spaces like government buildings and old-style lodgings.

Fascinating Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Having a noble aura and a vibrant past, Rajasthan is filled with tales of bravery and courage. Numerous monarchs attacked and ruled over this great state in India, yet they could not harm the princely state or the exquisite forts and palaces of Rajasthan. In the past, Rajasthan was home to roughly 20 princely states, each of which was secured by a rogue army and a massive fort. And for that reason, there are so many forts in Rajasthan. Let's examine the well-known forts and palaces of Rajasthan, along with other prominent tourist destinations.

1. Amber Fort and Palace, Jaipur

Raja Man Singh built the Amber Fort in the 16th century. The magnificent fort overlooks Maota Lake as it sits at the foot of the Aravalli mountain range. The Amber (Amer) Fort is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and design. It is constructed on a four-level design. It is a popular tourist attraction of Rajasthan. The red sandstone and marble used in the fort's building are an exquisite combination. The fort's features include the Sheesh Mahal, Hall of Public Audience, Hall of Private Audience, and Sukh Niwas. Along with a rich Hindu aesthetic, the fort that surrounds the Sheela Mata Temple has numerous gates and cobblestone pathways. The Amber Fort is frequently visited by tens of thousands of tourists from around the globe.

2. Jaigarh Fort

To protect the Amber Fort, which is situated at the foot of the Cheel Ka Teela, Jai Singh built the Jaigarh Fort, often referred to as the Victory Fort, in 1726. One of the most important aspects of the fort is the enormous cannon, "Jaivana," which at the time was the largest gun on wheels in the entire globe. The fort is constructed with a sophisticated system of underground passageways and comprises the Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, and Aram Mandir. The fort museum currently displays a collection of relics and armor from various Rajput clans.

3. Mandawa Fort

The Mandawa Fort is notable for its painted archways, murals, and mirror works and exhibits some of the distinguishing qualities of Rajasthani architecture. You are taken back in time by the exquisite architectural design, that Nawal Singh finished in the 18th century. It maintains a palace filled with antiques. The Mandawa Fort is currently one of the ancient forts of Rajasthan.

4. Junagarh Fort

A famous landmark in the heart of Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort is a superb example of art, architecture, and culture. The complex's architecture blends Mughal, British, and Rajasthani elements and consists of numerous palaces, temples, and residences. Within the boundaries of the baronial fort, the old stone fort of Rajasthan, built-in 1478 by Maharaja Rao Bika, a member of the Rathore clan, is still in ruins. Later, between 1589 and 1594, the Junagarh Fort was constructed under the supervision of Raja Rai Singhji, a renowned military commander who had previously served in the courts of Emperor Akbar and his son Emperor Jahangir.

5. Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Quilla

The Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Quila, is a three-layered walled fortification made of yellow sandstone. Its architectural characteristics include the Royal Palace, four large entrances, merchant Havelis, and temples that are both Hindu and Jain in origin, along with 99 bastions, two notable cannon positions, and other structures. The Shree Nath Palace and Vyas Haveli are two popular tourist attractions located inside the Jaisalmer Fort.

6. Meherangarh Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's most important historical sites, has faced off against the forces of Jaipur and Bikaner. Rao Jodha, the Rathore monarch, placed the foundation stone for this enormous fort in 1459 with the assistance of Rao Nara. Later, it was prolonged by Jaswant Singh, who ruled from 1638 to 1678. The fort now has seven gates, including Jayapol, which celebrates victories over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner.

7. City Palace

The City Palace in Udaipur is one of the most magnificent palaces in Rajasthan. This lavish palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh when he relocated his capital from Chittor in the middle of the 16th century. The palace was enlarged by subsequent kings throughout the years, and it is now a complex structure with 11 separate small palaces, entrances, balconies, towers, gardens, and cupolas that exhibit exquisite mirror work, wall murals, silverwork, inlay work, and leftover colored glass. The complex's primary features include the Bari Pol, Tripolia, and Hathi Pol entrances, the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Badi Mahal palaces, the museum, and the temples to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Meera Bai.

8. Umaid Bhawan Palace

Built by Maharana Umaid Singh in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest residences in the world with 347 rooms. Though the royal family still resides here, a part of the palace now hosts a vintage car collection and is open to the public.

9. Chittaur Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across 692 acres, Chittaur Fort narrates tales of the heroic Sisodia Rajputs. With towering gates, ancient temples, and royal residences, the fort is a timeless symbol of Rajput valor and sacrifice.

10. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Famous for its 36-km-long wall—the second longest in the world—Kumbhalgarh Fort houses over 300 temples and several palaces. Built by Maharana Rana Kumbha, this 15th-century marvel is also the birthplace of the legendary Maharana Pratap.

11. Lake Palace

Originally built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the Lake Palace floats on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. It served as a British refuge in 1857 and now operates as a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group, boasting royal decor and amenities.

12. Udai Bilas Palace

Overlooking Gaib Sagar Lake and framed by the Aravalli Hills, the Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur is known for its bluish-gray sandstone architecture. Built in the 19th century, it now functions as a heritage hotel with 20 regal rooms offering an immersive Rajasthani experience.

13. Juna Mahal, Dungarpur

A prime example of Mewari architecture, the Juna Mahal features carved gates, glass inlays, and vibrant wall murals. Initiated in the 13th century by Rawal Veer Singh Deo, its construction spanned over 500 years.

14. Rani Padmini Palace, Chittaurgarh

Nestled within Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmini’s Palace is known for its striking architecture and historic significance. It was here that Rani Padmini performed Jauhar to resist Alauddin Khilji’s invasion in the 13th century.

15. Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner

Built between 1902 and 1926, Lallgarh Palace in Bikaner showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture. While part of it serves as a royal residence, the rest functions as a hotel and museum.

16. Taragarh Fort, Bundi

Known as the Star Fort, Taragarh is famed for its intricate tunnel system. Though less accessible due to lack of maps, it boasts reservoirs, murals, and the Miran Saheb Ki Dargah, making it a unique historic attraction.

17. Deeg Palace, Bharatpur

Deeg Palace is a stunning blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Its standout features include marble jalis, canals, and the Keshav Bhawan with fountains. It’s often visited after exploring Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Lohagarh Fort.

18. Ranthambore Fort

Located inside Ranthambore National Park, this 11th-century fort is rich with temples, palaces, and pavilions. Originally built by the Nagil Jats, it has since seen the reigns of Chauhans, Mughals, and Sultans.

19. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Perched on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It remained untouched by war and was later expanded by Sawai Madho Singh with the addition of Madhavendra Bhawan.

20. Lohagarh Fort

Situated on a man-made island in Bharatpur, Lohagarh Fort earned its name from successfully repelling British and Mughal attacks. Notable features include the Ashtadhatu and Lohiya Gates, crafted from metals taken from Delhi.

21. Chhatar Mahal (Palace of Towers), Bundi

Set high in the Bundi hills, Chhatar Mahal is accessible via a steep walkway. Its highlights include Hazari Pol (Gate of a Thousand), Hathi Pol, Naubat Khana pavilion, and Diwan-e-Aam, making it a must-see in the city.