9 Best Forts in Rajasthan India That You Must Visit

Rajasthan is a desert state situated in India, that is famous for its forts and palaces. It includes diverse landscapes from the Aravalli Hills to the sandy desert of Jaisalmer. Below is a list of the most visited places and forts in Rajasthan, curated by HTO India, a prominent India tour operator.

Best Forts In Rajasthan That Will Mesmerize You

1. Amer Fort:

This majestic fort is situated a short distance from Jaipur and symbolizes love and Hindu-Muslim unity. The Hindu princess here was married to the Muslim ruler Akbar, which allows glimpses of Indo-Islamic culture to be seen in this palace. A Maota Lake lies before the fort, enhancing its beauty even further. Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the fort, you can explore enchanting courtyards, halls, and gardens made of marble and sandstone. Allotting 3 hours is sufficient to visit Amer Fort.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

2. Jaisalmer Fort:

Jaisalmer Fort was constructed by Ruler Jaisal in the 12th century using yellow sandstone. It is one of the largest forts globally and is referred to as the Sonar Fort because of the way its sandstone glows in the sunlight. The impressive presence of the fort is attributed to its intricate architecture and breathtaking views. Such is the majestic grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort which has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Within the fort, you can capture the bustling marketplace and the intricate Jain temples using your camera, creating lasting memories. With its 99 bastions and the surrounding moat, Jaisalmer Fort stands as a testament to its rich history. Book Rajasthan tour packages providing the best convenience and safe travel.

Best time to visit: October to March

Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

3. Chittorgarh Fort:

Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in Asia and is so admirable that words will fall short of describing its magnificence. This fort was built by Bappa Rawal in the 8th century. Within the fort, there are seven gates, four towering towers, several temples, and palaces, which are enough to mesmerize any tourist. Activities to partake in Chittorgarh Fort include exploring its historical buildings and temples as well as enjoying the panoramic views from its summit. Chittorgarh Fort is one of the best forts in Rajasthan.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

4. Ranthambore Fort:

The Ranthambore Fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century, using red sandstone, in Ranthambore, Rajasthan. The fort is situated amidst the Ranthambore National Park and is famous for its historical importance and architecture. The fort includes a Ganesh temple, a museum, a garden, and a lake for tourists to visit. Additionally, visitors can engage in tiger safaris and bird-watching in Ranthambore, providing an opportunity to capture deer, chital, tigers, and various forest birds on their cameras.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5. Bikaner Fort:

The Bikaner Fort, also known as Junagarh Fort, was constructed by the ruler Rao Bika in the 15th century. You can delve into the intricate architecture of the palaces, various courtyards, Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal, and halls within the fort complex. Marvel at the harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput styles evident in the fort's design. Take time to explore the Chandra Mahal inside the fort, adorned with frescoes, ornate mirror work, and delicate stucco designs.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6. Mehrangarh Fort:

Situated on top of a 410 feet high hill in the desert of Jodhpur, was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the ruler of Jodhpur. The fort boasts seven gates, each with its own distinct name. Notable movies such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises, and Thugs of Hindostan have utilized this fort as a filming location. Within the fort premises, you can explore attractions like the National Geological Monument, a museum, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Nagnecha Mataji Temple, Chamunda Temple, and Rao Jodha Desert Rock, all of which draw in tourists from around the globe.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

7. Kumbhalgarh Fort:

The Kumbhalgarh Fort stands at a height of 3600 feet and stretches 38 kilometers long. It is the second largest wall in the world, second only to the Great Wall of China. This magnificent fort was constructed by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, nestled among eleven peaks of the Aravalli range. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, the Kumbhalgarh Fort took 15 years to complete. It has seven grand gateways, as well as a Hindu temple, a Jain temple, and a museum, which all contribute to its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Best time to visit: November to February

Fort Opening Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

8. Jaigarh Fort:

The Jaigarh Fort was built by Jai Singh II in the year 1726 AD on the Hill of Eagles in Amer. It is also recognized as the Victory Fort. Within the fort, there are mesh windows installed for security and to allow for pleasant, fresh air. These windows provide a view of the outside from the inside, but they do not reveal the interior from the exterior. One of the remarkable features of the fort is the world's largest wheeled cannon, known as the Jaivana Cannon. The primary attractions of the fort include the Aram Mandir, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, Lakshmi Vilas, cannons, swords, and a Persian-style garden.

Best time to visit: October to March

Fort Opening Timing: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

9. Nahargarh Fort:

Built at an altitude of 700 feet, this fort was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 AD. The fort was built with a primary focus on security to ward off invaders. Interestingly, despite its defensive purpose, the fort was never attacked by any army. Originally named Sudarshangarh, the fort's nomenclature changed due to a legend associated with its construction. It is said that during the fort's construction, the spirit of Prince Rathor Nahar Singh hindered the process. To appease his spirit, a temple dedicated to Nahar Singh was erected leading to the fort being renamed Nahargarh.

At sunset, the fort offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Jaipur. In ancient times, the royal family of Jaipur would visit this fort for relaxation and holiday celebrations. During the Indian freedom struggle in 1857, British citizens sought refuge within the fort, protecting their families. The fort was designed with the king's privacy in mind. It featured separate suites for twelve queens, divided into nine parts, each including a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and storeroom. This arrangement allowed the king to visit a different queen's bedroom each day without the knowledge of the others.

The fort boasts a plethora of attractions for tourists, including Indo-European architectural styles, Tadigate, a temple, Madhavendra Bhavan, the suite of twelve queens, Diwan-i-Aam (House of Commons), bat colonies, a water tank, intricate Meenakari works, the Jaipur Wax Museum, the Mom Museum, Sheesh Mahal, Sculpture Park, Royal Gator Tombs, and numerous other captivating sights.

Best time to visit - October to March (Evening)

Fort Opening Timing - 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Conclusion:

In this list, we have listed only those selected forts that are famous in some way or the other not only in Rajasthan but all over India, and tourists from all over the world come here. This palace is famous for its architecture, valor, role in history, and design. So now pack your bags without delay and leave to see the forts in Rajasthan.