Known for its chivalry and royal magnificence, Rajasthan is famed for its remarkable architectural buildings, beautiful palaces, and ancient temples that the Jat and Rajput rulers built. Rajasthan, the incredible state in India, is a treasure of splendid heritage and rich historical culture with glorious stories and charisma. The Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan are distinctive and built with old architecture and detailed edifices.
Exploring Rajasthan is an incredible experience, and you will not miss the dignified significance of royal families. Here is the list of unique and must-see majestic forts and palaces in Rajasthan that will take you back in time to know about the lifestyle of the royals and keep you engaged throughout your trip!
List of palaces that you shouldn't miss in Rajasthan
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Amber Palace, Jaipur
Built-in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, the Amber (Amer) Fort is one of the prestigious palaces to visit in Jaipur and has beautiful courtyards with ancient temples that will leave you awestruck. It is a significant tourist spot that attracts millions of travelers worldwide with its rich blend of Hindu elements and honey-gold drench at Sundown!
Amber Fort's architectural design has four different parts, "Diwan-i-Aam" meaning "hall of public audience," "Diwan-i-Khas," meaning "hall of the private audience," Sheesh Mahal, or the mirror palace, and the Sukh Niwas.
Visit the most celebrated palace of Rajasthan and experience the artistic craftsmanship laid on a four-level layout.
Interesting Things To Do In Amber Palace:
- Have a walkthrough in the fantastic architecture of high ramparts and cobbled paths
- Take up a trekking trip to the surrounding hills
- Go for an elephant ride and indulge in handicraft works
- Attend the evening light shows, available in both Hindi and English
- Watch the popular attraction, 'magic flower,' carved on a marble panel
- See the visual delight of Sheesh Mahal with colored glasses and mirror mosaics
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
An iconic structure built in the city's heart in 1929, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an outstanding Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace was first known as the Chittar Palace, located on Chittar Hill (the highest point in Jodhpur).
The dazzling appearance of Chittar sandstone, the private museum, unparalleled marble squash courts, wood-paneled library, and an exotic gallery is all that you can feel thrilled about visiting this palace!
Interesting Things To Do In Umaid Bhawan Palace:
- Experience the lifestyle of kings and queens in the Royal Suite bedroom
- Witness the central dome area with architectural detailing and bygone royalty
- Visit the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace museum that has a massive collection of furniture
- Walk alongside the well-maintained lawns bordered with beautiful flowers
3. Monsoon Palace, Udaipur
A monsoon retreat for Mewar rulers and encircled by Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Monsoon Palace is the most visited stately building in Rajasthan. Get a panoramic view of Udaipur; never miss seeing this palace.
A famous palace to enjoy monsoon built-in 1884, you can view magnificent views of the City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Chittorgarh, the King's ancestral home.
Interesting Things To Do In Monsoon Palace:
- Explore the hilly region of Udaipur and learn about the popular folk literature
- Enjoy your family time by shopping for local souvenirs
- Visit the wildlife sanctuary and experience a wide variety of flora and fauna
- Never miss out to watch the attractive view of the sunset point
- View the palace decked up with fairy lights every night
4. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD and located in the bustling city of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a prominent historical landmark in India that has a blend of architectural heritage and rich culture.
Hawa Mahal has 953 jharokhas (small windows) excellently incorporated in a honeycomb design and known as the 'Palace of Winds. In addition, Hawa Mahal has rooms inlaid with colorful marbles, fluted pillars, and domed canopies decorated with intricate latticework, the best attractive spot in Jaipur.
Interesting Things To Do In Hawa Palace:
- Encounter the best artistic carvings with a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
- Witness the grandeur stands of the palace in the Jaipur city
- Watch the early morning charm of sunlight in the palace
5. Golden Fort, Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Quilla or Sone ka Quilla (Golden Fort), is a fort's replica shown in the television cartoon "Arabian nights." The golden fort is one of the magnificent monuments in the city of Jaisalmer, built-in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. With 1500 ft length and 750 ft width, Jaisalmer Fort is built on a hill that rises above 250 ft above the surrounding countryside. Visit the Jaisalmer fort and know the astonishing cultures of the various dynasties ruling!
Interesting Facts About Golden Fort:
- Jaisalmer is well-known for sand-colored structures, cultural people, and endless deserts
- The fort has Havelis, including the Nathmal Ki Haveli, Patwaon Ki Haveli, and Saalam Singh Ki Haweli
- It is the world's largest desert living fort and was built on Trikuta Hill
- Visit the elegant Laxminath and Jain temples
6. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Built by local Maurya rulers and ruled by the Mewar Kingdom till the 7th century and afterward, Chittorgarh fort is one of the largest forts in India, declared as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in 2013. The Chittorgarh Fort is a saga of bravery, a treasure trove of history, and courage. It is a tribute to sacrifice and nationalism and has several gates, temples, and historical places. In addition, you can find two significant victory towers inside the fort.
Interesting Facts About Chittorgarh Fort:
- The fort has different gates known as Hanuman Pol, Padan Pol, Ganesh Pol, Laxman Pol, Jolla Pol, and Bhairon Pol
- Find two victory towers called the Vijay Stambha and Kirtistambha
- Explore some oldest palaces inside this fort-like Fateh Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, and Padmini's Palace
- A circular pathway connected with each temple shows the pain of the Mewar people
7. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Considered as one of the magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. With an area of 5 km and constructed at the height of 125 m in the outskirts of Jodhpur city, Mehrangarh Fort stands as a splendor with burnished red sandstone and strange haunting beauty. You must not miss visiting this best-preserved fort in India for its majestic citadel of colossal proportions!
Interesting Facts About Mehrangarh Fort:
- The fort houses a grand museum, in-house museum shop, spectacular palaces, and expansive courtyards.
- You can witness folk dance and cultural performances almost every day.
- Have a look at the beauty of Chokelao Bagh, an 18th-century garden, which is a location of the open-air Chokelao Mahal Restaurant.
- Relish an unforgettable candlelight dinner and enjoy the stunning views with zip-lining.
- Visit the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, a key attraction for travelers.
Conclusion
Whether you are a casual backpacker, art connoisseur, history buff, or adventure seeker, we are damn sure that you will truly be able to feel the power and beauty of our country's magnificence when you visit each one of these. So, get your bags ready and plan the best holiday to visit these most spectacular forts and palaces in Rajasthan!