Know all about Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur

Jaigarh fort: Every detail you must know before you go

If you are planning a visit to Jaipur anytime soon and have a wish to explore Jaigarh Fort, read on to know everything about the place.

Places To Visit

Although Pink City brims with numerous forts and beautiful monuments, your trip will be incomplete without a visit to Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. The Jaigarh fort is said to be the strongest of all. The royal Jaigarh Fort grabs the attention of travellers with its striking edifice perfectly seated amid the Aravalli ranges. Strategically nestled on the top of a hill known as Cheel ka Teela or Hill of Eagles, the views of the surrounding area will lure your senses. The Jaipur Jaigarh fort has a remarkable history connected to it.

Jaigarh fort History

The fort is named after Jai Singh. Its construction commenced in the fifteenth century and continued till the eighteenth century.

Spread over an area of 3 km and one km width, this majestic stronghold is a fortified fort that still maintains its magnificence and pride. Jaigarh Fort was built as a fortification of the popular Amer Fort, which is located nearby. For some time, it was also the residence for the royal family.

Jaigarh fort History

Once upon a time, the fort served as a strategic and safe place for Rajput warriors as they could easily hide their arms, treasure and supplies here, without having to travel out of Amer repeatedly. 

The Rajputs in Jaipur region at that time were the Kachhwahas, and they were allies of the Mughals, which is why they found the weapon and cannon store to be quite handy. Since Jaigarh Fort was built to safeguard Amer Fort, there is an underground route that connects these forts. So, this particular fort was used as a storage for the weapons and other military utilities during the rule of Rajputs and Mughals. 

It is an example of how intelligently the layout and construction was planned in those days. The Jaigarh fort Jaipur was at the center of artillery production during the erstwhile era.

Also read: About the Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort architecture 

Jaigarh Fort was named after Raja Jai Singh II and was designed, conceptualized and intricately executed with perfection by the then architectural maestro, Vidyadhar. Built of red sandstone, this magnetizing fort has an exceptional Indo-Persian style architecture.

Jaigarh Fort architecture 

The outstanding feature of this fort is that the walls are massively thick and strong. This was done with the aim of making it hard to destroy. This is also the reason why it acted as a safe place of residence in case of an emergency.

The fort boasts picturesque views of hills, great architectural beauty, and marvellous interiors. The intricate carvings and exquisite mirror work make the fort a worth-visiting place. The fort showcases the mastery over the architecture of old age. The lattice windows of the fort are the most attractive features of its architecture. One can get a clear view of the outside landscape from these windows, but no one can capture an inside view of the fort through these lattice windows. The interiors of the fort show hints of Rajasthani culture and designs. 

Apart from this, the square garden structure in the fort uplifts the beauty of the place. Jaigarh Fort also has a watchtower from where the view is marvellous and breathtaking. It houses many water channels, which were the important parts of a rainwater harvesting system. 

Also read: About the City Palace Jaipur

Top things Jaigarh fort is famous for 

Huge walls of Jaigarh Fort 

Huge walls of Jaigarh Fort 

The one thing that you can see from anywhere in Amer, is the huge red walls of Jaigarh Fort. Though this wall seemed endless along the perimeter of the fort, the wall is just 3 km long. The inner side of the wall has a walkway where you can walk along the wall. There are many entry/exit stairs located at several places so you can get in or out whenever you want to.

Jaivana Cannon

Jaivana Cannon

Of its several interesting features, the fort is famous for its main attraction “Jaivana Cannon”, one of the largest cannon in the world. At the time of manufacturing (in 1720) this used to be the largest movable cannon! This cannon on wheels weighs 50 tonnes and has a nearly 6 metres tall barrel and 11 inch diameter. As the cannon rests on four wheels instead of two, it could be turned in any direction, thus making it possible to fire in all the four directions. However, the cannon was never fired but once. 

Water store 

The fort has 3 underground tanks. These underground water tanks ensured an ample supply of water during wars. It is believed that even during the harshest summers, the tanks never went dry.

The largest tank

The largest tank among the three tanks called Sagar Talav, can store about 60,00,000 gallons of water. The huge tank was built to store water as the surrounding areas had severe scarcity of water during those days. It was fully covered to prevent water from any type of impurities, dust and evaporation. The roof of the tank is made with 18 pillars supporting the largest tank.

The Second tank

It is associated with an interesting story. The roof of the fort has nine holes and behind each hole, there is a room which was used to store a huge amount of treasure.

It is believed that the Jaigarh fort had a huge amount of treasure hidden inside it. It is said that after winning battles against Kabul and the frontier area, the acquired treasure was kept inside the tank safely.

The Third water tank

It is located in the southern courtyard of the monument.

There is another story associated with these tanks. It is said that in 1970, an income tax raid was conducted on the Royal family. During that raid an old document mentioning the existence of huge treasure and the location of hidden treasure was found. This old document is believed to be made during the governance of Sawai Jai Singh. When Indira Gandhi heard about the existence of large wealth inside the fort, she sent her officials to find out the treasure.

During this period for two days, any roads leading to the fort were closed to prevent entrance into the fort and it is said that she had taken all the treasure within these two days. It is also said and published in a book that the then prime minister of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto has also demanded Indira Gandhi to share the treasure with Pakistan, but she refused by telling him that nothing was found in the fort.

Also read: Hawa Mahal, the landmark of Jaipur

Things to do at Jaigarh fort 

Affectionately called as the ‘Victory Fort’, the fort still retains its age-old charm. Jaigarh Fort is a true marvel bragging of beautiful gardens, granaries, palaces, temples, and a reservoir having bastions, watchtowers and wide walls. The fort also offers a panoramic view of the city and a beautiful view of Sagar Lake located in the fort.

Vijay Garh Armory 

Being a military campus, this fort holds an armory which presents the swords, and other war essentials. Visitors can see the used weapons, war utilities of the Rajput ruler. This armoury also includes the photographs of the royal kings, swords, guns, shields, muskets, and knickknacks, which showcases the valor of Rajput warriors. You can see 18th-century weapons and artillery on display. You will come across several cannonballs, swords, shields, guns, bombs, etc.

Museum 

The popular well maintained museum inside the fort offers insights into the lifestyle of the royal era and warriors. There is a rich collection of portraits of the rulers of Jaipur, unique puppets, coins, artifacts, old paintings, stamps and many other royal artifacts. Tourists can also see gold and silver ornaments of royal families here that are preserved and displayed in the fort museum. The museum also houses a spittoon belonging to the 15th century and a circular pack of cards. One can see a hand-drawn blueprint or image of the fort and the palace within the museum premises.

Temples 

There are many temples to explore here, including the ones inside Amer fort. The centuries-old Kal Bhairav built in the 12th century while the Ram Harihar Temple is a 10th-century construction; a must-visit.

Diya Burj 

The place also has a flag of the state of Jaipur flying high. This tower gives an astounding view of the splendid environs. The fort also has several watch towers which provide picturesque views of the entire region of Amer, the mighty Aravalli Mountain Range, and Amer Fort as well.

Subhat Niwas 

The ‘Subhat Nivas’ also called ‘Diwan-e-Aam’ is where the king would hold a general meeting with his military officers. It is the first thing that you encounter at a huge parade ground in the fort. Some of the main attractions at the hall are huge War drums and Elephant Seat, and beated sedan chairs. 

Khilbhat Nivas 

‘Khilbhat Nivas’ also called ‘Diwan-e Khas’ is the place for the king to hold a confidential meeting, there is 

Laxmi Vilas 

Laxmi Vilas is the royal drawing-room of the King or the Laxmi Vilas. The pleasant wall paintings and the nice flooring make it obvious that this was an area for important meetings and relaxation. To give an impression to the visitors, a mattress is still placed on the floor of the Laxmi Vilas.

Lalit Mandir

This was the summer palace of the King at Jaigarh Fort. Though it has one higher floor, you can only browse through the ground floor. They say that the royal bedrooms were on the higher floor.

Aaram Bagh 

The interior of the Jaigarh Fort also has a nice garden called Aaram Bagh, which is built in the Mughal style. Aaram Bagh has a lovely garden, ramps to climb the surrounding wall, a watch tower provides spectacular views and is a perfect place to take a rest 

Vilas Mandir

It was the place built for the ladies of royal family as a special arrangement for their get-together. Vilas Mandir was used for the Royal family members get-together. It is also designed Jharoka screens with Jali works. Inner hall of Vilas Mandir is designed with ‘Araish work’ 

Theatre 

On the ground floor, there is a small theatre area which serves as a royal entertainment area for music and drama. This is where you are now treated to a puppet show. You can even buy some of these puppets as memorabilia.

It is one of the most distinctive historical monuments in the Jaipur area and has many unique features that make it unique. This is the reason the striking fort welcomes tourists, history buffs, photographers and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

Also read: Know all about Jal Mahal Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort facts

Jaigarh Fort was one of the main cannon foundries during Emperor Shah Jahan’s rule as there were many rich iron ore mines in the region.

The two former rulers of Jaigarh Fort, Major General Man Singh II and Sawai Bhawani Singh also served in the Indian Army post Independence.

It is believed that there is a huge treasure that was buried under the fort that is now seized by the government of Rajasthan when it was discovered in the 1970s.

Another fact associated with it is that In 1977, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was said to have launched a treasure hunt by an army unit in the fort premises. Though the search continued for three months, they didn’t find anything.

An interesting feature about the fort is that despite seeing several rules and coming under siege many times, no one truly ever managed to conquer the fort due to the thick and massive walls. This is the reason why another name for this fort is Victory Fort.

The Rajputs and Mughals are said to have solved their water crisis by appropriate rainwater harvesting techniques with proper water channels and underground tanks to supply water throughout the year.

The cannon was fired only once. When the cannonball was fired it is believed that it landed in Chaksu, 40 km away from the fired place, where a pond was formed deep into the surface.

There are three entrance gates in Jaigarh Fort, Dungar Darwaza, Bhairu Darwaza, Avani Darwaza. Avani darwaza is the gate for the secret tunnel from Amer to Jaigarh.

Also read: About Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur

Tips for travellers

Camera charges are separate. The guards are quite strict about these charges and keep checking on the camera tags.

The fort has a museum shop as well as a cafeteria. There are restrooms too, at the entrance of the fort.

Be careful when walking along the walls. Some of those steps are falling away and hence, exercise caution when around them.

Various parts of the fort are actually connected through narrow and dark passages. There are several such passages all through the fort. If you do not have a good sense of direction, it is very easy to get lost in these passages! Hence, try to not get lost and remember to keep to the main areas. If you have kids with you, remember to keep a hold on them.

Jaigarh Fort Jaipur Address 

Above Amber Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302001, India 

Jaigarh fort Location 

The Jaigarh Fort area is located in coastal regions of Ratnagiri district at a distance of 15 km from the city of Jaipur.

Jaigarh Fort contact number 

0141 2671 848

0141 5110 598

Jaigarh Fort entry fee

Jaigarh fort ticket prices are:

Indians: Rs 35 / person
Foreign Tourists: Rs 85 / person
Still Camera: Rs 50
Video Camera: Rs 200

Jaigarh fort timing

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Availability of Guides 

Guides are available on request.

For a Hindi speaking guide: Rs. 100
For a English speaking guides: Rs. 150

Time Required 

It takes 2 to 3 hours to explore this fort completely. 

Best time to visit Jaigarh Fort 

Morning time is best to explore this fort. As you can enter the fort only till 5 pm and you need at least 2 hours to explore the fort. So, plan accordingly and decide the best comfortable time to match your schedule. 

Best month to visit

Best season to visit is during winters as winters in Jaipur are pleasant. Winters last from November to March. Summers from April to July are extremely hot and humid.

How to reach Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is not in Jaipur, but located on the outskirts of the Amer region, which is roughly 14 km from the center of the city of Jaipur. You should hire a cab or one of the buses that transports people from the main city to the Amer region throughout the day. Buses, cabs, and other transportations are available from anywhere in the city to reach this fort. It is well-connected to the Amber Fort and is at walking distance from the Amber Fort.

If you plan to visit all three forts here together (Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort), it might be wiser to hire a private cab as you wouldn’t have to look for an auto rickshaw or cab repeatedly.

Bus: In case you wish to travel by bus, the state government runs RSTC buses from main bus stops in Jaipur like Vaishali Nagar or Sanganer to Amer.

Metro: The nearest metro station to Jaigarh Fort is Subhash Nagar which is situated at a distance of 5 km.

Railway: Nearest railway station to Jaigarh Fort is Dahar ka Balaji which is situated at a distance of 6 km. While it is 15 km from Jaipur railway station which takes 45 minutes

By Air: It takes 55 minutes to travel from Jaipur Airport to Jaigarh Fort. The approximate driving distance between Jaipur Airport and Jaigarh Fort is 23 kms.

Places to eat near Jaigarh Fort

1. The Stag Resto-bar and lounge:

Located approximately a kilometre from Jaigarh fort, this place offers tourists from all places a scrumptious meal to feast on. A beautiful view overlooking the Jaigarh and Amer Forts is definitely captivates the travellers photographic senses. You can enjoy a casual or light meal to get you ready for the road.

2. Kokum Bistro:

It is located approximately a kilometre from Jaigarh Fort and stands opposite Haathi bus stand. The bistro is a good place to simply chill with friends or enjoy a cool sip of drink and some light snacks. Being a family-run bistro, it pays special attention to every guest and offers a warm and comfortable ambience.

3. 1135 AD:

Located in Amer Palace, visitors can regale on some delectable cuisine straight from the Royal family of Jaipur. Every dish boasts of excellence that is visible through its lengthy preparation and presentation. It is around 700 metres from Jaigarh Fort. It is slightly on the steeper side with the pricing but the flavours are said to be absolutely delightful. The restaurant is divided into different parts – Shahi Angan, Swarna Mahal, and Diwan-e-khaas.

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