Famed as the Pink City for its classic pink hues, Jaipur is a wonderland of culture and heritage. Amongst the many historical stupefaction, the forts of Jaipur speak the tale of its brave and loyal benefactors. Jaipur is an exception having many forts as compared to other cities with just one or two. These forts remain standing, proud of its history and what it once used to be. Lets know about the enchanting forts of Jaipur.
Famous Forts in Jaipur
Jaipur is home to six forts within its city limits, complemented by a multitude of forts dotting the surrounding landscape. These forts were constructed to serve defensive and strategic objectives.
1. Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort was built to strengthen the safety of the city. It is a formidable structure that stands as a testament to the strategic prowess of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Originally named Sudarshan Garh, the fort was later renamed after the Rajput Prince Nahar Singh, who lost his life here. Sprawling across a vast expanse, the fort was dates back to 1734 by Sawai Raja Jai Singh. The subsequent rulers, Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II, further embellished it with additional structures. This imposing fortification, also known as Tiger Fort, is distinguished by its nine identical royal apartments, each designed for one of the king’s queens. The palace section of the fort is noticeably smaller than its counterpart in Amer Fort.
Perched atop the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort commands a breathtaking panorama of Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Its strategic location offers not only a bird’s-eye view of the city’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks. It is also an unparalleled vantage point for witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise. This enchanting spectacle, a symphony of light and color, has earned Nahargarh Fort a well-deserved reputation as one of Jaipur’s most sought-after sunrise spots.
2. Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort, a majestic sentinel perched atop the Aravalli Hills, served as a formidable bastion. It shields the neighboring Amer Fort and the city of Amer from potential invaders. Despite its historical significance, the fort has not received the level of preservation it deserves, leaving its grandeur somewhat diminished. Today, Jaigarh Fort remains under the custodianship of the descendants of Jaipur’s erstwhile rulers, who continue to uphold its legacy. While the fort’s walls bear witness to the passage of time, the breathtaking views it offers of Amer town and the surrounding region remain as captivating as ever.
Among the fort’s many notable features, the Jaivan Cannon stands out as a symbol of Rajput military prowess. This colossal artillery piece, one of the largest in the world, was designed to deter potential adversaries and safeguard the kingdom. Less widely known is Jaigarh Fort’s historical significance as a center for cannon production. The fort’s cannon foundry, believed to be one of the earliest in India. It played a crucial role in equipping Jaipur’s forces with the firepower necessary to defend their kingdom.
As visitors explore the fort’s labyrinthine passages, they transports back in time, imagining the echoes of war cries and the clangor of weapons that once filled these halls.
Water reservoir
Lastly, Jaigarh Fort is also popular for its ingenious water reservoir system. At the heart of this system lies a massive tank, capable of storing a staggering 230 million liters of water. This impressive feat of engineering ensures a reliable water supply for the fort, even during periods of drought. The fort’s water harvesting system taps into the surrounding hills, collecting rainwater and channeling it into the central tank. This elaborate network of channels and conduits ensures a steady flow of water throughout the year. The water reservoir system, seamlessly integrated into the fort’s architecture, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water conservation in arid regions.
Many sections of the fort are inaccessible to visitors. However, it is possible to access Jaigarh fort via a cobbled path from Amer Fort and enter from the alternative gates.
3. Amer Fort
Amer stands out as one of the most frequented and historically significant among the three. While technically a palace rather than a fort, it served as the capital of Dhundhar for numerous centuries. The Kachhawa rulers engaged in numerous wars, often in collaboration with the Mughals, who governed a vast expanse of India until the British era. Renowned for its splendid architecture, a harmonious fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles, Amer Fort is distinguished by its scenic surroundings and holds a deeper historical significance compared to the other two forts.
Amer Fort has undergone thorough maintenance and numerous restoration efforts. It holds a place in the UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, managed by the state government under the Department of Archaeology. Amer attracts numerous visitors, drawn in part by the distinctive Amer Fort elephant ride, an exclusive experience not offered in any other fort.
Many travelers visit Amer because of the Amer Fort elephant ride. This is unique to Amer and not available in any other fort.
4. Moti Dungri Fort
Moti Dungri in Jaipur is a small palace that resembles a Scottish castle in Rajasthan. Maharaja Madho Singh’s son once resided here under restraint, and it was also briefly the residence of Maharani Gayatri Devi. Also referred to as Shankargarh (Shiva’s Abode), the Moti Dungari fort comprises a palace and two temples—one dedicated to Lord Ganesh at the foothills and the other to Lord Lakshmi Narayan, known as Birla Mandir. While the Shiv temple is open for Darshan on Shivratri, the Moti Dungri Fort itself remains inaccessible to the public.
Moti Dungri Fort is inaccessible to the public.
5. Amagarh Fort
The origin of the Amagarh Fort can be traced back to a Meena ruler who predated Rajput rule in the region, making it a revered site for the Meena community for centuries. The ownership of Amagarh Fort currently lies with the Forest Department, and access to the fort is restricted. This decision has been met with resistance from the Meena community, who believe that their access to this holy site is being unfairly curtailed.
Despite the ongoing dispute over ownership and access, the Amagarh Fort remains a captivating historical landmark. The hills surrounding the fort are located in close proximity to the Sun Temple. Sun temple is a popular religious destination, and on the route to the revered Galtaji Temple. The present form of the Amagarh Fort, though largely attributed to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, is believed to have been built over an existing structure that predates his reign. This layered history adds to the fort’s mystique and cultural significance.
6. Hathroi Fort
Hathroi Fort has sadly succumbed to the relentless march of urbanization and illegal encroachment. Over time, the fort’s once-majestic structures have gradually crumbled under the weight of neglect and encroachment, leaving behind a site that is a mere shadow of its former glory. Visitors who venture to the fort’s location near the Vidhayakpuri police station can still discern remnants of its former grandeur.
Forts around Jaipur
Here are the forts near Jaipur that make for conveniently accessible getaways from Jaipur in the form of forts, each rich in historical value, harking back to the era when Rajasthan was under the rule of Rajput kings. These destinations are well worth your time and effort.
Achrol fort
Situated 25 kilometers from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway, Achrol Fort is owned by the Achrol Thikana family, an extended lineage of the Kachhawa rulers of Jaipur. Unfortunately, there are no available historical records regarding the fort’s past, aside from the knowledge that Achrol Thikana dates back to 1550 AD. While attempts have been made to restore the Achrol Fort, these endeavors appear insufficient and deviate from the methods employed by heritage restoration experts. Recently, a few independent trek operators have initiated excursions around Achrol Fort from Jaipur for trekking and hiking, inadvertently causing additional harm to the fort and its heritage.
The fort held significance for military and strategic purposes, whereas the Palace or haveli served as a residential area. Achrol Palace, an ancient haveli, is situated near a pathway leading to Achrol Fort within the Achrol village. Nestled away from the main highway, the quaint Achrol village, adorned with a handful of old Havelis, remains relatively small but preserves its unique charm.
Naila fort
Naila Fort, situated approximately 30 km from Jaipur in Naila village, features well-preserved ramparts encircling the village. Originally designed as the primary defense line against invading armies, the fortification encompasses the entire village, including the elevated Naila Fort. Initially owned by the Rajput clan Chandrawats, the fort later changed hands and was acquired by Oberoi, the owner of the Oberoi hotel chain in India and abroad. Unfortunately, public visits to the fort are no longer possible, except for guests staying at the Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel in Jaipur, who can partake in a sunset experience. As it serves as a private residence, the fort having a style of English castle, is not open to the general public.
Naila village houses Naila Palace, originally built and possessed by the former rulers of the Naila estate. Currently under government ownership and management, the palace functions as a primary health center and serves as a training facility for aspiring doctors and medical professionals. Regrettably, the current condition of the structure is disheartening. The architecture, a distinctive blend of European and Rajasthani styles dating from post-1850 AD, features artwork that seems impossible to replicate to the same standard today.
Mundota Fort
Mundota Fort, situated in Jaipur, is an integral part of India’s inaugural luxury heritage polo resort. With a rich history spanning more than 450 years, the fort was constructed in the early 14th century by the Naruka Rajputs in Mundota village. Positioned atop the Aravalli Ranges, the fort served as an initial defense against potential attacks on the city. Following a conflict with the Naruka clan, the Nathawat Rajputs emerged victorious, gaining control of this historic fortress.
Nearly a hundred years later, around 1550, Thakur Jaswant Singh, a contemporary of Mughal emperor Akbar, made the decision to construct a palace at the base of the fort. The subsequent generations of this notable Nathawat clan scion continued to enhance and magnify the palace. Following seven years of meticulous restoration, this fort and palace have undergone a transformation and is now a lavish 5-star accommodation option.
Spread over an expansive ten acres, this residence showcases the exquisite blend of Rajput-Mughal architecture, featuring traditional courtyards, terraces, pavilions, and gardens that attract various birds, including dancing peacocks. Emphasizing its origins as a strategic warrior fort designed for protection rather than royal residence, the furnishings of this exceptional hotel are deliberately modest and uncomplicated. Distinguished as India’s sole operational polo ground within a heritage property, this destination is perfect for equestrians, enthusiasts of horses, and those seeking the enjoyment of private polo matches.
Best fort in Jaipur to visit
Travelers often grapple with the dilemma of choosing the finest fort to visit in Jaipur. The extensive options make it challenging to include every place in their itinerary, leaving them uncertain about which fort to prioritize.
Among the most renowned and esteemed forts in Jaipur are Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Amer Fort. For architecture enthusiasts or history aficionados, exploring all three forts offers a remarkable experience. Each fort boasts distinctive features, with Amer Fort being ideal for those fascinated by intricate architecture and historical significance. Alternatively, Nahargarh Fort provides a perfect choice if you appreciate panoramic views of the city.
Are there any Forts in Jaipur For Stay?
There is no fort in Jaipur for a stay as the forts in the city have either been transformed into heritage hotels or are in a state of disrepair. However, several forts in the vicinity, such as Tijara Fort, Neemrana Fort, Kesroli Fort, and Dadicker, offer alternative options. Fort Bishangarh and Mundota Fort are also well-known forts near Jaipur that provide lodging facilities.
A visit to Jaipur forts will surely give you a classic experience which you will remember for long. Know the glorious history of Jaipur by visiting its forts which still hold their old world charm.
