Are you planning to explore the old heritage of India which you want to enjoy with your loved ones? India as Bharat has more than 20 states but the most famous palaces and forts to visit for a traveler is Rajasthan. Tourists from National and International might have to extend their visit to Rajasthan because of its multitude of palaces and forts. However, the best part we at Discovery Prime Tours have got you covered to bring you the top famous palaces and forts to visit in Rajasthan. We host the perfect place for you to plan your holiday.
This leads to add the fact that Rajasthan is often referred to as the “Land of Kings” (Rajasthan means “Land of Kingdoms”). Let us explore some of the places to visit in Rajasthan.
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Top Palaces and Forts to Visit in Rajasthan 2024
Amber Fort
Known for its exquisite structural beauty and ambiance, Amber Fort is on the list of top famous palaces and forts to visit in Rajasthan. Situated in the city of Amber a few kilometers from the capital city of Jaipur. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the Fort and enhances its attractiveness. This fort carries various buildings of prominence like the ‘Diwan-i-Aam’, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and the ‘Sukh Mahal”. Amber Fort is also included on the itinerary of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation’s inexpensive full and half-day city tours.
- Best Time to Stay at Amber Fort: October – February
- Opening timing and Closing time: 8 am to 5.30 pm
Mehrangarh Fort
One of the most magnificent and best-preserved forts in India. Captured with thick walls all around it, the fort was made to keep the army and king safe from attacks. Located in the city of Jodhpur, has an extraordinary design with intricate detailing. Inside the fort is a beautiful wall of architecture, paintings, and charming palanquins in which queens and princesses traveled. Overall, the fort has seven gates. These are based on some milestones in the Rathore reign, Rathore Rajput king Rao Jodha, the king who laid the foundation moved here for safety. This fort is a superb tourist destination that will delight everyone from photographers to history enthusiasts.
- Best Time to visit Mehrangarh Fort: October – March
- Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 5 pm
Fun Fact – The movie, The Dark Knight Rises capitalized on this by filming scenes there. The movie cleverly used Mehrangarh Fort to establish the fictional prison where Bruce Wayne was held.
Chittorgarh Fort
The next on the list of the top beautiful palaces and forts to visit in Rajasthan is Chittorgarh Fort. Spread over 700 acres with huge boundaries of about 13 km makes it one of the largest forts in India. Also, known to be the longest-ruling dynasty capital, ‘the capital of Mewar’. This fort adds architectural beauty which is reminiscent of Rajputana pride, loyalty, and sacrifice. Inside the fort, it’s eye-catching spots such as Padmini Palace, a museum of weapons, and royal paintings. The fort is also known for the valiancy of 13000 ladies and children. They ended their lives at the battle of Chittorgarh fort,
Allow at least three to four hours to explore the important monuments. They are all conveniently marked on Google Maps, making navigation easy
Here’s a pro-tip: try to schedule your visit so you can catch the breathtaking sunset views from the fort itself – an unforgettable experience!
- Best Time to Stay at Chittorgarh Fort: November – February
- Opening timing and Closing time: 9:45 am to 5:15 pm
Fun fact – In 2013, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site under the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Fort
A well-known fort across the world, the Jaisalmer fort is one of the largest forts in the world. Popularly known as the “Sonar Qila” or the Golden Fort Jaisalmer, due to the golden-hued sandstone used for its construction, this fort enhances the beauty of its style and structure. Officially built in 1156 AD by Rao Jaisal, advised by Lord Krishna. The focused monuments like Rang Mahal, Jawahar Palace, popular temples such as Jain Temples, Laxminath Temple, and the Fort four gateways are its main parts when get on to explore. The fort is also home to approx 4000 people who still reside within the fort, making it a living heritage and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get a chance to witness the shimmering golden glow of this fort during sunrise or sunset with Discovery Prime Tours.
- Best Time to Stay at Jaisalmer Fort: October – March
- Opening timing and Closing time: Open 24hours
City Palace
Jaipur City Palace is the Palace which is the central attraction of the tourists in Rajasthan. Due to its unthinkable design and also the fact that this fort is still a royal residence. Reside South-West of the center of the city, the palace also adds elegance with several other buildings such as Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Bhaggi Khana and Goving Dev Temple. A combination of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles of architecture was incorporated into the palace by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 and 1732. It is open for tourist visits all days except for some National and traditional holidays such as Holi, Diwali and a few more.
- Best Time to Stay at City Palace: October – March
- Opening timing and Closing time: 9.30 am to 5 pm
Hawa Mahal
The last on the list of the top beautiful palaces and forts to visit in Rajasthan is Hawa Mahal. King Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who ruled Jaipur from 1778 to 1803, built the Hawa Mahal in 1799 at Jaipur. One of the specialties of this palace is its nine hundred fifty-three windows. Also called Jharokas show artistic pleasure. As Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was a devoted devotee of Lord Krishna, the facade of the Hawa Mahal is said to resemble the crown of the Lord Krishna.
The best time to view this palace is early in the morning since its red colour becomes extremely vivid in the soft glow of the morning sun.
- Best Time to Stay at Hawa Mahal: October – March
- Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 4.30 pm
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Conclusion
We always must have a question about why such stunning palaces and forts were built in a beautiful place like Rajasthan.
Rajasthan sits on the western border of India, a historically contested region. For centuries, Rajput kingdoms vied for power and faced threats from invaders. Building these forts on high ground provided excellent defensive positions to watch for enemies and fortify their borders.
At Discovery Prime Tours, we have a passion for showing off the beauty of India and its superior parts. These places are still on the list of tourist attractions that many tourists want to see. With the above list of the top beautiful palaces and forts to visit in Rajasthan with our thorough research, we invite you to experience the unbelievable.