The Seven Hill Forts in Rajasthan, spread across Rajasthan state in northern India. The forts are mainly based in the Aravalli Range, and were built and enhanced between the 5th and 18th centuries CE by several Rajput kings of different kingdoms.
Amer Fort Jaipur –
Located on the foot of the Aravalli range and overlooking the Maota Lake, the Amber (Amer) Fort is famed for its artistic craftsmanship that is laid on a four level layout. It is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur and is a fine example of red sandstone and marble architecture comprising the Hall of Public Audience, Hall of Private Audience, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, the Amber Fort within its ramparts holds a rich blend of Hindu elements including several gates and cobbled paths and the Sheela Mata Temple.
Jaigarh Fort Jaipur –
Built in the year 1726 by Jai Singh II the Jaigarh, is one among forts in Jaipur is also known as the ‘Fort of Victory’. A fine example of a self sufficient place, it is dominated by the huge walls and watchtowers. The thick walls are of red sandstone which runs to about 3 kms.The architectural features are of Indo-Persian style.
Nahargarh Fort -
Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city
Chittorgarh Fort –
One of the oldest forts in Rajasthan that was built in the 7th century during the Mauryan period. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India that is ramped up on a hilltop spreading over an area of 692 acres and unfolds the chivalrous history of the Mewar rulers of Sisodia. The Chittor Fort has been witness to several battles, of which the Mewar Kings against Allauddin Khilji in 1303, Rana Sanga against Mughal Emperor Babur in 1527, Bikramjeet Singh against Bahadur Shah in 1535, and Maharana Udai Singh II against the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567 (final siege) holds an important place in the royal history of Rajasthan.
The fort complex comprises approximately 65 historic structures. The seven massive stone gates – Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodia Pol, Laxman Pol and Ram Pol (the main gate); palaces include the Rana Kumbha Mahal, Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal, Ratan Singh’s Palace, Badal Mahal and the beautiful Padmini’s Palace, which is one of the must visit palaces in Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Fort –
Built in the mid of 12th century by Rawal Jaisal, the massive fortification overlooking the Jaisalmer city amid the Thar Desert is one of the largest fortifications in the world. The Jaisalmer Fort, which is often dubbed as Sonar Quila, is a yellow sandstone architecture that is rimmed with 3 layers of walls and maintains 99 bastions, two major cannon points and several architectural structures including the Royal Palace, four massive gateways, merchant havelis and temples belonging to both the Hindu and Jain religion.
The Shree Nath Palace and Vyas Haveli are some of the popular tourist attractions inside the Jaisalmer Fort. There is also a museum that exhibits a fine collection of armours, portraits and paintings dilating the heroic period of the Rajput clans. At the entrance of the fort there is a small market where you can shop some Rajasthani traditional attires. The amazing view of the Jaisalmer City from the canon points and horizon at the sunset are major tourist attractions.
Junagarh Fort–
One of the prominent landmarks in the heart of Bikaner city, the Junagarh Fort is an outstanding example of art, architecture and culture. The composite structure with several palaces, temples and mansions holds a fusion of Mughal, British and Rajasthani style of architecture. Within the baronial fort walls lies the ruins of the old stone fort that was built in 1478 by Maharaja Rao Bika, one of the Rathore clans.
The construction of the Junagarh Fort was started in 1589 and was completed in 1594. The most impressive being the Phool Mahal, which is the oldest part of the fort. Some other elegant architectural work are reflected from the Har Mandir, Karan Pol, Suraj Pol, Chand Pol and Fateh Pol. The intricately carved Jain temples and havelis within the rampart are the other tourist attractions in Bikaner.
Ranthambore Fort –
The Majestic Ranthambore Fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. It is situated on top of a hill, at a height of 700 ft above the surrounding plains. The fort lies between the Vindhya Plateau and the Aravalli Hills. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing ‘jauhar’ (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. It is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site that places it under the title ‘Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Taragarh Fort Bundi –
Overlooking the city of Bundi, this impressive structure stands tall on a steep hillside. Built in 1354 with three gateways – Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi Ki Phatak – which are mostly in ruins today, the Taragarh Fort… though it has lost much of its sheen with time, it still continues to amaze the tourists with a rich diorama of the erstwhile Chauhan dynasty.
The fort was crafted with an excellent network of tunnels crisscrossing the entire hill side but it is inaccessible to tourists for want of proper maps. The fort comprises huge water reservoirs, a small palace with some marvelous murals and stained glass and a tomb that is known as “Miran Saheb Ki Dargah”.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur –
The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the important historical sites in India which has witnessed several battles against the Jaipur and Bikaner army. The foundation stone of this imposing fort was laid atop a hill by the Rathore ruler Rao Jodha with the help of Rao Nara in 1459. Later it was extended by Jaswant Singh, who ruled between 1638 and 78. The fort is ramped up with a series of seven gates including Jayapol which commemorates the victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.
Fattehpol which marks the defeat of the Mughals; Dedh Kamgra Pol; and Loha Pol hold an important place in the history of Rajasthan, Within the fort complex you will also come across some of the best palaces of Rajasthan – Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana which are notable for having exquisite architectural works with intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.
It is home to beautiful palaces with scenic landscape. The granaries, water reserves and storage systems are the finest examples of science and technology then. Some of the best places to visit here are the Ram Harihar temple, Kal Bhairav temple, museum for arms and ammunitions of those days and the largest cannon named Jaivana.
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