Rajasthan, the largest state of India has a beautiful and interesting history or better to say a ‘Royal’ history with it, also called the Royal State because of its royal history. The royals in the past have definitely left a lot behind for us to experience. Yea, right, for example, the humungous, beautiful forts.
But, what comes to your mind when you hear Rajasthan? I know a lot of things hitting your mind, but one thing that will be the common thing in everyone’s mind, that is, The Forts of Rajasthan. I mean, we all know Rajasthan is known for its forts and palaces. The royal state is one of the most important destinations in the ‘Golden Circuit’ and tourists are mainly attracted to the beautiful forts and palaces.
The forts of the royal state, Rajasthan, still stand tall and strong, still beautiful, and have an eye-catching factor. Every fort in Rajasthan has been built with architecture to awe for. The forts have so much hidden history for you to explore. Rajasthan is actually a perfect place for history buffs. By now, you must be pretty clear that the royal state, Rajasthan, is a must-visit if you love to witness beautiful architecture and forts.
But, oh! Wait! Forts! Forts! So many forts in the royal state! Which one to actually go for? How to plan where to go? The largest state of India has so many forts. Where to go first? What are the best forts in Rajasthan to visit? Have you been thinking this? Yea! I can read minds. But worry not. We got you the list. The list of the best forts in Rajasthan for your best experience.
Yes! Today we will talk about 20 best forts in Rajasthan to visit. These forts mentioned are must-visit ones and these forts will surely give you the idea of Rajasthan, it’s royal history, and its beautiful architecture.
Are you ready? Let us start with the capital city of Rajasthan. Yea! Right, Jaipur.
Amer Fort, Jaipur:
The fort has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has a beautiful architecture to experience, especially the beautiful staircase, which might make you feel tired, but will surely give you a heck of an experience.
It was built by Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592, one of the most trusted generals of Akbar.
Timing: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Light Show: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Entry Fee: 25 rupees for Indians, 200 rupees for foreigners
Jal Mahal, Jaipur:
The Jal Mahal is home to many migratory birds and it was built by the Maharaja Jai Singh in 1750. Today once can only have a look at it from a distance but cannot go inside.
It is in the middle of Mansagar Lake and it was used to be the relaxing point for Maharaja Jai Singh.
Timing: One cannot go inside but can only have a look from a distance so no timing for that.
Entry fee: No fees to have a look of it.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur:
Hawa Mahal is called, Hawa Mahal because of the iconic small structured windows which was built for queens to have a look on the hustle bustle of the roads and markets.
It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and it is one of the most popular forts of Rajasthan in India.
Timings: 9:00 am-5:30 pm
Entry fee: 50 rupees for Indians, 200 rupees for foreigners.
Jaipur City Palace:
The City Palace of Jaipur is one royal place to experience the life of royals. It has a museum inside, in the Chandra Mahal. Basically it is known for Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.
The royal family still lives in the Chandra Mahal. This royal residence was built by Sawai Jai Singh II during 1729 and 1732.
Timings: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Entry fee: 75 rupees for Indians, 300 rupees for foreigners
Lake Palace, Udaipur:
Lake Palace is one of the most popular honeymoon spot, because of the beauty of the palace and the view it has to offer. The Palace is now converted into a luxury hotel though it was built in 1743.
Timings: It is a luxury hotel which is open 24*7
Entry fee: No entry fee
Udaipur City Palace:
Blue and white makes a great colour combination, isn’t it? Well, yes, the white royal City Palace of Udaipur gives a beautiful look with the blue water around it.
It was built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and it has the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a must-visit fort of Rajasthan for a mesmerizing experience.
Timings: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Entry fee: 250 rupees per person
Lalgarh Palace, Udaipur:
The palace gives you the best example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and offers a beautiful view to capture. It is one of the most favourite spot for visitors and the palace now is converted into a luxury hotel.
Timings: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur:
The most important fort in the blue city, Jodhpur, was built by Rao Jodha in 1460. The fort is so popular that it is been featured in Hollywood film as well in Bollywood film too.
The fort gives a perfect look of Rajasthani architecture and style. It has a height of 125 meters which offers tourists a beautiful overview of the Blue City, Jodhpur.
Timings: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Entry fee: 70 rupees for Indians, 600 for foreigners
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur:
The royal fort is currently converted into a luxury hotel and is managed by the Taj Group of Hotels. It gives out the best and royal services. Also, because of their great service, the fort or hotel won the ‘World’s Best Hotel’ by TripAdvisor which attracts a lot of tourists there.
If you really want to have a royal experience then you just cannot miss out this palace.
Timings: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Entry fee: 30 rupees for Indians, 100 for foreigners
Bala Quila, Alwar:
Bala Quila is also called the Alwar Fort and is located in the hills of the Aravali Range. It has an interesting historical fact from the times of Akbar and Jahangir. Jahangir stayed in this fort for someday before he was caught by Akbar.
There are many more interesting historical stories and one should defiantly visit the fort.
Timings: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Alwar City Palace:
The Alwar City Palace gives out a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The palace is also called the Vinay Villas Palace.
It has a Krishna Temple on all four sides of the palace and it is built on the Aravali Range which makes it more charming and attractive to the eyes.
Timings: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Entry fee: 5 rupees per person
Bhangarh Fort, Alwar:
The Bhangarh Fort is 17th Century fort built in the Alwar District of Rajasthan. It was built by Man Singh I, one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, for his grandson, Madho Singh I. It is also considered the most haunted place of the country.
Yes! You read it right. Bhangarh Fort is a haunted place and in fact, it ranks as the fourth most haunted place in the world. Excited to give it a visit?
Timings: 10:00 am -4:30 pm
Entry fee: 40 rupees for Indians, 200 rupees for foreigners
Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana:
This fort is one of the most popular weekend getaways for Delhiites. It is one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan and it is built for the tourists. It has many historical facts to disclose.
Great place for history buffs. Also for the weekends, you can try ziplining and the fort also has a collection of vintage cars for you to experience.
The fort was built in 1464 and it was under the reign of Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan.
Timings: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Entry fee: 500 rupees of weekdays, 750 rupees on weekends
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer fort is one of the largest forts in India and is regarded as the ‘Sonar Quila’ or ‘Golden Fort’. The fort was built in 1156 AD by King Rawal Jaisal. The fort has entrances from four sides and has many temples inside.
Timings: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore:
The Ranthambore fort is located in Ranthambore National Park which is the largest national park of Rajasthan. The fort was built in the 10th century and is situated between the wildlife which makes it a unique factor of the fort.
Timings: 6:30 am-10:00 am, 1:30 pm- 5:30 pm
Entry fee: 25 rupees for Indians, 200 rupees for foreigners
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh:
Chittorgarh Fort is also called as Water Fort because it has about 22 water bodies inside the fort. The fort has a very large are of 700 acres.
It was destroyed thrice and was ruled by Allauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah and Maharana Udai Singh.
Timings: 9:45 am-5:15 pm
Entry Fee: 5 rupees for Indians, 100 rupees for foreigners
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner:
It is said to be the most beautiful forts of Rajasthan. It was crafted so beautifully that many rulers fought battles for it.
The Junagarh fort deserves a special mention whenever forts of Rajasthan are discussed because off its beauty and architecture.
Timings: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Entry fee: 50 rupees for Indians, 300 rupees for foreigners
Kumbalgarh Fort, Kumabalgarh:
The fort of Kumbalgarh was built by Maharana Kumbh in the 15th Century. The fort is also popular because of the birth of the great Mewar ruler Maharana Pratap Singh.
It has the second largest wall in the world covering an area of 36 km square.
Timings: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Entry fee: 10 rupees for Indians, 100 rupees for foreigners
Taragarh Fort, Bundi:
Taragarh fort is popular and best known for the military operations of Mughal Army during Mughal rule in Ajmer. It was built in 1354 AD and has a mesmerising panoramic view of the area.
Also, it has a tunnel that goes through the hill on which the fort is based on.
Timings: 9:30 am-6:30 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Gagron Fort, Jhalawar:
The Gagron fort was built by Dor Rajputs in the 12th century but later on the Mughals took over and it came under the reign of Mughal rule. The fort has hence experienced 14 battles.
The fort offers a beautiful view as it is built on a hill in the middle of a river which attracts many eyes.
Timings: 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
You should also read :