Rajasthan, the Royal State of
India, is known as the regal home of the great Indian Maharajas who have
managed to maintain their traditional splendor. In the heart of the
Thar, the chivalrous rulers of Rajasthan are still alive in the various
folklores and folk songs that narrate the evergreen legends of their
bravery and romance. The glory is well preserved in the people of
Rajasthan and in the majestic forts and palaces. Braving the unmerciful
desert winds and oppressing heat of the scorching sun, they have stood
invincible against many-a-sieges and have provided refuge to the rulers
in their time of strife. Now, they have been opened to the tourists who
come here to see a wonderful display of their rich heritage and splendid
artistic architecture. Many of these forts and palaces retain their old
charm and tradition. Some of the royal residences have been now turned
into heritage hotels, where the visitors can still experience the magic
of India's regal past.
Raja Man Singh built Amer
Palace in 16th century. It is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and
Mughal architecture. Rajputs made use of this Amber Fort from the
16th century up to the foundation of Jaipur in 1727. more
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The Chittorgarh Fort has
witnessed three bloody sieges and 'jauhars' (a Rajput tradition in
which royal maidens and ladies immolate themselves in the fire to
save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no
chance of defeating the enemy). more
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Gadsisar Tank is situated
south of the city walls of Jaisalmer. It was once the main source of
water supply to the city and is surrounded by small temples and
shrines. more »
Not very far from the Amber
Fort, Raja Sawai Jai Singh built the Jaigarh Fort (translated as
fort of victory) in 1726. This former royal treasury in Jaipur is
remarkably well preserved for the military structures of that period
and is regarded as one of the three mightiest forts of India. more
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Crowning Trikuta Hills, the
majestic fort of Jaisalmer is more than 800 years old. Made of
golden yellow sandstone, the fort stands in the heart of the Thar
desert, and has witnessed better times of wealth and prosperity when
it was an important trade centre and fell on the ancient silk
routes. more »
Built to be a pleasure palace
for the royal family in 1799, Jal Mahal Palace (translated as Water
Palace) of Jaipur is an extremely romantic place with its red
sandstone intricate architecture casting beautiful reflections in
the calm waters of the Man Sagar Lake, full of hyacinths. more
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Junagarh Fort of Bikaner was
built by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most able and trusted generals
of Akbar, in 1587. The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep
moats. more »
84 km from Udaipur, Maharana
Kumbha built Kumbhalgarh Fort in the 15th century. It is the second
most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort.
Crowning the Aravalli Hills, the fort is not so easily accessible
with seven great gates that stand guarding its entrance. more
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Oriental fantasy and European
comforts are blended together most tastefully in the Lalgarh Palace
of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built Lalgarh Palace. There are
terraced lawns that have been artistically planned and are in
forever bloom with Bougainvillea bushes and peacocks that charm
almost everybody who witness it. more
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One of the largest forts in
India, Mehrangarh Fort holds its place on a steep hill. The number
of palaces in its premises are made of sandstone and are excellent
examples of stone the highlights of the palace are Moti Mahal or the
Pearl Palace, which has a delicately carved stone screen and houses
the Sringar Chowki, royal throne of Jodhpur, Umaid Villas that
displays Rajput miniature paintings more
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Cradled in the Nahargarh
Hills, the Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur was built by Sawai Raja Jai
Singh in 1734. Jaipur was the capital of Raja Jai Singh II and
Nahargarh was a fitting standguard, rightly called the Tiger Fort.
It was the first of the three forts built by the rulers of Jaipur.
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