Rajasthan Forts & Palaces

Ajit Bhawan Palace Jodhpur Ajit Bhawan was exclusively built for Maharaja Ajit Singh, the younger brother of maharajah of Jodhpur. It is an impressive red sandstone structure of 1940's with arched windows, carved balconies and cupolas adding to its rugged beauty. The most interesting feature in the building is the courtyard-a quadrangle with exquisitely carved latticework. This area comes to life during meal times when Rajasthani delicacies are served by turbaned men and veiled women. Traditional folk music makes the meals more enjoyable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amer Fort Jaipur Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. Located 9 Kms north west of Jaipur, the Amber Fort was once the Capital of the Minas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chittaurgarh Fort Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. City Palace Jaipur The City Palace is located in Pink City, Jaipur which is the capital of Rajasthan. The City Palace has an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. The City Palace was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. Later several additions were made to the palace complex by many of his successors. The City Palace is the core of the royal residences in Jaipur. City Palace Udaipur The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. Hawa Mahal Jaipur Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal Palace (Palace of the Wind , or Pink palace ) is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur (Rajasthan - India). The structure is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, carefully and painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificient monument in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Jaisalmer fort is also known as the "Sonar Quila" or the Golden fort. This fort was built by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. Junagarh Fort Bikaner Junagarh Fort is one of the most imposing forts of Northern India, has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj pol or the Sun gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours. Lake Palace Udaipur Also known as Jag Niwas, this stunning lake palace afloat on Lake Pichola, was developed by Rana Jagat Singh II in the 1730s as a pleasure palace because permission had been denied to him by his father to develop the existing island palace of Jag Mandir. Lalgarh Palace Bikaner Built in the memory of maharaja Lal Singh, Lalgarh Palace has a graceful facade of red sandstone, and is one of Maharaja Ganga Singh’s great achievements. The maharaja ruled for a period of 56 years. The state especially prospered under his rule. In the fort museum which is housed in the red sandstone Ganga Niwas, built during the reign of Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh, here can be seen a unique collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and even a world war I bi-plane. Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur Laxmi Vilas Palace was built in 1887 for Raja Raghunath Singh, the younger brother of the then ruler of Bharatpur, Maharaja Ram Singh. In 1994 our family home was converted into a hotel. Here at Laxmi Vilas Palace you may relive the history of Bharatpur, feel the warm hospitality extended to you by our present generation living in the Palace. From our courtyard to our newly refurbished rooms, true old style manner is preserved throughout. Mansingh Palace Ajmer The Mansingh Palace is located in the city of Ajmer, which is known as an oasis of religious sancity. Places of interest include the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, a pillared mosque of red sandstone, the 12th century artificial lake, Ana Sagar, the Jain Temple and several others. The hotel boasts 60 centrally air-conditioned rooms and suites that are well furnished and equipped with modern amenities. Mehrangarh Fort The Mehrangarh Fort ("Majestic Fort") is located on the hilltop that rises sharply at the city of Jodhpur. With its 68 ft wide and 117 ft high walls soaring 400 ft above the city the fort dominates the surrounding plains and appears very majestic and impregnable. The Mehrangarh Fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Narayan Niwas Palace Narayan Niwas Palace, the only classified heritage hotel in the heart of the golden city Jaisalmer, stands tall as the "Flagship" of the hospitality industry. This nineteenth century ancestral property was restored and converted into a hotel in 1982. It’s golden sandstone structures and intricate carvings are a tribute to the talent of the master craftsmen of the bygone era. Neemrana Fort Alwar Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India's oldest heritage resorts. Neemrana became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom. Taragarh Fort The Taragarh Fort in Kota was built in 1345 and was the center of a kingdom in Rajasthan. Within the fort there are large reservoirs where water was stored in case of a siege, when all the towns folk took shelter within the walls of the fort. Umaid Bhawan Palace Umaid Bhawan Palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji Palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Bhawan Palace. Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world.