Thursday 2 July 2015

Palaces and Forts in Rajasthan, India

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25 Palaces And Forts In Rajasthan You Must Visit 

Rajasthan Palaces and Forts

Rajasthan Palaces and Forts
It has beautiful structures, enchanting edifices and stunning architecture along with culture that will just enthral you. Yes, Rajasthan is one of the most colourful states of India, acquainting visitors with the culture of its own, providing experience of valiance and chivalry through its great line of Rajasthan Forts and Palaces. Scattered all around in the state, these palaces and forts have a uniqueness of their own, with each one of them narrating a story about its kings, kingdom and colourful culture.
Interesting facts: In earlier times, Rajasthan was divided into twenty princely states and each of its ruler built forts and palaces in Rajasthan to safeguard their subjects and leave a peaceful life in the opulence of their kingly luxury. Moreover, the other reason for building such an amazing and luxurious palaces was to show off their wealth and their artistic taste towards designing and literature.
Now, most of these havelis and palaces have been developed and modified into heritage hotels with present day interiors and rugged exteriors that is astoundingly amazing. A lot of them still retain their old glory and exquisite décor. The mixture of traditional and contemporary allows tourists to see these remnants and enjoy the grandeur of living in one of them, even if it is for a while. Moreover, all these palaces reflect the symbol of power and hospitality offered by Rajasthan.

Here is the list of palaces of Rajasthan:

1. Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746 during the reign of Maharaja Jagat Singh II who was the 62nd successor of the royal family of Mewar. This palace was built to serve as the summer palace and was originally named after its founder as Jagniwas. The palace complex is spread across an area of four acres in the Jagniwas Island located in the Lake Pichola.
The palace was constructed as east facing so that the members of the royal family could pray to the Sun God at the crack of the dawn. The flooring of the palace is done with black and white marbles with its walls being adorned by colorful arabesques in their best forms. This island played an important role during the mutiny of 1847, as it provided shelter to several European families who fled from Nimach.
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The then ruler, Maharaja Swarrop Singh did everything to protect his guests by destroying all the boats of the town so that the rebels couldn't reach the island. It was later when the building of the palace started deteriorating. It was decided by the managing committee to turn it into a hotel, so that by its revenue the palace could be well maintained.
Later in 1971 the palace hotel was taken over by the Taj Hotels and Resorts Palaces. They added seventy five more rooms to the original hotels and restored to it to look more opulent and luxurious. At present the hotel has eighty three rooms and is voted as one of the most romantic palaces of the country.
Best Time to Stay at Lake Palace: January - April and October - December
Opening timing and Closing time: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

2. Deogarh Mahal near Udaipur

Situated eighty miles from the periphery of Udaipur, this 17th century palace is one of the best palaces in Rajasthan. Known for its glittering mirror and murals the Deogarh Mahal is a romantic palace encircled by a beautiful lake.
This mahal is built on the top of the Arravalli Hills and has a marvellous courtyard along with an array of magnificent gateways, domes, jharokhas, turrets and battlements. This palace is owned by the royal Chundawat family, the members of which still reside here.
This Mahal is basically an exotic village situated 2100 feet above the sea level. This palace is converted into a modern day heritage hotel with fifty gorgeous suites and rooms equipped with all kinds of modern luxurious amenities like swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym etc. The Deogarh Mahal is the perfect place to visit if you are traveling in between Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Best Time to Stay at Deogarh Mahal:October - Early April
Opening timing and Closing time: 24hrs open

3. Udai Vilas Palace, Udaipur

Udaipur is considered as the royal sojourn to the lake city and consists of various Rajasthan Palaces and Forts of which the Udaivillas Palace is one of the famous one. Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Udaivillas Palace is a magnificent building which is known for its traditional and flamboyant style of architecture and artistic designs.
The palace is adorned with an array of beautiful fountains, huge courtyards and succulent gardens, which would mesmerize you to the very core of your heart. This palace is now converted into a heritage hotel that is run by the Oberoi Group of Hotels.
It is ranked as the best hotel in Asia and the fifth best in the world. Each and every guest of the hotel is treated in a royal manner and served by some of the chefs whose predecessors have served as a chef to the royal family. The Udaivillas palace is located twenty seven kilometres from the International Airport and eight kilometres from the nearby railway station.
Best Time to Stay at Udai Vilas Palace: January - December
Opening timing and Closing time: 12 am to 12 pm and 9 pm to 12 am

4. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Rajasthan Luxury Tours and Places to Stay
A very interesting history runs behind the building of this beautiful palace, which was once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Initially, the first building of the palace was built as garden house in 1835, which was later converted into a hunting lodge by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh since this palace was located in the midst of thick forest.
It was later in the early 20th century that this hunting lodge was expanded into a palace. However after the independence of India, this palace was taken over by the Indian Government and by 1950s the royal family felt that the upkeep of the palace as well as its surrounding is becoming very costly.
This lead to their decision of turning it into a heritage hotel in 1957. This hotel is run by the Taj Group of Hotels and is considered to be one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the world. Due to its magnificent structure, amazing architecture and intricate designing this palace is very famous amongst tourist who visit this region, with most of them dreaming of staying in this hotel to experience its opulence and luxury.
Best Time to Stay at Rambagh Palace:January - December
Opening timing and Closing time: Open 24hours 

5. City Palace, Jaipur

City Palace
Image Credit: sheetal saini
Jaipur City Palace is one of the central attractions of the city due to its magnanimous complex and the fact that it is still a royal residence. Similar to the human heart this palace is located slightly south west of the centre of the city and hence it is considered to be the heart of Jaipur. The palace complex consists of several other building such as Mubrak Mahal, Chandra Mahal (though this part of the palace houses a museum, most of its part is still a royal residence), Maharani Palace, Mukut Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Bhaggi Khana and Goving Dev Temple.
The palace complex consists of a huge inner courtyard known by the name of Pritam Niwas Chowk. This courtyard has four gates, representing the four seasons and Hindu Gods. The palace was constructed in between 1729-1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II and was designed with an amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal and European style architecture. It is open for tourist visits all days of the week throughout the year except for some particular 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

6. Amber Palace, Jaipur

Amer Fort
Amber Palace is one of the principal tourist destinations of the state of Rajasthan region especially for the people who are traveling to Jaipur. Situated on a high hill this beautiful palace is located in the Amer town which is approximately eleven kilometre from the city of Jaipur.
This palace was built using red sandstone and marble during the reign of Raja Man Singh I who was the Kacchwaha King of Amber. The Amber fort overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake and has large gates along with cobbled paths.
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The architecture marvel of the palace can be observed by looking at its four level layout, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas, with each of them having a courtyard. Now Sukh Niwas has special attraction that the climate around it is created artificially with the help of water cascades built around the palace.
The palace complex also has a Sila Devi Temple, the idol of which was gifted to Raja Man Singh after he had defeated Raja of Jessore in 1604. Due to its strong cultural heritage and architectural beauty defining the artistic style of Hindu elements, this place witnesses an average footfall of five thousand visitors on daily basis (according to the reports from the Superintendent of Department of Archaeology and Museums).
Best Time to Stay at Amber Palace: October - Febraury 
Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 4.30 pm

7. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Designed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the striking Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1798 and is one among the most famous palaces in Rajasthan. This palace is located in the heart of the city of Jaipur and is built of superior quality red bricks and sandstone. The exterior of the palace is basically a five storey building, which looks similar to the honeycomb of the beehives because of its nine hundred and fifty three small windows that are known as the Jharokhas.
The name Hawa Mahal stands for the “Palace of Winds”, which very much justifies it perfectly created airy structure. It has been designed in such a manner that creates an air conditioning effect inside the palace using the Venturi Effect. Apart from this, the intricate structure of the palace also served as a veil that allowed the female members of the royal family to observe the everyday ongoing of the streets below without being seen, as they had to follow the strict purdah or the face covering system.
The Hawa Mahal forms the part of the City Palace and extends up to Zenana, the harem chambers. 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

8. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Jai Mahal Palace
The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is considered as an absolute beauty constructed in the Rajput and Mughal style architecture. As its names states the palace is a water palace that is situated in the midst of the beautiful Man Sagar Lake. The palace and lake has undergone lots of restoration of process with the last one being in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. In this process the lake was enlarged, drains were diverted and tons of silt was dredged from its bottom.
Similar to the Hawa Mahal, the palace is a five storey building in which four of its floors remain underwater during the times when the lake is full. The terrace of palace has a beautiful garden along with having semi octagonal towers with elegant cupola located at each of the four corners of the palace.
Since the development of the water treatment system of the lake and the regeneration of the surrounding wetlands, five nestling islands have been created in order to attract various species of migratory birds.
Best Time to Stay at Jai Mahal Palace: January - December 
Opening timing and Closing time:Open 24hours

9. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

When it comes to Palaces and Forts in Rajasthan, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest and the most visited one. Constructed in 1929 by the Maharaja Umaid Singh, this palace was originally built in order to provide employment to the thousands of people of this region suffering from famine. Since then, the palace has served as the home to the royal family.
The palace was initially known as the Chittar Palace as it was located on the Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur.  It is divided in to three parts of which one part is a luxury heritage Taj Palace Hotel that came into existence in 1972. Out of the other two parts, one serves as the residence to the current members of the royal family headed by Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh and the other part is a museum, which displays the belongings and the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.
The palace is counted as one of the world’s largest private residences and has three hundred and twenty seven rooms. It also has a gallery that features the most exotic collection of automobiles owned by the royal family.
Best Time to Stay at  Umaid Bhawan Palace: January - December
Opening timing and Closing time:Open 24hours

10. Rohet Fort, Jodhpur

Photo Credit: Col Ford and Natasha de Vere - Flickr
Situated on the Udaipur-Jodhpur highway, one among the famous palaces and forts in Rajasthan is the Rohetgarh Fort that has now been converted into a heritage hotel offering luxurious accommodation to its visitors to let them enjoy the opulence, vibrance and the vividness of the true Rajasthani culture and tradition.
Before being converted into a hotel this palace served as the residence of the royal family of the 16th century Rathores’ of the Champawat clan. In current times the heritage hotels has twenty five air conditioned rooms out which two are super luxury suites. All the rooms are equipped with modern day facilities that one can think of. Other than this, the other add-ons include amenities such as swimming pool, doctor on call, amazing restaurant serving Indian and regional food tour etc.
Best Time to Stay at Rohet Fort: October - March 
Opening timing and Closing time:Open 24hours

11. Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner

The Lalgarh Palace was built somewhere in the period of 1902-1926 and was commissioned by the British controlled agency for Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The palace has an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with having prominence of Mughal and European style of architecture. Maharaja Ganga Singh named the palace in the memory of his beloved father Maharaja Lall Singh.
It was in 1972 that then the Maharaja of Bikaner, H.H.Karni Singh established the Ganga Singh Charitable Trust and decided to endow a part of the palace to be used in supporting the economy of the trust. It was then that the two sings of the palace was converted into independent hotels, one being the Lalgarh Palace Hotel run by the trust and the other one being the Laxmi Niwas Palace, which is operated and owned by the Golden Triangle Fort and Palaces Pvt. Ltd. In current times the palace has two other sections out of which one is museum while the other part still remains to be the house of the royal family headed and owned by the late Maharaja’s daughter H.H. Princess Rajyashree Kumari.
Best Time to Stay at Lalgarh Palace : January - December
Opening timing and Closing time: 10 am to 5 pm

12. City Palace, Udaipur

Built in 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh, this palace was setup as the capital of the Sisodia Rajpur clan. The City Palace is basically a palace complex that comprises of several other palaces within its periphery. This palace is built in a very flamboyant style and is located on the east banks of the Lake Pichola. The structure is considered to be one of the largest Palaces in Rajasthan, which is quite unique of its type.
Similar to most of the Palaces in Rajasthan this palace too reflects an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal Style of architecture. The City Palace is built on hilltop so as to provide a panoramic view of whole city along with its surroundings such as the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace and the Neemach Mata Mandir.
Photo Credit: Pablo Nicolás Taibi Cicare - Flickr
The best trivia about this place is that the Lake and the Monsoon Palaces were used in the filming of the very famous James Bond movie “Octopussy”. Owing to the great publicity and the popularity of the City Palace and its surroundings, Udaipur is also known as the “Venice of the East”.
Best Time to Stay at  City Palace: November - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 4.30 pm

13. Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh

The Fateh Prakash Palace is one of the magnificent palaces located within the periphery of the Chittorgarh Fort complex, the largest fort in India. The Fateh Prakash Palace is situated near the Rana Khumba Palace that was built by Rana Fateh Singh. This palace was constructed in 1885-1930 and is also known as the Badal Mahal.
The architecture and the styling of the palace reflect the Mewar and British phase style with high ceilinged spaces, large halls and cusped arches. The dome of the palace is foliated in lime concrete and lime stucco work, which gives it an amazing look. The construction form of this palace is similar to the Durbar Hall at the City Palace of Udaipur.
Best Time to Stay at Fateh Prakash Palace: September - March.
Opening timing and Closing time: Open 24hours

14. Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar

Neemrana Fort was once one of the most royal forts in the country. The fort and palace known for being located on a high hillock, offers magnificent panoramic views of the city of Alwar. This stunningly beautiful palace is now recognised for serving as a heritage hotel for all those who seek to enjoy their trip to Alwar.
Just as the way kings and royal family members did. Built by Raja Dup Raj in 1467, the palace was converted into a hotel in 1986 and is one of the oldest heritage resort hotel in the country. The beautiful palace derives its name from Local chieftain, Nimola Meo, who was known for its bravery. The fort is one of the best ways to enjoy a luxurious trip to the city and acquaint oneself to the culture of Rajasthan.
Best Time to Stay at Neemrana Fort Palace: Mid November and Early March
Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 5 pm

15. Bundi Palace, Bundi

A prime attraction in the city of Bundi, Bundi Palace is known for being close to the hillside of Taragarh Fort. This stunningly attractive fort is popular for its lavish murals and frescoes, known for their traditional value. The palace, currently open to the public, showcases the lives and times of people living in Bundi.
It is located in vicinity to a number of other palaces and forts, including the popular Star Fort, the Sukh Mahal and several artificial lakes that provide respite in the heat and deserts of Rajasthan. The stunningly attractive palace is also known for its stepwells that have made water accessible during the period of crises.
Best Time to Stay at Bundi Palace: August - March
Opening timing and Closing time: 8 am to 7 pm

Here is the list of forts of Rajasthan:

16. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber Fort
Photo Credit: Honza Soukup - Flickr
A beautiful edifice that has enchanted people from all over the world, Amber Fort is one the Forts of Rajasthan that is known for its stunning structural beauty and aesthetic ambiance. Amber Fort was designed to have large ramparts, paths that are cobbled along with a series of gates and four level layout plans that has been built with red sandstone and marble.
The fort has been designed in such a manner that it overlooks the Maota Lake, which gives it an attractive reflection. One of the prime Rajasthan Palaces and Forts, this edifice includes a hall for public audience, a hall for private audience, a mirror palace, and a cool living area. It features a controlled climate environment, with artificially created winds that coolly move above the water cascade. The palace was also called as the Hill of eagles as it is situated in the Aravalli range of Hills.
Best Time to Stay at Amber Fort: October - February 
Opening timing and Closing time: 8 am  to 5.30 pm 

17. Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Along with Amber Fort, this is one of the major Forts of Rajasthan, which is characterized by its stunning ramparts, edifices as well as rugged design. Similar to the Amber Fort, this fort features beautiful gardens nestled in red sandstone. Designed to protect Jai Singh II, the then ruler of Jaipur in 1726, the Rajasthan fort has a length of three kilometres and a width of one kilometre. It is known for its canon called Jaivana, which was then the largest canon on wheels.
The palace has well-tended gardens that control the overall temperature of the fort and is situated on the Hill of Eagles or the Cheel Ka Teela of the Aravalli Range. This stunningly attractive edifice is connected with Amber Fort through a series of subterranean passages. Currently, it has an armoury and a museum and is known for being the Victory Fort of Jai Singh.
Best Time to Stay at Jaigarh Fort: November - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 4.30 pm 

18. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort
Overlooking the pink city of Jaipur lays a fort so beautiful that it can take your breath away. Created in 1734 by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II, this beautiful fort once served as the retreat for the royal family.
Known as one of the major Rajasthan Palaces and Forts, this is one of that Forts of Rajasthan that is endowed with architectural beauty and provides panoramic views of the city. The fort never came into attach during the course of history and saw several treaties, especially between the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Marathas.
This fort was also known for housing Sawai Ram Singh, the then king of Jaipur during the Indian uprising of 1857. The fort is also known for the filming of Rang De Basanti, a popular Indian movie. In Nahargarh Fort, several Bhawans, rooms and suites were built for the queens, each one of them linked through a way of corridors that still feature delicate frescos.
Best Time to Stay at Nahargarh Fort : November - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 10 am to 5.30 pm

19. Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur

Photo Credit: Devesh Jagatram - Flickr
A World Heritage Site, Ranthambore Fort is nestled in the jungle of Ranthambore National Park and currently, it is one of the prime bastions of wild Indian Tigers. During the course of history, this is one of those Rajasthan Palaces and Forts which was known for being a pivotal part of Indian developments.
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The formidable fort is known for the valiant hero, Hammir Dev, who was one of the kings of the Chauhan Dynasty. The fort, which once served as one of the famous hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Jaipur now narrates the tale of royals in Rajasthan.
This is one of the Forts of Rajasthan that features classic cobbled paths, large walls and ramparts, ditches as well as strong ramifications. Three large lakes are situated here, which are visible through the fortification. The fort is also known for its three Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva and Ramlalji. These temples are constructed from the red Karauli Stone and dates back to the 12th and 13th century AD.
Best Time to Stay at Ranthambore Fort : November - May
Opening timing and Closing time: 10 am to 5.30 pm

20. Chittorgarh Fort, Udaipur

Chittorgarh Fort
This is one of the major Forts of Rajasthan and is known to be one of the grandest in the country. The largest fort in India, Chittorgarh Fort is popular for its architecture, ramparts and ramifications that represent the quintessence of rulers and their patriotism, courage and chivalry. Built in the capital of Mewar, called Chittaur, this fort exemplifies the level of loyalty and valiance that rulers of Sisodia kingdom and their women and children had for Mewar.
The fort is known for its history of bloodshed, especially when rulers, soldiers and their wife considered death as a more viable option than facing dishonour and surrendering themselves to the foreign rulers. Situated above the plains of valley drained by the river Berach, this fort is known for its historical palaces, stunning gates and major towers.
The structure has been one of the pivotal backdrops of several painters, writers and poets who have drawn imagination through the series of activities that the fort had seen over a period of time. The fort was sacked three times, is known for the valiancy of 13000 ladies and children who ended their lives at the battle of Chittorgarh fort, wherein the queen of Rana Rattan Singh, Rani Padmini first laid her life after her husband was killed in 1303 battle. The fort has eighty four water bodies (only twenty two now) and features four palaces.
Best Time to Stay at Chittorgarh Fort: November - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 9:45 am to 5:15 pm

 21. Kumbhalgarh Fort near Udaipur

Photo Credit: Benjamin Vander Steen - Flickr
The birthplace of Indian hero, Maharana Pratap, Kumbhalgarh is the Fort known for being one of the most important Rajasthan Palaces and Forts after the Fort of Chittorgarh. Open for public, the fort is known for its beautiful light show which is lit for a while every evening.
Situated on a hilltop 1100 meters above the sea level, this fort has seven fortified gateways and over three hundred and sixty temples within. While three hundred of these temples are of Jain lineage, the other sixty are for Hindus. This palace appears stunningly attractive because of the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Built by the Kumbha dynasty, the fort feature extensively beautiful gates, with one of them called Hanuman Pol, which enshrines the image of Lord Hanumana. It also features three palaces known as the Kumbha Palace, The Birth place of Maharana Pratap and Badal Mahal.
Best Time to Stay at Kumbhalgarh Fort: October - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 8 am to 6 pm

22. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Photo credit: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes - Flickr
Known as one of the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is famous for its history that includes trades with countries like Egypt, Africa, Arabia and Persia. Situated in the Jaisalmer City of Rajasthan, the fort was built in 1156 AD by Rao Jaisal, who was a Bhati Rajput ruler.
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The fort was a scene of many battles in the great Thar desert and is perhaps most popular for its massive yellow sandstone walls that appear to be complimenting the golden stretches of sands in Thar Desert. It fades to honey gold and camouflages in the desert, which gave it an edge over the other forts when Jaisalmer went on war.
The fort, known as Sonar Quila or the fort of gold is certainly one of the most breath-taking monuments in the city. Major attractive here include popular Jain Temples, Laxminath temple, its four stunning gateways as well as the Raj Mahal or the Royal Palace. The fort also houses merchant havelis or the homes where merchants could stay. Here wealthy merchants, who came to the country for purposes of trade lived and built these houses for their convenience.
Best Time to Stay at Jaisalmer Fort: October - March
Opening timing and Closing time: Open 24hours

23. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Photo Credit: Jennifer - Flickr
Enclosed in thick walls, this is one the largest forts in India and was designed for keeping the army and king safe from attacks. Mehrangarh Fort in the city of Jodhpur has been designed to feature intricate detailing, because of its which it has carvings and expansive courtyards that create a cool environment in the otherwise hot deserts of Rajasthan.
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The imprints of canon ball hot by armies attacking Jofhpur can be still witnessed on the second gate. Overall, the place has seven gates, which are known for having their own, unique historical significance. Currently, the fort houses one of the most well stocked museums in the country and features palanquins of the queens, including the popular domed gilt palanquin along costumes from the bygone era, arms and paintings, decorative embellishment in its period room.
Popular movies such as The Dark Knight Rises have been shot here. In fact, Bruce Wayne was shown imprisoned in the prison of this palace and when he emerges out of the prison, the glimpse of Mehrangarh Fort can be seen in vicinity.
Best Time to Stay at Mehrangarh Fort: October - March
Opening timing and Closing time: 9 am to 5 pm

24. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Photo Credit: Nagarjun Kandukuru - Flickr
Originally called as Chintamani, this fort is now known as the Junagarh Fort or the Old Fort. It is one those few forts that have not been built on a hilltop and is located in the modern city of Bikaner. Built from 1571 to 1611 AD, this fort is made from the remnant of the old fort, with some of the remnants now seen in the closely located Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
The fort has seen several attacks and attempts for its capture, but it was not taken by a foreign ruler except for a single day. Studded with palaces, pavilions as well as temples, the buildings of this fort are an example of composite culture and feature intermix of Persian and Rajasthan architectural styles. The fort features a quadrangular layout, with fort walls as long as 4.4 meters. It is fortified with thirty seven bastions along with seven gates that were designed to counter army attacks.
The old fort parts were demolished in just a century after it was built, but the current fort still remains strong and is most popular for its main courtyard that been built with the Carrara Marble from Italy. The fort featured seven palaces and currently has a fort museum that displays artifacts from Sanskrit language and Persian language.
Best Time to Stay at Junagarh Fort: November - February
Opening timing and Closing time: 10 am to  4:30 pm

25. Taragarh Fort, Bundi

The Star Fort of India is an impressive structure in the Indian State of Rajasthan, which is perhaps known for its stunning architecture. Although, the state of this fort is in ramshackle, it still manages to convey the glory for which it is was once known for.
The impressive gateways of its fort were known for housing the crisscrossing tunnels on the hillside which are now an adventure area for history lovers and travellers. Currently, these tunnels are accessible through proper maps. The bastion for Chauhan dynasty was known for housing a large number of huge water reservoirs, which stored and supplied this vital product for residents and farmers during the times of crises.
It also features a Rani Mahal that was built for the wives of rulers. The spectacular murals and stained glass windows have now faded, but it still manages to offer a panoramic view of the city of Bundi where it is located.

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