If there is one place in India that has a royal grandeur deeply infused in every aspect of life, it is Rajasthan! Everything about Rajasthan feels so regal and majestic. The numerous Havelis, Forts, and Palaces of Rajasthan speak of the valor and courage of the mighty Rajputs. They are a testimony to the rich past and heritage of the glorious city that was home to many dauntless warriors.

However, behind these marvelous and awe-inspiring architectural marvels, lies some of the greatest romances and sacrifices of all times. Each of these majestic Forts and Palaces has a unique story to tell. And that is a part of their magnetic charm! Rajasthan is not only famous for its extravagant royal forts but also its bounteous lakes, beautiful temples, colorful fairs, and festivals.

Every year, Rajasthan attracts a large number of tourists from far and near who come to tour the royal state and witness its magic! The Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Brij Festival, Desert Festival and Nagaur Festival are some of the most popular festivals held in the state. Also, Rajasthan is home to some famous wildlife reserves such as the Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Desert National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

But enough about that now. Let’s check out some of the most amazing forts and palaces of Rajasthan!

1. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Popularly known as ‘Sonar Quila’ (Golden Fort), Jaisalmer fort is one of the grandest forts in Rajasthan. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD and has seen many historical battles during its glorious days. It adorns the Trikuta Hill like a crown, overlooking the hustle-bustle of the city’s bazaars, the lavish Hindu and Jain temples, and the vast Thar.

The Jaisalmer Fort houses many palaces, temples, and residential complexes within. So, one can only imagine how massive this fort is! In between the sunrise and sunset, as the sun’s rays fall on the golden castle, it dons various shades of gold, which is a sight to behold.

2. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort is the grandest and the largest fort in India that dates back to the 7th century. Named after Chittranged Maurya, the walls of this fort echo with one of the most heart-rending legends of all time – Rani Padmini’s Jauhar. When the Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji, who was obsessed with Rani Padmini, seized the Chittorgarh Fort, the Rajputs fought bravely to defend the honor of their Queen. While the war waged in the background, Rani Padmini led all the women and children into the burning fire, thus protecting her and the Rajputana’s honor once and for all.

It is a beautiful fort with seven gateways, the prime one being the Sun Gate that is adorned with exquisite carvings. The Fort also houses many Hindu temples within – Ganesha temple, Kalika Mata temple, and Meerabai temple.

3. Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur

Standing tall and mighty on the hills of Thanbhore, Ranthambore Fort rests in the Ranthambore National Park. It sings of the legendary tales of the brave Rajput hero, Hammir Dev, a ruler of the Chauhan Dynasty. Built in the 11th century, Ranthambore fort features beautiful cobbled paths, colossal walls, ramparts, and ditches. Lush greenery and majestic lakes surround it.

This grand fort was a favorite hunting spot for the Royals. Even today, one can hear the roars of the fierce Royal Bengal Tiger. Hammir’s Court, Badal Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Dhula Mahal, Ganesha temple, Shiva Temple, and Ramlalji Temple are the prime attractions of Ranthambore Fort. It also houses a Jain Temple dedicated to Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavnath.

4. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Standing proudly on the breathtakingly beautiful hillocks of the Aravallis, the Amber Fort is a glorious example of Rajput architectural style. Situated in the town of Amer, this 16th-century wonder was built by Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha clan.

This spectacular fort was built using red sandstone and it overlooks the Maoti Lake. The most beautiful attractions of Amber Fort are the Sheesh Mahal, the Diwan-I-Am, and Diwan-I-Khas. While the Sheesh Mahal is built entirely out of glass, the Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas feature bold and intricate artworks that are a delight to see. Within the fort complex, there is the Sila Devi Temple, which witnesses a large number of visitors on a daily basis. The idol of this temple was gifted to Raja Man Singh after he emerged victorious in the battle with the Raja of Jessore in 1604.

5. Kumbhalgarh Fort, near Udaipur

Situated in the Aravalli Hills, Kumbhalgarh Fort boasts of having the second longest wall after the Great Wall of China. It is the birthplace of the legend, Maharana Pratap. This fort has seven gateways and houses nearly three hundred and sixty temples within! The dunes of the Thar desert add to the charm of this fort that overlooks some stunning views of deep ravines and lush forests.

The Kumbha Palace and the Badal Mahal are two amazing palaces within the Kumbhalgarh Fort.

6. Lake Palace, Udaipur

Built between 1743-1746, during the reign of Maharaja Jagat Singh II, the Lake Palace of Udaipur is what dreams are made of! Spanning across a four-acre area in the Jag Niwas Island located right in the middle of Lake Pichola, this palace offers some extraordinary views.

This palace was built to serve as a summer retreat for the royal family. Its interiors are marvelous – while the floors are a classic monochrome, the walls are painted with beautiful and bright colored arabesques. In 1971, the Lake Palace was acquired by the Taj Hotels and Resorts Palaces. It was turned into a resort featuring eighty-three grand and luxurious rooms! Today, it is one of the most romantic destinations among newlyweds who come here to enjoy their honeymoon. The beauty of the Lake Palace made it the shooting location for Hollywood and Bollywood films like Octopussy and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

7. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1798, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces of Rajasthan. The palace looks like a honeycomb and is known for its iconic feature – nine hundred and fifty-three small windows! These windows are what gave the palace its name, the Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds.”

The five-story mansion has been designed in such a manner that creates an air conditioning effect inside the palace using the Venturi Effect. It was built to allow the women to witness all the activities that took place in the busy streets of Jaipur, without being seen! The courtyard, the lovely windows, the beautiful fountain, and the archaeological museum within the Mahal are some of its main attractions.

8. Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur

The Jal Mahal Palace in Jaipur is a beautiful collaboration of Rajput and Mughal style architecture. Standing right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal is actually a five-story palace, with four of its floors submerged underneath the water! Isn’t that spectacular?

It spans across a whopping 300 acres, with a depth of nearly 15 ft. The palace has a beautiful garden on the terrace that is bounded by semi-octagonal towers in each of the four corners. The grand architecture and the picturesque location of the Jal Mahal Palace make it even more graceful. The restoration of this beautiful palace was completed in the year 2011.

9. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Rambagh Palace, which was once the abode of the Maharaja of Jaipur, was built in 1835 as a garden house. Later, it was transformed into a hunting retreat by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh. In the 20th century, this building was further expanded into a palace by the royal family.

The Rambagh Palace is known for its breathtakingly beautiful interiors and luxurious gardens. It was turned into a heritage hotel in 1957. At present, it is now managed and run by the Taj Group of Hotels and holds the repute of being one of the finest and best luxury hotels in the world.

10. Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar

Located on a high hillock in Alwar, Rajasthan, the Neemrana Fort Palace offers a magnificent view of the city of Alwar. It was built by Raja Dup Raj in 1467 and was turned into a heritage hotel in 1986.

The palace is almost 550 years old and is known for its spectacular sunsets. The place is sprawling with beautifully designed hallways, gardens, and courtyards, that reminds one of the lavish lifestyles of the Rajputana. Today, this heritage resort has become a very popular getaway destination from Delhi.

Do we need to give you any more reasons to take a tour of the beautiful and royal Rajasthan?