Rajasthan’s largest city Jaipur, is one among the trio in the Golden Triangle (Jaipur-Delhi- Agra). The city opens up to beauteous Forts and Palaces. Your Jaipur expedition will go in vain if you depart from the city without admiring the forts and palaces that are synonymous with the city’s rich culture. Here’s presenting a list of Forts and Palaces that will make your Jaipur Holiday a memorable one.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is perched on the edge of Jaipur’s Royal City Palace. It was constructed to safeguard the royal ladies from the eyes of the public. Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Pratap a devotee of Lord Krishna, constructed Hawa Mahal in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown. Each lattice on the building is adorned with intricately designed motifs making its facade resemble a honeycomb. Its 953 lattices and alluring pink windows paints a pretty picture. The carved windows encourages the free flow of wind within the confines of the palace hence its manner of construction has it aptly live by its name, ‘Hawa Mahal.’
Amer Fort
Jaipur’s Amer fort, lodged up the Aaravalli Hills overlooks the Maota Lake. It hovers up in the skyline being spread across 4 levels. Each floor opens up to a backyard creating spellbinding imagery. The fort is carved out of marble and red sandstone. The expanse of the fort is broken up into 6 sections. Each section has a front gate and courtyard of its own. It is an excellent depiction of the merger of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
The fort is all grandeur and it used was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas with their families. The premises of the fort open up to many marvels. Few of them include the Turban Museum, the Mughal Gardens, the Sukh Niwas, the Diwan-I- Aam and the Sila Devi Temple.
Jaigarh Fort
Sublet to the Amer fort is the Jaigarh Fort, this fort was built to shield the Amer Fort. The fort is also fashioned as ‘The Victory Fort.’ It opens up to an all-encompassing view of Jaipur. Within the confines of the fort, is housed the world’s largest cannon on wheels, a museum and an armory for tourists to browse. Set against a plush green Persian inspired garden makes it visually pleasing. Few corners in the premises with their significance and charm cannot go unnoticed. It includes the Vilas Mandir from where one can get a clarion view of the Amer Fort, Lalit Mandir the Kings Summer palace and the Laxmi Vilas serving as the drawing room of the King or Queen.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, means the ‘Abode of Tigers’ is named after the tigers that roam in the area. Historical records state that the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia was disturbed by the construction of the fort. To appease his unsatisfied soul a temple was constructed and named after him, within the fort.
Glorified by the 12 rooms, constructed for the queens of Sawai Madho Singh. Its interior is laced with frescoes, which makes the setup more charming. Nahargah fort and its stunning visuals have been featured in Bollywood films like Rang De Basanti and Jodha Akbar.
City Palace Jaipur
Jaipur’s City Palace is an amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The hues of the red and pink sandstone, glorify the palaces beauty. Broken up into two parts, one section of the palace is open to the public while the other serves as the residence to the descendants of the royal family.
Get an insight into the royal ways of living by visiting the Mubarak Mahal a museum with a textile display of the garments worn by the king and queen. Witness the manner in which the royals commuted by visiting the Baaghi Khanna. It houses the conveyance of the royals. The city palace is also an abode to two of the world’s largest silver vessels which are featured in the Guinness Book of World records.
Chandra Mahal
Chandra Mahal stationed in the City Palace, is one of its oldest buildings. It is an archetype of luxuriousness and delicacy with its dreamlike paintings, plush gardens and intricately designed ceilings. Spiraling up 7 floors, each floor has a pre-defined purpose. The first two floors, referred to as ‘Sukh Niwas’ function as a museum. It is succeeded by the ‘Rang Mahal’ the area stages family functions. The Mahal leads up to the Chavi Mahal which opens up to innumerable small mirrors. The floor above that is the residence of the royal family. The second last floor functions as the watch tower opening up to an unparalleled view of the city. The last floor is the Mahal’s crowning glory, and serves as the flag hoisting point.
Diwan-E- Aam
Amer fort opens up to the Diwan-E- Aam. It is also known as Sabha Niwas which means, ‘A hall of the Public Audience.’ It is enamored with two arched gateways. In the premises there is a raised rectangular platform from where the emperor would address the crowd. The alabaster work, bloom patterned glass work and lattices chiseled out of the finest marble make it beautiful. Diwan- E- Aam celebrates the art of bygone eras with a display of artifacts from the Mughal, Persian and Rajasthani Era. Another astounding feature, are the elephants guarding the entrances that are carved out of a single rock.