A Traveller's Journey Through Rajasthan

As we all know, The royal state of Rajasthan, which is also called as the “Land of Kings,” is synonymous with majestic, valor, and magnificent charm. The state is known for its vast deserts, colorful festivals, and rich traditions, so this northwestern Indian state is most celebrated for its majestic forts and palaces. These architectural masterpieces not only narrate tales of bravery and romance but also showcase the luxury and lavishness of Rajputana rulers. If you are planning a trip to India, you must add and explore the must-see forts and palaces of Rajasthan in your list to make it as an unmissable experience. From Jaipur to Jodhpur, Udaipur to Jaisalmer, every city is a living legacy of royal history. Presenting below with the forts and palaces which are must to see if you are visiting Rajasthan for the first time! 1. Amer Fort – The Pride of Jaipur You can start your journey of exploration by visiting Amer Fort which is located, just 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort) is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, the fort is an outstanding combination of Hindu and Mughal architecture which include its massive gateways, intricate mirror work, and sprawling courtyards leave visitors spellbound by the beauty and charmness. You can also visit the Sheesh Mahal which is the “Mirror Palace” inside Amer Fort and is especially famous for its glittering walls that reflect even a single ray of light. Another fun activity which you can add up here is taking a ride on an elephant or a jeep up the pebble paths which will add a royal touch to the visit. In evening you can experience the real joy Amer Fort’s light and sound show which is another highlight of this magnificent place, narrating Jaipur’s glorious past under the starlit sky. 2. City Palace Jaipur – Royalty at Its Best Next you can visit City Palace, which stands at the heart of Jaipur, it is considered a fine example of royal architecture and cultural heritage. In ancient times, it was originally built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This beautiful palace reflects a stunning fusion of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles making the visitors captivated through its fascinating elegance and timeless charm. The palace houses courtyards, gardens, and museums showcasing royal costumes, weapons, and artifacts so you can get an idea about the palace’s past heritage. Among its highlights you can visit, “Chandra Mahal” and “Mubarak Mahal”, which display the lifestyle of Jaipur’s rulers. If you want to capture the beautiful moments in your camera then do click the pictures or snaps of four beautifully decorated gates inside the palace which represents the four seasons. For travelers who wish to experience Rajasthan’s regal essence, the City Palace is a must-see landmark. 3. Mehrangarh Fort – The Majestic Stronghold of Jodhpur After this, another must see fort is Mehrangarh Fort which is located 400 feet above Jodhpur and this fort is one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459, and it is surrounded by walls that narrate stories of battles and victories fought in the past. Inside the fort, you can explore and remain spellbound by its beautifully decorated palaces such as the Phool Mahal also known as “Palace of Flowers” and Moti Mahal also known as “Pearl Palace”. Not only this, the fort also houses a museum that showcases the living treasures such as royal artifacts, arms, and paintings. You can also get a panoramic view of the “Blue City” of Jodhpur, with its houses painted in shades of indigo. The fort has also been a movie shooting site for a movie named- “The Dark Knight Rises” due to which it has gained global attention. 4. Umaid Bhawan Palace – A Living Royal Residence You can visit Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a symbol of luxury and modern heritage. It was built in the 20th century by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The uniqueness of this palace is that it combines both Indian and European architectural styles. You will be surprised to know that till today, a part of the palace still serves as a residence for the Jodhpur royal family, while another section of the palace has been converted into a museum. While the rest of the property is seen being operated under TAJ GROUP which is a luxury chain of hotels, it offers its guests a chance to live and enjoy the royal hospitallity. Its art, decoration and design, lush gardens, and vintage car collection make Umaid Bhawan a must-visit palace in Rajasthan, so should not be missing out on this one! 5. City Palace Udaipur – The Crown Jewel on Lake Pichola If you wish to provide some sense of calmness to yourself, then visiting Lake Pichola can be a perfect option for you. It is also a home to one of Rajasthan’s most stunning landmarks which the “City Palace”. It was Built 400 years ago by various Maharanas, and the vast complex stands majestically on the banks of Lake Pichola. The courtyards, balconies, etc provide breathtaking views of the lake palace. Inside the palace, the visitors can see and admire beautiful pieces of architectures such as the “Peacock Courtyard” “Glasswork chambers”, and “Historic galleries” which displays royal artifacts. In the evening, you can have a magical experience of the beautiful sunset view from the City Palace , which makes it one of the most dreamy places to visit in Rajasthan. 6. Lake Palace – Udaipur’s Floating Wonder Next, you can visit the Lake Palace which is considered as among the most photographed palaces in India, the Lake Palace is located in the middle of Lake Pichola. It was built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II. The uniqueness of this marble palace is that it appears to float on the serene waters, and especially at night it appears enchanting when illuminated. Another remarkable event of this site is that the lake palace has been featured in several films, including the James Bond classic Octopussy, which further cemented its international fame. 7. Jaisalmer Fort – The Golden Citadel of the Desert When in Rajasthan, you cannot afford to miss visiting this famous Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike any other fort in India, the most surprising aspect of this fort is that this fort is still a living fort where thousands of people still reside. It is known by names such as “Sonar Quila” or Golden Fort. It was built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. the fort’s yellow sandstone walls which glow golden at sunrise and sunset adds to its charmness giving it a picturesque glances to its visitors. Inside the fort, you can discover ancient havelis, temples, shops, and restaurants. Ultimately, The fort’s blend of history and daily life creates a unique charm, making it a must-see attraction for travelers exploring Rajasthan’s desert cities. 8. Junagarh Fort – The Untouched Treasure of Bikaner You can explore the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner which has a bit different past story than other forts as it was never conquered by enemies, which is quite a rarity in Rajput history. It was built by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, the fort showcases a mixture of Rajput, Gujarati, and Mughal Architectural influences. Its beautifully carved balconies, courtyards, and palaces like Anup Mahal and Chandra Mahal are unique architectural marvels. This fort’s museum displays manuscripts, weapons, and ornaments which provides you insights into the cultural heritage of the place. For travelers seeking an unconventional experience, Junagarh Fort is a true hidden gem. 9. Chittorgarh Fort – The Symbol of Rajput Bravery Chittorgarh Fort which is considered as “The largest fort in India”, signifies as a symbol of sacrifice, honor, and Rajput pride. The fort is spread over 700 acres, and it is also the “UNESCO World Heritage Site”as it is associated with tales of legendary warriors and queens, including Rani Padmini who sacrificed herself by getting immersed in fire to save her honor and respect. You can also get a view of Its key attractions which includes the Vijay Stambh also called as “Tower of Victory”, Kirti Stambh also called as “Tower of Fame”, Rana Kumbha Palace, and Padmini’s Palace. The fort’s history of heroism and tragic sagas makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers! 10. Kumbhalgarh Fort – The Great Wall of India Last but not the least, you can complete your tour by visiting the Kumbalgarh Fort which is famous for its majestic walls that stretches over 36 kilometers. The Fort is often compared to the Great Wall of China given its massive and gigantic walls. It was built by the rajput ruler, Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, this fort is another UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The fort houses over 300 temples, palaces, and step-wells within its boundaries which adds to its distinctiveness. The panoramic views from the fort and its historical significance as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap make it one of Rajasthan’s most stunning landmarks. Conclusion – A Timeless Legacy of Rajasthan The forts and palaces of Rajasthan not only serves as architectural wonders but also as timeless storytellers of courage, romance, and grandeur. Starting an excursion from the golden sands of Jaisalmer to the serene lakes of Udaipur, each monument reflects the bravery and the never-ending aura of “Rajputana”. By exploring these must-see landmarks, you can feel like walking through history, where every wall whispers tales of valor and every courtyard reflects royal elegance. For travelers like you who are seeking a blend of culture, history, and breathtaking beauty, Rajasthan’s forts and palaces promise an memorable journey to you!