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Rajasthan Travel Packages»Rajasthan Forts & Palaces 
Ajmer - E -Sharif  Ajmer is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India. In 1193, after Prithviraj Chauhan had lost Ajmer to Sultan Mohammed of Ghori, the Persian saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who had come with Ghori, settled and preached here.Later in 1556, when Emperor Akbar captured Ajmer, he visited the tomb of Khwaja on foot to pray for a son. The boon was granted and the fame of Ajmer spread far and wide. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who died in Ajmer in 1236, was buried in a small brick tomb that is today surrounded by a large marble complex known as the Dargah. The entrance to the complex is the Dargah Bazaar, through a high gateway that leads into the first courtyard. The tomb surrounded by silver railings is enshrined in a domed marble chamber in the centre of the second courtyard near the magnificent mosque of Shah Jahan. Devotees sprinkle rose petals over the grave when they pray here. The tomb attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the saint's death, the Urs, in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. Sweetened rice filled in degs is served to devotees on Urs. Founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands. What to see Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra, Ana Sagar Lake, Circuit House, Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Soniji ka Nasiyan, Mayo College, Swami Dayanand Saraswati Smarak, Taragarh Fort and the Museum. Pushkar 11 kms, Foy Sagar Lake 12 kms and Kishangarh 27 kms. Hawa Mahal Jaipur  Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. This five storey building, which looks out over the main street of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry, with its pink semioctagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household, to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and is part of the City Palace complex. There is, also, a small archaeological museum on the same site.Vijay Stambh Chittorgarh Built in 1440.AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities around. There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view of the whole town.When illuminated in the evening, the tower reflects a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing in the camera. This tower is the piece-de-resistance of chittaurgarh. Jaisalmer Fort Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch,several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom. These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals , constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and interiors. The colourful art forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and made it appear more pale in comparison . The craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results was architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner  It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat.Jain Temples Bhandeswari Jain Temple is a fifteenth century temple and is the oldest monument of Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. Havelis are ancient mansions of dwelling of the noble and wealthy. They are known for their opulent life style and intricate carvings and craftsmanship along with sprawling courtyards. Bikaner is full of such havelis and the notable amongst them belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. To view these havelis the suggested route is Gogagate, Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar Gate. City Palace, Jaipur In the heart of the old city of Jaipur, the City Palace occupies a large area, divided into a series of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The outer wall was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, but other additions are much more recent, some dating back to the beginning of this century. The palace is a wonderful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, a major tourist attraction. The centre of the palace is the Chandra Mahal, or the Moon Palace, which provides a fine view of the gardens and the city. The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal, form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The paintings include miniatures of Rajasthani, Persian and Mughal schools. The Mubarak Mahal, or the Auspicious Palace, contains the textile section of the museum. The palace also houses the Diwan-i-Am, or the hall of public audience, and Diwan-i-Khas, or the hall of private audience. In the Diwan-i-Am, ornate pillars support the high ceilings. The walls, intricately painted with touches of deep red and gold, provide perfect mounts for immense medieval Afghan and Persian carpets. Miniatures from the Mughal and Jaipur schools, and Jai Singh's translations in Arabic and Sanskrit of the astronomical treatises of ancient scientists, are displayed in glass cases. City Palace, Udaipur  City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold and silver.This was distributed to the populace. It is also now the main ticket office. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace to give a wonderful view of the lake. Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is where the Maharana would grant public audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult times. The Mor Chawk is the peacock square and gains its name from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates its walls. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh. This leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard that is the very spot where Maharana Udai Singh met the sage who told him to find a city here. The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings. Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace has a lovely collection of glass and mirror work while Krishna Vilas display a rich collection of miniature paintings. Moti Mahal or the pearl palace has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal has ornamental tiles all over. The Surya Chopar or the sun square depicts a huge ornamental sun symbolising the sun dynasty to which the Mewar dynasty belongs. The Bari Mahal is a central garden with view of the city. Some more beautiful paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal or the ladies chamber, which leads to Lakshmi Chowk a beautiful white pavilion. Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner  This grand palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great craftsmanship. The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual extravagance. Bundi Fort Bundi is the undiscovered splendour, 36 Kms from Kota ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination is HADOTI. Set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces and forts have fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines and in the intricately carved brackets, pillars etc. Interesting places are Diwan-e- aam, Hati Pol, and Naubat Khana. Mehrangarh Fort Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the from the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left is chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending the fort against the armies of Amber. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals. And Lohapol meaning Iron Gate has a moving memorabilia on palm print of the queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in an act of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil. This is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan and certainly the best layed out. In the palanquin section of the fort museum, you can see an interesting collection of old royal palanquins including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Kishangarh Fort  Kishangarh is a town which is about 27 kms from Ajmer. It was founded in 1611 by Kishan Singh a Rathore prince who was a brother of the Raja of Jodhpur. Although Kishangarh is politically important yet Kishangarh has back one of India's most famous schools of minituate paintings. One of the most famous renowned paintings is that of Krishna's consort Radha, who is depicted as beautiful women with enchanting almond eyes.This beautiful mid-eighteen century Painting in the Kishangarh Miniature style epitomizes 'The Perfect Lady'. Called the Mona-Lisa of India', it is the most popular symbol of Art in the country and can be seen in various picture forms, books and prints displayed all over. The sharp profile and slanting eyes with an aquiline nose, became the hall-mark of Kishangarh Paintings. Comparing with the best of Mughal Art work. Around the fort of Kishangarh is the moat and garden - on which "Phool Mahal" was built in A.D. 1870 and was the Palace of the flowers for the Maharaja's of Kishangarh. Strategally located on the main Moghul route-bordering the desert and the vast plains of Sambhar Lake - "Kishangarh Fort" became the hub of activity. Within its nine turreted fortification were made foundries, armouries, granaries, underground passages, jails and palaces. The best of architecture, music poetry and painting were patronised and refined at a court where the delicate touch of its artists transcribed the beauty of living to exquisite miniature paintings, known today as 'The Kishangarh School'. A.D. 1997: The present Maharaja Brajraj Singh (20th generation of direct descent since the founder), opens this majestic Fort to receive discerning travellers who enjoy a sense of history and seek a story from the silent walls. Neemrana Fort It was a tributary chiefship of the former Alwar state. The track is sandy and bleak and is known as Rath. The place is said to be the home of chauhan Rajput claiming descent from Prithvi Raj the last Hindu emperor. One of the descendents of Prithvi Raj the, embraced Islam and settled here. That is why the old lineage is shown by the title Rao and was recognized so by the ruler of Alwar. Lord lake in 1803, as a punitive measure for the shelter and assistance given by then chief to the Marathas, confiscated the villages of the estate and made them over to Alwar. However, about one third of state was subsequently restored to the cheif, Who remained a tributary of Alwar state. This subordination of Nimrana to Alwar had been the subject of many disputes and controversies which came to an end in 1861 when the chief refused to accept the supremacy of Alwar ruler. The latter took this as an act of rebellion and took possession of the estate. The chief fled to Jaipur. However, the dispute was settled by the Vicerory in Council in 1868. It is an insignificant place today. Ranthambhore Fort  Ranthambhore, in the state of Rajasthan, is one of the smallest Project Tiger reserves. It's name comes from the vast fort that stands in the middle of the forest. The name Ranthambore is derived from two hills in the area, Ran and Thanbhor. Another version says that Ranthambhore was once called Rana Stambhapura or City of the Pillars of War! The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhayas is a unique juxtaposition of the natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kms. from Sawai Madhopur. The elegant Ranthambhore fort called the Jogi Mahal is now the forest rest house.Amer Fort The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour.
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