Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Most tourists travel to Rajasthan to partake of its rich, glorious heritage and sample a piece of the vibrant Rajasthani culture and history. The history that has seen this region change hands very often and where each ruler has left indelible influence. And it is the forts and palaces of Rajasthan that has given Rajasthan the sobriquet of being the 'Land of Kings'. These Rajasthan forts and palaces, set against a diverse topography, are old as 10th century and speak of the era gone by. From Mughal style, to Rajaput and Mewari styles, all kinds of influences can be seen on the architectural designs of the forts and palaces of Rajasthan. Indeed, it is these Rajasthan Forts and Palaces that constitute the premier tourist attraction of Rajasthan, India Forts of Rajasthan Mehrangarh Fort: One of the most formidable and impregnable forts in India, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort is located on a steep 125meter hill. People travel to Rajasthan to visit this fort which stands as a mute witness to the splendors of an era replete with chivalry, glory and grandeur, the fort contains within its area some of the most beautiful palaces with wonderfully carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names Jaisalmer Fort: Travel to Rajastha to visit the Jaisalmer Fort also called Sonar Qila. Built in 1156, the fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. The fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing 30 feet high crenellated sandstone wall. The fort has many gates including Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol, Hawa Pol and Bhoot Pol. Amber Fort: A hilltop fort located in Jaipur, the splendid fort was built by Raja Man Singh, during Akbar's reign and retains its position as the one of the greatest forts built during the medieval India. Taragarh Fort: "Taragarh Fort must have been built by angels not by human beings," commented Rudyard Kipling. You will doubtlessly agree with Kipling. Built in 1354, the fort houses a large reservoir. Junagarh Fort: Built between 1587 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the Mughal army, the fort was impregnable and unconquered all through the period. Chittorgarh Fort: The Chittorgarh Fort is a huge structure set on a hill. Among the monuments housed within the fort are Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini's Palace. Palaces of Rajasthan City Palace Jaipur: Designed by Jai Singh, the City palace is a seamless blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, this palace complex has many buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. City Palace: Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view of the lake and the city . Umaid Bhavan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace is another major landmark of Jodhpur. It was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 as a famine relief scheme, this marvelous palace was constructed by three thousand workers and took sixteen years to complete. Lake Palace: Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II (1628-52) as a summer palace to escape the heat of Jaipur. This is undoubtedly the most familiar and photogenic feature of Udaipur.