Golden Fort or Sonar Kila, Jaisalmer

Like all cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is also a popular tourist destination. Jaisalmer also has a very interesting past and legends about it. It is another royal state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is in Thar Desert with glistening sand dunes with camels moving over it.

Nestled in the foothills of Trikuta Hills, Jaisalmer Fort is the main attraction of Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer fort is also called Golden Fort or Sonar Kila. It is called so because it s made up of yellow sand stone and in the scorching Sun in desert it seems like golden flames. This fort showcases the great aesthetic mindset of the Rajput rulers.

This Golden Fort is unique in its settings. Jaisalmer emerges like a mirage from the sands, in the middle of Thar Desert. After Chittorgarh, it is the second oldest fort, built in 1156. This fort was constructed by the Raja Jaisal, when he was searching for a new capital. The fort was famous for valor of its rulers.

It lies on triple peaked Trikuta Hills, 250 feet tall. 99 Bastions are housed in it, used as gun platforms. Right from its construction, fort expanded over the centuries with coming rulers.

There is beautiful palace of Maharawals in front of the Chauhata Square. This was an important place in the castle. Here Raja use to review troops, hear petitions, entertainment etc. There are high wall as the outer defense to the fort. Then another set of higher walls are there fortifying the outer wall. Beyond the entrance is the Ganesh Pol, leading up to the Rang

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Considered as one of the largest and most majestic forts of India, Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur was constructed by Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore clan, in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort is positioned high on a hill which is 150 m high. The hill is known as the Bhaurcheeria that is mountain of Birds. This hill is situated 9 Km from Mandore in the South of it. The fort has a curvy path to access it. Thick and heavy walls enclose the MehranGarh Fort.

The Mehrangarh fort houses many imposing palaces having delicate carvings and impressive architecture. Moti Mahal (Pearl palace), Phool Mahal ( Flower Palace) Sheesh Mahal ( The Mirror Palace), Sileh khana, Daulat Khana are the important strucres in the fort. Besides palaces there is temple like Nagnechiji Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple. Also there is fascinating museum showcasing collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Apart from the breathtaking views of the city, wall of the fort displays well maintained canons.

There is legend associated with the making of fort. A hermit was forced to leave this hill where fort is standing. Hermit cursed the place for acute shortage of water. To counteract this curse, a live man was buried in the foundation of this fort.

There are seven gateways in the Mehrangarh Fort. Around a series of interconnecting courtyards, there is palace complex. The fort has seven gateways to it. Originally it was not so large. Different rulers of the same clan in different times added more charm to it. MehranGarh fort is invincible as it is not made siege even once.

Jaigarh Fort

 Jaigarh Fort lies in the vicinity of Jaipur, just 15 km from Jaipur and cousin of Amber Fort. The Jaigarh Fort is one of the most stunning forts of India. It’s like an extension to Amber Fort with Amber Fort at the bottom of the hill and the Jaigarh Fort at the top of the hill. The hill is called as the ‘Cheel Ka Teela” means hill of Eagles. It is a well maintained fort. Jaipur Town can be looked upon here from Jaigarh Fort.

Jaigarh means fort of Victory; it is not a very attractive or elegant structure as the Amber Fort but it is tough fortress used as the military center for the rulers of Jaipur. Actually main theme behind making of this fort was to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber. Jaipur used to be the major weapon producing hub in the times of Mughals and Rajput rulers. The Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur was built between 15th to 18th centuries. The hill on which it is positioned is rugged, rocky, covered with thorny bushes. It houses palaces, granary, cannon foundry, many temples, a tall tower, also has the largest cannon of the world, Jaivan. It has Dungar Darwaza

as the main gate approached by a steep road. There is huge water tank, capable of storing 60,00,000 gallon water, in the center of the fort in which water for army men was stored connected with a 5 km long canal.

The Jaigarh fort has a museum having weapons of that time on display.There is heavy collection of medieval coins, puppets, buildings, processions and other remnants of the past. You can also have a look at swords, shields, guns, muskets and many other knickknacks

Amber Fort

Amber Fort

Located at a small distance of 11 km from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a magnificent structure perched on a hillock. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 16th century. The Amber Fort is the best example of stunning architecture. Architecture of the fort displays the perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectures. This fort is not only a structure but it has lived many passions of its owners. It flaunts the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers of the yore. Their qualities are best depicted by the craftsmanship and grandeur of the fort like militant, adventurous, temperamental and self obsessed.

Amber Fort seems to have everything from stunning façade, grand palaces, pavilions, beautiful gardens, splendid halls, temples. To access the fort, a ramp is made on the steep path on the hill. The fort signifies old unmatched craftsmanship. There is old Amber Palace at the base of Jaigarh Fort which was the original Amber. Now there are only ruins of yesteryears. This palace is not as impressive as the grand palace in Amber fort. In Amber Fort, Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience is a forty pillared palace where Kings used to meet their public and listened to their grievances.

Through Singh Pol, there is entry to Shila Mata temple, devoted to Hindu Goddess Kali. Images of Goddess Durga and Goddess Saraswati are carved on the silver gates of the temple. Idols of Goddess are made up of black marble. On the south of Diwan-i-Am. Lies the Ganesh Pol, the impressive gateway to Amber Fort. Gateway is adorned with beautiful and engrossing traditional Rajasthani motifs. After that comes Charbagh, a Mughal patterns of gardens. Abmber Fort has other amazing and enchanting structures like Diwan-i-khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir. There are skilled and fine carvings on the walls and ceilings with beautiful mirror work in Diwan-I-Khas.

This is small description of the fort. To know more, keep browsing PalacesonWheels.com for more detailed information or for booking of tours in Palaces on Wheels, please fill the form given and send it to us.

Junagadh Fort, Bikaner

 

Located in in city of Bikaner in Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort is one of the few impregnable forts of India, not placed on a hilltop. Junagadh Fort,  Built in 15th century, Junagarh Fort is a massive one. Its construction was started by Raja Rai Singh, Akbar’s contemporary. The fort has an unparalleled and detailed architecture. The fort complex is adorned by various palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies. Interior décor of palaces inside the fort are one of their kinds. Carved stones, marble, paintings, and inlaid semi-precious stones magically bejewel the walls of the palaces.

The most striking legend about the Junagarh fort is that it was attacked many a times but never conquered. Only once, Kamaran captured the fort for brief stint of 24 hours. Still the fort and its structures are in marvelous state of conservation. There are 37 palaces, temples and pavilions. These magnificent structures are made up of red sandstone. The fort is surrounded by high wall and a deep moat to make it inaccessible by the enemy. Karan Pol is the main entrance to the Fort in the East. Suraj pol is the next entrance.

Some of the most beautiful palaces are in this fort like Anup Mahal, Ganga niwas, Rang Mahal, Chand mahal, Phool Mahal. . Then royal families used to worship at Har Mandir the temple in the fort. Junagadh Fort,There rich collection of royal belongings in the museum in the fort. It has collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars and carpets, arms and weapons, treaties, decorations and the 'Farmans'.Anup Mahal was the main seat of rulers. Its rooms are well maintained, treasuring belongings of royal families. Moon Palace has mirrors, carved marble palaces and paintings adorning its alls and roofs. Then Phool Mahal was decorated with glasses and mirrors. In the same way every structure with in the fort has it uiniqe feature to enhance it.

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Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh is located at a distance of 175 km from Udaipur. Chittorgarh was very powerful state of India in royal days, named after Chitrangad Maurya. Chittorgarh has many palaces, temples and towers. Chittorgarh Fort is a very huge structure atop a 180 m high hillock. Approach to the fort is not easy; it is 1 Km curvy step path.

Approached by seven gates, Chittorgarh Fort has an amazing fortification. Names of gates of this fort are Padan pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol, to the main gate Rampol. The main gate of the fort is called Suraj Pol. Many gorgeous palaces adorn the fort like Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory and Rani Padmini's Palace. All these structures are magnificent examples of Rajput architectural features.

Chittorgarh Fort is 3 miles long and 495 ft high. This is the largest fort in India. Romance and chivalry of Rajputs are depicted by fort of Chittorgarh. The fort has cenotaphs of two heroes of Chittor, Jaimal and Kalla. There are temples near Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Lakshman pol.

Chittorgarh fort is more than a structure; it is an emblem of valor, truth and nobility. Fort was attacked thrice, sacked and rite of Jauhar was performed on each occasion. In 1567, in a battle with mughal emperor Akbar, then ruler of Chittor, Udaisingh fled. After that Chittorgarh was never resettled.

Vijay Stambh or Tower of Victory, 37 meters high structure with nine storeys, is special attraction in the fort. Another feature is Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame, a 22 meter high structure built in 12th century.

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Taragarh Fort, Kota

 

Every city of rajasthan has its own colourful background. Each city basks in its glory of royal heydays. Taragarh FortPositioned at about 39 KM from Kota, Taragarh Fort is one of those royal marks left by royalties of Rajasthan. Built in the year 1354, Taragarh Fort is a huge architectural wonder of its times. Bird’s eye view of Kota town can be had from this fort.

Its main gateway can be accessed by only a steep slanting passage. The summit of gateway has got raging elephants on it. Another interesting feature of the gateway is the mounting of a huge cannon on the Bhim Burj. Taragarh Fort was meticulously designed. The fort has three gateways, namely, Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak, though now all are in ruins. The most interesting thing, that the fort was famous for was its network of tunnels in the entire hillside but now there is map available for these tunnels. These tunnels were used to be emergency track for king and his deputies to flee.

Taragarh Fort Bhim Burj, the massive stone tower placed within the fort, had large cannon named Garbha Gubjan. This is the second largest cannon in India. Then another unique feature of Taragarh fort is some huge water reservoirs. During the times of water crisis, these reservoirs used supply water to the residents. Rocky forts were carved out to make these reservoirs. Then there is tiny palace in fort complex itself, named Rani Mahal, for the wives of the kings. It has many glistening stunning murals and stained glass windows. But now nothing of that sort is left.

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