Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.
The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.
Amber Fort also called the Amer Fort is a must-see if you are visiting Rajasthan. The tourists to this fort can either approach the fort by road or take an elephant ride, which though is quite slow yet is a lot of fun.
If you are in Rajasthan, do not miss the opportunity to tour the Amer Fort, which is one of the important forts of the city and one of the major attractions of Jaipur.
Khimsar Fort , Nagaur
Khimsar Fort is a Welcom HeritageHotel at 90 kms from Jodhpur Perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert in the heart of rural India, the unique fort at Khimsar offers a wide range of experiences.
the Khimsar Fort has a long lineage of capable rulers who fought hard battles but “lived with grace and dignity”. Rao Karamsiji was the eighth son of Rao Jodhaji who was the founder of Jodhpur. Thus began the dynasty of the Karamsot Rathors.
Rao Karamsi successfully launched the royal dynasty at Khimsar. He established his kingdom between his brothers the Maharajas of Jodhpur and Bikaner. Thus commenced the construction of the fort around 1523 A.D. in the fairytale land of majestic forts and palaces
A section of the fort remains the residence of the royal family. It was decided to open the gates for tourists. To those who would like to travel down the ages and live a style befitting the Rajas and the Maharajas.
Jaisalmer Fort,Jaisalmer
Built in 1156, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Rising to 250 feet with strong & imposing crenellated sandstone 30 feet high wall, the fort has 99 bastion, 92 of which were built between 1633 & 1647. The wells within the fort are still a regular source of water.
The golden - yellow sandstone fort of Jaisalmer crowns the Trikuta Hills for over 800 years now. Within its walls, defended by 99 bastion, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route, and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds.
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. The fort also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of sentimental significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap.
The fort also offers a superb birds view of the surroundings. The fort's thick wall stretches some 36 kms and is wide enough to take eight horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the 19th century. The fort's large compound has very interesting ruins and the walk around it can be very rewarding.
City Palace Jaipur
The City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. In the heart of the old Jaipur city, the City Palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Jai Singh built the outer wall but other additions were made much later, some right up to the start of this century.
The palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of textiles, paintings, manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental.
City Palace Udaipur
City Palace, the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh, the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola.
The City Palace Udaipur is a heritage building, which showcases the finest elements of Rajput culture and the arts. The spectacular buildings within the City Palace Udaipur are influenced by European and Chinese architecture and are amazing in the range and aesthetic beauty of their artwork. The entrance to the Palace complex is through the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol.' The Jagdish Temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped can be seen here. The 'Great Gate' or 'Bara Pol' is the entrance to the first courtyard. There are marble arches, an elephant fighting arena and many gardens within the palace complex. The rooms within the palace are beautifully decorated and painted.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, a multi layered palace, was built by Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo Singh) in 1799 AD and Mr. Lal Chand Usta was the architect. Hawa Mahal is the most sensational monuments in the city of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal is famous for it's beehive like structure, the Hawa Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, carefully and painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs.
Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake.
Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel.
It is a magical palace and its image in the middle of the lake is like a leaf straight out of a fairy tale book with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship and the ethnic themes using the textiles and handicrafts all over highlight the beauty that is simply beyond compare the lake around makes a pleasant murmur with its rippling waves and lapping that adds to the mesmerising moments.
The Lake Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble.
