Best Forts and Palaces to Visit During Your Jaipur Trip

The royal heritage of Jaipur is best felt via its impressive fortresses and palaces. Located at an elevated position on the Aravali Hills, these monuments speak of their glorious past through the tales of Rajputs, kings and queens, military and architectural prowess.

For those who are planning to explore the Pink City of Rajasthan for the very first time, a trip to these sites must be the priority on their travel itineraries. A Heritage Pinkcity Tour Fort & Palaces itinerary can be planned by incorporating both hill forts and palaces in the tour.

For those opting between a Jaipur city tour package and a Jaipur Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk, we have put together the list of forts and palaces that Golden Memories recommends.

Amber Fort – The Ultimate Royalty Experience

Amber Fort, also referred to as Amer Palace, is definitely one of Jaipur’s most outstanding historical landmarks. Situated 11 km away from the centre of Jaipur, this huge complex located on a hilltop is constructed out of sandstone and marble and consists of four major courtyards.

One can discover here royal chambers, gardens, temples, Diwan-e-Aam, and a well-known Sheesh Mahal. Both the grandiose appearance and interior decorations of the fort show a unique mixture of both Rajput and Mughal architecture styles of Amber. Moreover, Amber Fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Hill Forts of Rajasthan”.

It is better to start visiting the place in the morning.

Jaigarh Fort – Uncovering the Defensive Past of Jaipur

Erected above the Amber area, the Jaigarh Fort brings visitors the defensive aspect of the royal past of Jaipur. The fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century amidst the rocky terrain of the area.

While its fortress location creates a completely different experience compared to the ornate locations of the palaces in Amber, for those interested in military sites and fortresses, both Amber and Jaigarh can be visited within the same region.

However, for a day visit, one should plan to spend enough time there.

Nahargarh Fort – City Views Amidst the Royal Heritage

Nahargarh Fort is located on a ridge of the Aravalli Hills above Jaipur. Built by the ruler Jai Singh in 1734 and then further developed, it once served as a part of the city fortifications.

Among the highlights inside is Madhavendra Bhawan that features suites connected via corridors decorated with murals. The views from this fort above Jaipur are considered one more highlight of Nahargarh, especially late in the afternoon.

Two days in Jaipur will be sufficient to explore Nahargarh in addition to Amber and other sights of the city.

City Palace – Feel Like Royalty in Jaipur

Any Jaipur royal visit is not complete without City Palace.

Built by Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and further developed by subsequent rulers, the City Palace is the complex featuring a fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles in its architecture.

The complex consists of such parts as Mubarak Mahal and other palaces with collections of royal costumes, weapons, fabrics and decorative art.

City Palace is conveniently located close to such sights as Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. The walled city of Jaipur is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

Hawa Mahal – The Palace That Symbolizes Jaipur

Hawa Mahal is one of the most recognizable structures of India and should definitely not be missed while you are in Jaipur.

The palace has five floors which have been constructed with its unique honeycomb like facade which comprises of windows and jharokhas. This palace was built so that women in the royal family can watch the happenings on the streets without being seen themselves.

Although many people tend to take pictures of only the facade, it will make more sense to explore this monument from the inside as well.

It is recommended that tourists combine their journey through a Heritage walk, Amber Fort visit, Hawa Mahal and City Palace.

Jal Mahal – A Water Palace in Jaipur

While visiting Jaipur heritage locations, Jal Mahal will offer you an absolutely unique visual experience.

Being located in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, the Water Palace appears to hover over the lake water. According to Rajasthan Tourism, there are many layers under the water, but now the tourists only visit the Water Palace from the lakeside, since it is not accessible for the visitors.

Since Jal Mahal is situated between Amber and Jaipur itself, it makes it a perfect destination to make photos during a short stopover.

Jaipur Sightseeing By Tuk-Tuk

If you desire to feel the vibrant atmosphere of the city right on the streets of Jaipur, you may try Jaipur Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk.

Tuk-tuk rides are extremely popular in Jaipur, and according to the information provided by Rajasthan Tourism, one may reach Amber Fort in a tuk-tuk from Jaipur.

Itinerary by tuk-tuk may include Amber, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and some local markets.

Take Time to Enjoy the Heritage Walk

The heritage of Jaipur is not limited only to its palaces.

Its historical bazaars, pink buildings, traditional shops, temples, and public spaces still form an integral part of its heritage today. The UNESCO identifies Jaipur’s planning, commercial streets, chaupars, and continuing craftsmanship traditions as significant elements of the historic city.

Thus, including a brief heritage walk in and around the Hawa Mahal and the old bazaar of the city will enrich your Heritage Pinkcity Tour Fort & Palaces experience.

Jaipur with Golden Memories

Amber is about the palace architecture, Jaigarh symbolizes the military power, Nahargarh is an example of the combination of history with the stunning view, and City Palace and Hawa Mahal reflect the royal character of the city itself.

With Golden Memories you can make the best use of all the above mentioned places thanks to the jaipur city tour packages, including Heritage Pinkcity Tour Fort & Palaces or Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour in Jaipur by Tuk-Tuk.

However, the idea is not to see the maximum of monuments but rather to spend enough time to appreciate the architecture and learn more about the legends.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most famous fort in Jaipur?
The most famous fort is Amber Fort which is also one of the must-see heritage monuments of Jaipur. It is also on the list of UNESCO’s Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

2. Which palaces should I see in Jaipur?
City Palace and Hawa Mahal should definitely be visited, and also Jal Mahal could be included in your route.

3. Could Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal be seen during the same day?
Yes, you should begin with Amber in the morning and go via Jal Mahal to Hawa Mahal and City Palace.

4. Is there any similarity between Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort?
No, they are two different forts with completely different backgrounds. Jaigarh Fort is strongly linked with the military history of Jaipur, whereas Nahargarh Fort is located on the Aravalli hills overlooking Jaipur.

5. Should I visit Nahargarh Fort?
Yes, especially if you are interested in forts and have a view on Jaipur from above.

6. Is Jal Mahal tourist-friendly?
Palace can be admired from Man Sagar Lake banks and not entered.

7. Is it possible to tour Jaipur in a tuk-tuk?
It is possible; auto-rickshaws are easily available, even Amber can be toured by auto-rickshaw as per Rajasthan Tourism.

8. What is the appropriate duration for fort and palaces of Jaipur?
Two days will be better. One day for the main attractions and second day for Jaigarh and Nahargarh.

9. Is it recommended to have a heritage walk in Jaipur?
Yes. You get an opportunity to see bazaars and traditional streets of Jaipur along with forts and palaces.

10. What are the key sites for a Jaipur fort and palace tour?
Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and either Jaigarh or Nahargarh.