FORT & PALACE

The Rajputs were prolific builders who left behind a legacy of some have the most imposing and magnificent forts and palaces in the world.

A bid of survival in the harsh desert and history replete with tales of velour, romance and tragedy – the fort and palaces are a microcosm of the images from the glorious past. Some forts occupied commanding heights such as Jodhpur and Alwar. At Amer and Bundi, the palace cuts into the hillside. The forts of Kumbalgarh, Jaisalmer and the fabled Chittorgarh housed the entire town. In eastern Rajasthan, Bharatpur and Deeg had moats. Both in interior decoration and in structure, the forts were built as reflection of the personalities of their rulers.

Rajasthan has a fort every 10 miles on an averagel note that smaller destinations may have an equally fascinating architectural and historical at heritage

Many small forts and palaces have been converted into Heritage Hotels where you can stay as guests of the erstwhile rulers.

AMER FORT

What stand today with magnificent glory are the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by the Jaipur rulers over a period of one hindered and twenty five years. Centuries of disuse have not withered their pristine beauty. The palace complex rising from the placid waters of the Maota Lake is approached through a steep path, often traversed by tourist on elephant back.

The spectacular pillared hall of the Diwan-e Aam dominates the front courtyard of the palace complex and the double –storied painted gateway Ganesh Pol.

Among the most notable is the Sheesh Mahal or palace of Mirrors, which combines the finest elements of Mughal architecture, and interior decoration in a Rajput setting with intricately carved jail screens, delicate mirror and stucco works and painting. Row of arched pillars can be seen in the palaces above

The well-proportioned Mohan Bari or kesar kyari in the centre of the Maota Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provide a spectacular view from the palaces above.

CHITTAURGARH

Chittorgarh is the most important fort in Rajasthan. Built on a tong rugged hill and covering over 280 hectares with its fortfic, palaces, towers & temple, it is a testament to the glory of the land, historic, battles and valiant people who preferred death to dishonour.

With a history of grimness juxtaposed with glory, chittor was the capital of Mewar for eight hindered years. Seven gates defend the approach to the fort on the west while there is one gate to the east and another to the north. Enormous ramparts distinguish it. The 13 kms of battlements enclose fortresses and palaces (kumbha Mahal an ancient structure is impressive even in its ruins), but also temples, bazaars and granaries with reservoirs and lakes providing the much-needed water to sustain them.

The most dramatic structure on the fort is Rana Kumbha Vijay Stambh or victory Tower built in celebration of his the victory over the forces of the sultans of Malwa and Gujarat. Kirti Stambh is another tower in the fort. It is smaller and less ornate. It was built by a Jain merchant and is dedicated to Adhinath, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The structure is 23 meters in height and has seven storeys. Equally interesting is the palace of patta, the teenage commander of the fort after the death of Jaimal. Among the important temples in the fort is a cluster of jain temples, temple of Vishnu, Mirabal temple, Nilkantha Mahadev temple, the kalika Mata temple.