Top Forts and Monuments to Explore in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land of deep and lush history of several rulers from unique dynasties taking control over the land. The dynasties that controlled the region took effort in keeping their names in the history by building massive forts, ornamented palaces and much more. As time passed by, these yester-century structures turned into everlasting monuments. Some of the top forts and monuments to cover during your visit to Rajasthan are listed below.

Amer Fort of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5291" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Amer Fort of Jaipur[/caption] This artistic hill fort is famous for its series of gates, ramparts and courtyards. Built with sandstone and marbles, this 10^th century fort was the residence of Kings of Rajputs, in the past. Top structures to cover in Amer Fort are Sila Devi temple, Diwan-i-Aam, Mughal gardens, Sheesh Mahal, gates, pavilion and much more. The best way to enjoy Amer Fort is by taking an elephant ride to the fort.

• Entrance fee: INR 25 per head for Indians and INR 200 per head for foreigners
• Timing – 10 am to 5 pm
• Elephant ride – INR 900 – INR 1,200 per two people (depends on the season)

Suggested tour package: 14 nights/ 15 days – Rajasthan tour itinerary (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur)

Read more: Best Places to Enjoy Safaris in Rajasthan

Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur

[caption id="attachment_5294" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur[/caption] This is the largest private residence of the country located in Jodhpur. This 20^th century architectural beauty is located on top of Chittar Hill. In the past, it was called as the Chittar Palace. This structure is famous for the sandstone beauties, extensive museum and an expensive Taj Heritage Hotel. A large part of the palace is still under the control of the royals as their residence.

• Entrance fee: INR 25 per head for Indians; INR 50 per head for foreigners
• Museum: INR 10 per head for child; INR 30 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Also read more about - Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

City Palace of Udaipur

[caption id="attachment_5295" align="aligncenter" width="860"] City Palace of Udaipur[/caption] City palace is the right collision of Rajasthani, Chinese, Mughal architecture. The palace holds many important structures in it like Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Neemach Mata Temple, Monsoon Palace and much more. This palace took 400 years to complete and now, it is one of the top attractions of Udaipur. A part of City Palace is converted into a luxury hotel.

• Entrance fee: INR 30 for Indian and INR 250 for foreigners ; Museum charge – INR 200 per head; local guide – INR 300
• Timing - 7 am to 11 pm

Read more: Amazing Traveller’s Guide to Prepare your Rajasthan Tour

Jaisalmer Fort of Jaisalmer

[caption id="attachment_975" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Jaisalmer Fort of Jaisalmer[/caption] Located on Trikuta Hill, this fort is considered as a powerful structure in the past. Built in 12^th century, this fort has a geographical advantage of camouflaging with the desert sand. You can find many temples, havelis and other structures inside the fort. From the top of the fort, you can get a panoramic view of the city.

• Entrance fee – INR 50 per head for Indians; INR 250 per head for foreigners
• Timing – 6 am to 5 pm

Suggested tour package: 15 nights/ 16 days – Jaisalmer Rajasthan tour

Read more: Exploring Jaisalmer – Top 20 Places to Visit

City Palace of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5316" align="aligncenter" width="755"] City Palace of Jaipur[/caption] This is a marvelous architectural beauty built in 18^th century. This palace is built in traditional Indian styled architecture. The main attraction of city palace is the gates of the structure like Tripolia Gate, Atish Pol, Udai Pol, Virendra Pol and others. Other top attractions in the palace are Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Govind Dev Ji temple, Maharani Palace, Baggi Khana and others. The best of all is the Peacock Gate.

• Entrance fee – INR 100 per head for Indians; INR 500 per head for foreigners
• Museum fee – INR 130 per head for Indians and INR 900 per head for foreigner
• Timing – 9:30 am to 5 pm

Hawa Mahal of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5300" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Hawa Mahal of Jaipur[/caption] The royal women did not show themselves to the public much often. However, they had a liking towards the daily activities of the locals. Thus, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built this honeycomb pink wind palace, Hawa Mahal for the royal females to explore the street life without being seen by the commoners. The place gets its name ‘Wind Palace’ because of the 953 windows. It is said that when all the windows are open, it gives an air-conditioning effect. The architectural beauty of the palace makes it a perfect post-card background.

• Entrance fee: INR 20 per head for Indians; INR 50 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Suggested tour package: 6 nights/ 7 days – Delhi Agra Jaipur Udaipur

Lake Palace of Udaipur

[caption id="attachment_5307" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Lake Palace of Udaipur[/caption] This used to be a summer palace for the royals. As the name indicates, it is located in a cool and refreshing spot for enjoying summer, in the middle of a lake. Covering 4 acres of land, this lake palace was built in 18^th century. Today, this palace is converted into a heritage hotel. The hotel has managed to keep the authentic royal décor of the land intact along with accommodating modern amenities. The crystal gallery of this palace is a must-visit attraction.

• Entrance fee: INR 500 per head for crystal gallery; entry to the palace is free

Read more: Top 5 Most Luxury Hotels In Rajasthan With Great Accommodation

Jantar Mantar of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5301" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Jantar Mantar of Jaipur[/caption] India had its root into astronomy, many centuries ago. Do you know that the world’s largest sundial is located in Jaipur? The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur holds 19 astronomical instruments, which are still in use since 18^th century. This observatory was built by Man Singh II and it is now a world heritage site. If you visit during a clear day, you can spot heavenly objects using these ancient instruments.

• Entrance fee: INR 40 per head for Indians and INR 200 per head for foreigners
• Local guide: INR 200
• Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Fateh Prakash Palace of Udaipur

[caption id="attachment_5311" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Fateh Prakash Palace of Udaipur[/caption] Udaipur has the wealth in terms of palaces and lakes. One such treasure of the land is the Fateh Prakash Palace of 19^th century. This architectural creation was once the standard royal destination for all functions. The palace has such an aesthetic value. Today, it is one of the most important honeymoon destinations. Although still used as the residence for the Mewar royal family, a part of this palace is converted into a heritage hotel.

• Entrance fee: INR 2 per head for Indians; INR 10 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 10 am to 4:30 pm

Read more: Top 15 Rajasthani Foods to try when you are Travel in Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5302" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur[/caption] This is one of the famous hill forts and monuments of the state. Built in 18^th century by Jai Singh II, this fort is considered as a victory fort. Jaigarh fort holds a museum, many temples, armory and a palace complex. This fort has the world’s largest cannon. There is also a royal guard gallery added to the fort premises for tourism purposes.

• Entrance fee: INR 35 per head for Indians; INR 85 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Read more: Top 8 Places you have to Visit near Jaipur 150 – 200 kms

Kumbhalgarh Fort of Rajsamand

[caption id="attachment_5292" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Kumbhalgarh Fort of Rajsamand[/caption] This is one of the largest hill forts and monuments located in India. Built in 15^th century by Rana Kumbhan, this fort covers 13 mountain peaks. It holds a world record for having 38 km long fortification around it (second longest wall, next to Great Wall of China). There were more than 360 temples inside the fort. Other important structures of the fort are Lakhola Tank, Halla Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol and Aaret Pol.

• Entrance fee: INR 10 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 9 am to 6 pm

Read more - Travel Guide to Kumbhalgarh Fort - The Great Wall of India

Chittor Fort of Chittorgarh

[caption id="attachment_5293" align="aligncenter" width="866"] Chittor Fort of Chittorgarh[/caption] This is one of the largest forts in the country and is it considered as a gem of architecture of Chittorgarh. The most famous part of this fort is the Padmini Palace, where Queen Padmini and other females of the land fell into a huge pile of fire to protect their dignity. Other top attractions inside the fort are Vijaya Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Meera Bhai temple, Rana Kumbha Palace and others.

• Entrance fee: INR 20 per head for adults; INR 15 per head for child
• Timing: 9:30 am to 5 pm

Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner

[caption id="attachment_5296" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner[/caption] It is astonishing to know that this exclusive structure was once a hunting lodge for the royals of Bikaner and the British officials. This palace is located amidst the Thar desert. Built with sandstones in 20^th century, this palace was one of the most popular one as it held the hunting preserves of Sir Ganga Singh. The palace was visited by many top officials including Lord Irwin, Lord Curzon and others. The palace also holds the world’s fourth private library. There is a large museum inside the palace, too. A part of this palace in Bikaner is now surviving as a heritage hotel.

• Entrance fee: INR 10 per head for Indians; INR 20 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 10 am to 5 pm

Read more: Top Tourist Places in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort of Bikaner

[caption id="attachment_5297" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Junagarh Fort of Bikaner[/caption] This famous fort was called as Chitamani Mahal until the last century. This is an impenetrable fort of the region. Do not miss the museum of the fort where you can find collection of art, painting, weapons, clothing and much more. You can find various palaces inside the fort like Pool Mahal, Chander Mahal, Karan Mahal, Vikram Vilas, Durbar Hall and others.

• Entrance fee: INR 50 per head for Indians; INR 300 per head for foreigners
• Timing – 10 am to 4:30 pm

Suggested tour package: 14 nights/ 15 days – Rajasthan forts and palaces tour

Ranthambore Fort

[caption id="attachment_5298" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Ranthambore Fort[/caption] Ranthambore is quite famous for the natural reserve and its population of tiger. This 8^th century hill fort is located inside the Ranthambore National Park. Although most of the fort region has fallen down as ruins, the overall look of this majestic fort gives the gist of the grandness it would have held in the past. Today, you can find Dullah Mahal, pillared chhattri, barracks, mosques, Ganesh temple, gateways and much more.

• Entrance fee – No separate fee for the fort. Entrance fee of the national park should be paid.
• Timing – timing of the national park applies for the fort too.

Suggested tour package: 12 nights/ 13 days – Rajasthan Ranthambore tour

Read more - Top 10 Famous Tiger Reserves in India

Mandawa Fort of Shekhawati

[caption id="attachment_5303" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Mandawa Fort of Shekhawati[/caption] The entire city of Shekhawati is famous for being infused with culture and history. The delicacy of Shekhawati’s culture is the Mandawa Fort, which was built in 19^th century. The fort is famous for paintings, carvings and mirror works. The Durbar hall of this fort is filled with ancient paintings and royal collection of antiques. The entire fort is converted into a heritage hotel.

Read more: Best things to do in Shekhawati

Patwon ki Haveli of Jaisalmer

[caption id="attachment_5304" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Patwon ki Haveli of Jaisalmer[/caption] Not all the forts and monuments belonged to royal families. The court ministers and merchants of the yesteryear took their fortune and invested in ornamented houses. Such large houses are called as havelis. The best of all is the cluster of five havelis, called as Patwon ki Haveli. This haveli belonged to a wealthy merchant who had five sons. It was built in 19^th century and was called as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants, in the past. Today, you can explore the haveli to look at the sandstone structure with exclusive carvings, women jewelry, art works, paintings and upholstery.

• Entry fee: INR 20 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Suggested tour package: 6 nights/ 7 days – Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer

Read more - Things To Do in Jaisalmer – Desert City of India

Nathmal ki Haveli of Jaisalmer

[caption id="attachment_5305" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Nathmal ki Haveli of Jaisalmer[/caption] This is another haveli of Jaisalmer, which belonged to the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer court. This 19^th century modern styled haveli is an awe-inspiring structure with elephant carvings, paintings made with 1.5 kg gold leaf, sandstone structures and much more. Both the interior and exterior of the structure are famous for the architectural beauty and carvings.

• Entrance fee: INR 20 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 8 am to 7 pm

Suggested tour package: 23 nights/ 24 days – Camel safari Rajasthan

Read more - 5 Best Photography Spots in Jaisalmer

Bagore ki Haveli of Udaipur

[caption id="attachment_5306" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Bagore ki Haveli of Udaipur[/caption] This haveli belonged to the Mewar Prime Mnister. This house is famous for its collection of mural paintings and glasswork art. This palace became the official residence of the Mewar royal family during independence. Apart from being an architectural beauty, the structure also holds a museum of paintings, cultural museum, puppet museum, turban museum, weapon museum and many others.

• Entrance fee: INR 60 per head
• Timing: 10 am to 6:30 pm

Suggested tour package: 19 nights/ 20 days – Rajasthan trip with Varanasi

Chand Baori of Alwar

[caption id="attachment_5308" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Chand Baori of Alwar[/caption] Monument always need not be palaces and forts. Indians have found a way to make wells into monuments too. In particular, the step well of Chand Baori, It is a beautifully carved stepwell and the world’s largest stepwell too. Built in 8^th century, this step-well is a beautiful sight to capture with your eyes and with a few clicks.

• Entrance fee: INR 15 per head for Indians; INR 100 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 8:30 am to 6 pm

Read more: Top 6 Tourist Attractions of Alwar

Akbar’s Fort of Ajmer

[caption id="attachment_5309" align="aligncenter" width="870"] Akbar’s Fort of Ajmer[/caption] This 16^th century fort was one of the most loved structures of Ajmer. Akbar built this fort to serve as a shelter during his pilgrimage tours to Ajmer. Later, this fort became the residence of Mughal Emperor, Salim. During the independence struggle, this fort was turned into an arsenal by the British. Today, this fort holds a large museum comprising of sculptures and armors.

• Entrance fee: INR 10 per head for Indians; INR 50 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 10 am – 5 pm

Read more: Amazing Traveller’s Guide to Prepare your Rajasthan Tour

Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur

[caption id="attachment_5310" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur[/caption] This is 17^th century fort was a defensive structure built with a strategic advantage. The fort is said to have 12 identical rooms for the 12 queens of Sawai Jai Singh II. This fort has been a part of many movie scenes, thanks to the aesthetic value of the fort. Getting a sunset view from the top of the fort is an important tourist activity here. There is a biological park inside the Nahargarh fort, if you would like such activities.

• Entrance fee – INR 20 per head for Indians; INR 50 per head for foreigners
• Timing – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Read more: Famous Colourful Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan 2019

Bhangarh Fort of Rajgarh Tehsil

[caption id="attachment_5312" align="aligncenter" width="860"] Bhangarh Fort of Rajgarh Tehsil[/caption] Not all forts and monuments are just beauties and romance. This fort, for a change has its punch with thrills. This is the haunted fort of Rajasthan. There are several anecdotes to how the fort was haunted and several more stories to prove that it is still haunted. However, today, this beautiful fort has its architectural beauty to explore and the right concoction for young hearts to explore it for the thrills. Do you know that entry to this fort after sunset is officially prohibited?

• Entrance fee: INR 40 per head for Indians; INR 200 per head for foreigners
• Timing: 6 am to 6 pm

Read more: Places to Visit in Rajasthan in January

Apart from these, there are numerous forts and monuments and other tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It is best to visit the state during winter to make your visit to Rajasthan more pleasing and beautiful. If your budget allows, it is best to explore the land of kings from luxury trains.

Read more - Top 5 Luxury Trains in India