Fascinating Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tell the history of erstwhile royal seat of the Rajputs. The Rajputs like the Mughals were prolific builders and have patronized some of the most distinguished and impressive forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Almost every city of the fascinating Rajasthan is lined with splendid forts and palaces built by various rulers and architects. These forts and palaces were generally built outside the walled city over the high hills to protect the city.

Some of the Fascinating Rajasthan Forts and Palaces are:

Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber Fort is 11 km from Jaipur and served as the capital of the Kachhwaha dynasty for almost six centuries before the creation of Jaipur. Various rulers like Raja Man Singh, Raja Jai Singh I and Raja Jai Singh II constructed the buildings within the fort. The architecture of Amber Fort is a classic blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles. The buildings within the fort are the Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Aaram, Kali Temple, Jai Mandir, Diwan-I-Khas, Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas.

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Bappa Rawal founded Chittorgarh, one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan, in the mid-8th century AD. Chittorgarh Fort is built over a 180 m high rocky hills of the Aravalli Ranges. The fort provides great strategic importance to Chittorgarh. The fort has seven gates, namely, Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and the main gate Ram Pol. The major buildings within the Chittorgarh Fort are the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) and Rana Kumbha Palace.

Junagadh Fort, Bikaner
Raja Rai Singh, one of the Akbar's distinguished generals built the 986 m long Junagadh Fort in Bikaner between 1588 and 1593 AD. Built by pink sandstone, the fort has 37 pavilions, massive columns, arches, screens and minarets. The carving and paintings on the fort is noteworthy and attracts a lot of tourists. Some of the palaces within the fort are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal and Chandra Mahal.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur
Rana Kumbha built the Kumbhalgarh Fort in 15th century AD. It was the second most important fort of the Mewar kingdom after Chittorgarh. Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated on the strategic location of the northernmost ridge of the Aravallis range. Badal Mahal, within the fort, is known for its elegant interiors and its towering height.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Rao Jodha constructed the Mehrangarh Fort in 1459 AD. There are seven gateways to approach the fort. Rao Jodha and his successors built some palaces within the fort from 1456 AD onwards. These palaces are Moti Mahal, Chandan Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Phool Mahal or Palace of Flowers was built as a hall of private audience. The decoration within this palace displays the ornamentation style of the 18th century AD. Phool Mahal is remarkable for the rich gilded ceiling, the portraits of the former rulers and the arms and weapons of the rulers.

Sonar Fort, Jaisalmer
Bhatti chief Jaisal laid the foundation of the Sonar Fort in Jaisalmer in 1156. The fort is also known as the 'Golden Fort' because it is made of yellow sandstone. The fort has four gates, namely, Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol. The Abdul Mahal or the Palace of Clouds built in 19th century is the present residing place of the former rulers of Jaisalmer. The other magnificent buildings within the fort are the Rang Mahal, Gaj Vilas and Moti Mahal.