The Vibrant Witnesses of the Rajasthan that Was

Rajasthan is studded with impressive forts and palaces almost in all of its cities. Built with high walls and over high hills these citadels have an imposing effect on the entire state. The ruthless desert winds and the scorching sun have not been able to snatch the beauty of the monuments. Some of the palaces have also been converted into hotels that pamper the tourists like toddlers.

Forts:

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Mehrangarh Fort: Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, it is one of the largest forts in India. Built by Rao Jodha in 1459 it is situated 400 feet above the city and is enclosed by magnificent thick walls. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol and Fattehpol . Several brilliantly crafted palaces are found within the fort, of these, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace) and a museum are notable. The outskirts of the fort offer a breath-taking view of the city.

Jaisalmer Fort: One of the largest in the world it was built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill. Locally called the ‘Sonar Qila’ the yellow sandstone structure reflects the desert and setting sun in the evening.

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Major attractions in the fort:

Four massive gateways that lead to the gate including Akshaya Pole and Suraj Pole, Raj Mahal, which was once the residence of the royal family but has been converted

into a museum and heritage centre.

Seven Jain Temples.

Merchant Havelis built by wealthy merchants.

Laxminath Temple.

Amber Fort: Also called Amer Fort, this example of Rajasthan travel with red sandstone and white marble was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh. The architecture was based on Hindu and Mughal elements. The fort showcases intricate work of delicate glass mirrors on the walls and ceiling that reflect the golden rays of the sun all over the premises. The royal elephant ride up to the fort is quite seductive for any tourist. TheDiwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas were for the commoners and dignitaries respectively. There are temples and gardens caparisoning the Amer Fort compound.

Palaces:

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Hawa Mahal – Made from red and pink sandstone it forms part of the City Palace in Jaipur. Sawai Pratap Singh, built the Hawa Mahal in 1799. The palace is a fifty feet five-story pyramidal monument. The front elevation, of this specimen of Rajasthan travel, is like a honeycomb web of a beehive built with small portholes. Each porthole has miniature windows and carved sandstone grills. The royal ladies unseen from outside witnessed proceedings and festivities in the market centre.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence

of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. Since it was situated on the Chittar Hill it was also called Chittar Palace.

People take interest in Rajasthan travel also because of this palace. Presently there are three functional divisions - A luxury Taj Palace Hotel, the residence of the former royal family, and a Museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.

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City Palace,Udaipur-This glitzy specimen of Indian and Mughal architecture constructed by Maharana Uday Singh II in 1559 gives a spell binding view of Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir. Erected inside the complex, you can see the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors) and the Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls) among others.

These forts and palaces of the bygone era are a vibrant and living entity of Rajasthan travel that speaks to us through their architectural facades.