Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan- Chittorgarh Fort-Rajasthan-India !!

CHITTAURGARH FORT

LOCATION:	Chittor,Rajasthan.
BUILT IN:	Year 1450
CURRENTLY:	Historical Monument.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Rana Sanga Palace,Fateh Prakash Palace.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:	August to April.
MUST SEE:	Udaipur is the near by city alsi known as City of lakes is famous for its amazing architecture and designs.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Rani Padmini's Palace,Victory Tower.

Chittaurgarh Fort has received the credit of being the largest fort of India. The massive fort is located on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittaurgarh. Chittaurgarh Fort lies at a distance of 112 kms from the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. This fort was built by various Maurya rulers in the 7th century. This huge fort covers an area of 700 acres, extending to 3 kms in length and 13 kms in peripheral length. Standing on an elevated hill of 180m, the impregnable fort has witnessed three battles.

Chittaurgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one to think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The imposing Fort boasts of well-designed palaces, magnificent cenotaphs and huge towers. The Fort of Chittaurgarh has a colossal structure that is secured by its several strong gateways.

Chittaurgarh Fort is an acknowledgement to the courage of the gallant Rajput rulers who sacrificed their life combating dominant rivals instead of surrendering before them. The history of this majestic fort can be traced during the time of Khilji's. Chittaurgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.

The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves

ABOUT FORT

This colossal fort is accessible through seven huge gates (Pols) that are comprised of strong iron spikes and served as a watch tower in earlier times. The way to Chittaurgarh Fort will take you through crisscross paths that would be interrupted at intervals by seven giant pols (gateways). The foremost gate you will come across is the 'Ram Pol' (the gate of Lord Rama) that has a temple in its vicinity. While climbing further, you would find two cenotaphs near Padal Pol. These cenotaphs are dedicated to Jaimal and Kala, who were killed by Akbar in the battle of 1567. 
On your way, you will find Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and Hanuman Pol. Next to Padan Pol, there is the memorial which was erected in the memory of Rawat Bagh Singh. He was the one, who got united with King Vikramaditya to battle against Sultan Bahadur Shah. The Bhairon Pol was named to memorize Bhairondas Solanki, who also fought in opposition to Sultan Bahadur Shah in 1534. However, the main gate to enter the fort is Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate).

TEMPLES AND POLES

Apart from these massive gates, the Fort has many palaces to boast of including Rana Kumbha Palace and Padmini's Palace, which are wonders of Rajput architecture. Padmini's Palace is the same palace that used to serve the beautiful queen of Rattan Singh. Rana Kumbha Palace is the place that has underground cellars where queen Padmini committed 'Jauhar' along with the children and the other ladies of household. 
The Fort also comprises several temples including Sammidheshwara Temple, Jain Temple, Kalika Mata temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meerabai Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple. These are the ancient temples that have noteworthy carvings and intricate work. Gaumukh reservoir and Bhimtal Tank are other places worth visiting. Gaumukh reservoir is a huge water tank that gets water from Cow's mouth shaped rock. In the waters of this same reservoir, Allauddin was allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini that led to the whole battle. 
Above all, the fort has towers that depict the glorious history of the Rajput rulers. Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh are the most famous towers celebrating the victory of Rajputs. Kirti Stambh is the tower that literally means 'the Tower of Fame. Built in the 12th century, this tower is dedicated to Adinath ji, the first Jain thinker. Kirti Stambh is a seven-storied structure with the height of 22 m. one can reach the different floors by climbing through a cramped staircase of 54 steps. The tower is embellished with sculptures of Jain Pantheon. 
Talking about Vijay Stambh, literally it means 'the tower of victory'. Vijay Stambh is the most impressive structure of the Chittaurgarh Fort. It was constructed by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji in the 15th century. This giant tower is nine-storied and offers a picture-perfect view of the down-town from its balconies. This huge tower extends to the height of 122 feet and width of 47 sq ft at the base. The circular stairs of this tower has 157 steps. This imposing tower took 10 complete years to construct. You can trace sculptures of the Hindu gods on the alcoves of this tower.
In the evenings, Vijay Stambh is illuminated and looks all the more mesmerizing. Chittaurgarh Fort welcomes many tourists around the world to its complex every year. Moreover, the history of this majestic fort makes the visit to this place more interesting. The magnificent monuments of this fort are definitely worth spending some time in seclusion pondering over the heroism of Mewar rulers. This heritage fort of Rajasthan is definitely a 'must-visit' place that cannot be afforded to miss.

Courtesy:Wikipedia.

Forts & Palace of Rajasthan-Boondi Or Bundi Fort-Rajasthan-India !!

BUNDI FORT

LOCATION:	Bundi,Rajasthan.
BUILT IN:	14th Century
CURRENTLY:	Historical Monument and Heritage Hotel.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Beautiful Murals and Chitrashala.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:	August to April.
MUST SEE:	Kota is the near by city and a must visit place.Chambal river banks in Kota gives you the feeling of peace and satisfaction.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Bundi Palace,Baori's and Tanks,Sukh mahal and 84 Pillared Cenotaphs.

In the year 1193 when Prithviraj Chauhan lost out to Mohammad Ghori, numerous Chauhan nobles fled to Mewar to seek a safe refuge. However, there were still others who were not intimidated and hence moved towards newer destination in the Chambal valley. There they subdued the Meena and Bheel tribes and established their own supremacy in the kingdom of Hadoti. Later during the Jehangir rule, Bundi was forcibly separated into two parts, Kota and Bundi. The state lost its earlier prestige with the rise of Kota, though it continued as an independent state within the British rule. Later, when India got independence, Bundi was incorporated into the state of Rajasthan.
The name Bundi is derived from the name of a former ruler.

ABOUT FORT

TARAGARH FORT

Built in the 14th century, the Taragarh Fort is the star attraction in Bundi. With the entry being free and souvenir shops fortunately absent, the fort provides an option of peaceful ramble round its premises. Inside the instant eye-catchers include the Bhim Burj, a large battlement with a cannon placed on it and a large reservoir carved out of single piece of rock. The views from the fort are exceptional, specially during the sunset when the rays seems to lend a lovely grace to the entire area.

BUNDI PALACE

Adjacent to the fort and past the bazaar, a wooden gate leads to the beautiful Bundi Palace. The highlight of this palace is the beautiful murals that carry the spectators back into the time of Bundi royalty. The murals cover almost entire palace walls, however, all these areas are not open for public viewing barring the Chitrashala. For visiting other areas, special permission needs to be taken from the secretary of the Maharaja of Bundi. Photography is not allowed otherwise Bundi palace, illuminated with lights during night, presents a glowing beauty to be captured on camera..

BAORIS & TANKS

Bundi is renowned for its baoris or stepwells. There are 50 step wells in Bundi out of which only few have been maintained till date. Most prominent among these are the Raniji ki Baori, Nagar Sagar Kund and Nawal Sagar. The first one was built by Rani Nathavatji and is known for its exquisite carvings. The stepwell was built in the year 1699 and is 46 metre deep. The second one is a pair of identical stepwells close to the Queen's step well while the Nawal Sagar is close to the palace containing many small islets. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, half submerged in the water of the lake. This temple can be reached only by a boat.

SUKH MAHAL 

The palace was constructed during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the princess a free hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of the Rao. The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that stands in the centre of the roof of the second story. The palace, that serves as the Irrigation Rest House today, holds the honour of playing host to the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling.

84 PILLARED CENOTAPHS

 

The palace was constructed during the reigns of Umed Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar or the Jait Sagar. The palace was meant for providing the princes a free hand to do what they liked away from the supervision of the Rao. The highlight of the palace is the white marble chhatri that stands in the centre of the roof of the second storey. The palace, that serves as the Irrigation Rest House today, holds the honour of playing host to the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling.

Forts And Palace of Rajasthan !! Badalgarh Fort-Jhunjhunu-Rajasthan-India !!

BADALGARH FORT

LOCATION:	Jhunjhunu District,Rajasthan.
BUILT IN:	17th Century
CURRENTLY:	Historical Monument.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Strongs Walls and Mughal architecture.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:	August to April.
MUST SEE:	Jhunjhunu is a must visit place during your visit to the place.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	City view from Hill Top is breath taking.

Looking at Badalgarh protected within high walls and perched a top and a rocky hill, you will easily count it as among the most impressive forts of Shekhawati.

It was built by Nawab Fazl Khan at the close of the 17th century, but not as a fort but as a stable! Well, horses and camels were precious for the kings those days, for they didn't have F-18s or Stealth Bombers.

And it was only fair that these animals have a place to stay befitting their status. Naturally, Badalgarh does not enclose those grand baradaris (pavilions) or sheesh mahals (mirror palaces) that you would find in the Amber Fort Palace or the Jaisalmer Fort, but it's an interesting site to explore anyway.

The views from the walls of Badalgarh are especially good. There are also three makbaras (tombs) of the Kaimkhani nawabs in Jhunjhunu. To the east of the town is the Tomb of Nawab Samas Khan (reigned 1605-1627), and to the west is the Tomb of Bhawan Khan built by Rohella Khan. The Tomb of Rohella Khan is like a solid block topped by a dome.

Forts & Palace of Rajasthan-India- Amber Or Amer Fort-Jaipur !!

AMBER OR AMER FORT

LOCATION:	Jaipur,Rajasthan.
BUILT IN:	1592
CURRENTLY:	Historical Monument and Spiritual Place.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Wall Paintings and Sheesh Mahal.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:	August to April.
MUST SEE:	Shila Mata Temple and Royal Courtyards.
MAJOR ATTRACTION:	Elephant ride to the Fort is a memorable experience which gives you the Royal feeling of King.

Amber also known as Amer is located at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur city. Earlier it was used as old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber. It used to be their capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. Located 9 Kms north west of Jaipur, the Amber Fort was once the Capital of the Minas. The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls, which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort also called as the Amer Fort is a must-see place if you are visiting Rajasthan. The tourists to this fort can either approach the fort by road or take an elephant ride, which though is quite slow yet is a lot of fun.