Forts that surrounds the city - Jaipur

The capital city of Rajasthan - Jaipur built on a dry lakebed is surrounded by hills crowned by invincible fortress and observation posts. Of them the Nahargarh Fort (Tiger Fort) in the northeast of Jaipur was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh II as a retreat for his wives in 1734. It has an unusual design with the queens’ apartments arranged around a central courtyard. It also provides a bird’s eye view of the city.

This fort is crowned on the Nahargarh Hills at a height of 600ft with massive walls and bastions. It is 15 km. from the center of Jaipur. The fort encloses some magnificent structure as Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan also. Some beautiful views of Man Sagar Lake and the city below can also be viewed from the fort. Hills of Gaitor lie at the foot of the fort where the cenotaphs of Raja Jai Singh and other kings can be seen. A palatial duck blind lies in the midst of the lake that was used by royal family for shooting.

Another formidable fort is Jaigarh that is also crowned on a hill and is within walking distance from Amber fort. Jaigarh fort is also known by the name ‘Fort of Victory’. It lies at Hill of Eagles (Chil ka Tola) and 400 feet above the Amber fort. The fort gives a wonderful view of Amber fort below. It is surrounded by water on all sides. It commands a view unrivalled in the whole of Rajasthan. Its immense canon on wheel ‘Jaivan’– the largest in Asia- is made of eight metals including gold and silver. A hundred kilos of gun-powdered is needed by it for one shot and it could send the ball 30 km away. Sixteen elephants were needed to tow this because of its weight.

Amber fort is the fort built along with Jaigarh and Nahargarh fort in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. It is also built on hills at the entrance of Jaipur. The high arches and towers of the fort interrupt the hills that surround Jaipur. Its wall has seven gates that protect the invading armies and wild animals from entering in the city. Now the city has expanded beyond the walls. This fort is a superb example of the old Rajput architecture along with Mughal style. Diwan-e-khas, Diwan-e-Am, latticed opening, beautiful little gardens with fountains capture the attention easily. The view over a deep narrow valley and wider plains beyond adds to its beauty.