Amazing Forts And Palaces Of Rajasthan
The landscape of Rajasthan is dotted with a number of forts fortresses citadels palaces and strongholds that speak of the rich history of the Rajput clan and mighty warriors. Pick up any Rajasthan tour package and you cannot miss the sheer number of forts and palaces that figure in its itinerary.
Every other city in Rajasthan has its own fort known as garh in the local language as a mark of distinction. Many of them are now ruins and are on the brink of extinction but there are some that have been preserved and restored in their pristine glory. These forts and fortresses serve many purposes and include ones that are still housing old cities such as Mehrangarh Fort.
Khimsar Fort and Fort Dhariyawad have been converted into plush heritage hotels and are highly prized among elite tourists visiting Rajasthan. Kota Fort Amber Fort and Junagarh in Bikaner serve as the museums and their beautiful palaces and architecture transport you to the old times when kings and queens ruled the land.
Chittorgarh is famous for the incident of Jauhar mass selfimmolation of women when Rajput women jumped into the burning pyre to safeguard their honor and avoid humiliation and insult by enemy soldiers. Kumbalgarh Fort has an interesting legend too where a wet nurse sacrificed her own son to save the prince.
Then there are forest forts surrounded by wilderness and lush greenery. They had once been the mainstays of gaming and hunting for royalty in the past but most of these areas have now been cordoned off as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in an effort to protect the ecological balance.
These forts were also used as vigil posts to keep an eye on enemy and store arsenal to be used by soldiers posted there. Mostly abandoned by the erstwhile kings these ancient monuments have largely been covered by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation into heritage tourist resorts.
Forest forts palaces and havelis of Rajasthan include some of the important landmarks in Bharatpur Sariska and Ranthambor. Forest fort of Ranthambor known as Jogi Mahal is surrounded by the Ranthambor National Park that stretches across more than 1.080 square kilometers. Wellmaintained Sariska Fort Palace was built in the 19th century and offers exhilarating views of flocks of migratory birds and even a tiger on a rare occasion.
Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is an internationally renowned bird sanctuary. However few tourists know about the solid iron fort situated here known as Lohagarh. Another notable destination near Bharatpur is the fine Deeg Palace that with magnificent and exceptionally elegant gardens.
Lesser known forts and fortresses that you can visit during Rajasthan tour and travel include the beautiful white Taragarh Fort situated in the Bundi district which was built in the 14th century and has a lotus lake as its focal point. Raj Mahal in Udaipur cuts a beautiful picture with the woods of Sitamata wildlife sanctuary and the Jai Samand lake forming its stunning backdrop.
Forts and fortresses of Rajasthan are immensely popular among foreign and elite tourists as they have a romanticism and mysticism unique to history.
About the writer: More information on Travel to Rajasthan and Rajasthan Forts and Palaces Tour could be found on www.traveltorajasthan.net.
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