Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is famous for its splendid palaces and forts that showcase the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan. Among these, Nahargarh Fort is one of the most magnificent and majestic monuments that you should not miss on your trip to Jaipur. Perched on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, this fort offers spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
But there is more to this fort than meets the eye. Nahargarh Fort has a haunting history that involves a prince’s spirit, a treasure hunt, and a secret passage. Read on to find out more about this amazing fort and why you should visit it.
History of Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, as a defensive fort for the city. The original name of the fort was Sudarshangarh, but it was later renamed as Nahargarh, which means “the abode of tigers”. According to local legends, the construction of the fort was hindered by the spirit of a Rathore prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia, who claimed that the land belonged to him. To appease the spirit, the king built a temple dedicated to him within the fort premises and also named the fort after him.
The fort was never attacked by any enemy, but it witnessed some important historical events. In 1765, it was used as a refuge for the royal family during the invasion of Jaipur by Maharaja Madho Singh’s brother. In 1857, it provided shelter to many Europeans who fled from Delhi during the first war of Indian independence. In 1868, it was renovated and extended by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, who added several palaces and structures to the fort complex. In 1977, it was rumored that a huge treasure was hidden in the fort by the royal family. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a search operation by the army, but nothing was found.
Architecture of Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is a fine example of Indo-European architecture, blending Rajput and Mughal styles. The fort is surrounded by massive walls that connect it to Jaigarh Fort, forming a strong defense system for Jaipur. The fort has four main sections, each with its own entrance, courtyard, and buildings. The main entrance is called Tadigate, which leads to an open courtyard called Jaleb Chowk. Here you can see two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman.
The most impressive part of the fort is Madhavendra Bhawan, a two-storey palace built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II for himself and his nine queens. The palace has 12 identical suites, each with a bedroom, a lobby, a kitchen, a toilet, and a store. The suites are connected by corridors and have beautiful frescoes and paintings on the walls and ceilings. The king’s suite is located at the top floor and has a secret passage that leads to Jaigarh Fort.
Another attraction in the fort is Diwan-e-Aam, an open hall where the king used to meet his subjects and address their grievances. The hall has arched pillars and windows that offer panoramic views of the city. You can also see some old cannons and weapons displayed here.
Attractions at Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort has some new attractions that have been added recently to enhance its appeal for tourists. One of them is the Jaipur Wax Museum, which showcases wax statues of celebrities and historical figures. You can see lifelike replicas of Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Sachin Tendulkar, Albert Einstein, and many more. The museum also has a section called Sheesh Mahal, which displays exquisite glass art and mirrors. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 500 for Indians and Rs. 700 for foreigners.
Another attraction at Nahargarh Fort is Padao Restaurant, which is located at the highest point of the fort. Here you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while admiring the stunning sunset views over Jaipur. The restaurant also hosts cultural events and live music performances on weekends.
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How to Reach Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is located about 15 km from Jaipur city center. You can reach it by road or by metro. If you are traveling by road, you can hire a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a bus from the city.
The nearest bus stop is Amer Fort, which is about 2 km from the fort. If you are traveling by metro, you can take the Pink Line and get off at Chandpole station. From there, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the fort.
The fort is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for Indians, Rs. 25 for students, and Rs. 200 for foreigners. You can also buy a composite ticket for Rs. 300 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners, which includes the entry fee for Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the Central Museum.
Nearby Attractions
Nahargarh Fort is close to some other popular attractions in Jaipur that you can visit on the same day. Some of them are:
Hawa Mahal: A stunning palace built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It is famous for its honeycomb-like structure and 953 windows.
Amer Fort: A majestic fort built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. It is famous for its exquisite architecture, Sheesh Mahal, and elephant rides.
Jaigarh Fort: A massive fort built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1726. It is famous for its Jaivana cannon, the largest wheeled cannon in the world.
Jal Mahal: A beautiful palace built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. It is famous for its scenic views and birdwatching.
Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It is famous for its giant instruments and accurate calculations.
Best Place To Stay Near Nahargarh Fort
If you are planning to visit Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, you might want to stay at some of the best places near the fort that offer premium accommodation and amenities. Here are some of the top hotels and resorts that you can choose from:
Le Meridien Jaipur Resort & Spa: This is a 5-star resort located about 10 km from Nahargarh Fort. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, minibar, and attached bathrooms. It also has a spa, a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and a conference hall. You can enjoy various activities such as archery, pottery, puppet shows, and folk dances at the resort. The resort also provides free parking and shuttle service to the fort and other attractions.
Buena Vista Luxury Resort: This is a 5-star resort located about 8 km from Nahargarh Fort. It offers spacious rooms and villas with free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, balcony, and attached bathrooms. It also has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a lounge, and a banquet hall. You can relax in the lush green surroundings of the resort and enjoy the views of the Aravalli Hills. The resort also provides free parking and concierge service.
Khas Bagh: This is a 4-star resort located about 9 km from Nahargarh Fort. It offers elegant rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, fireplace, and attached bathrooms. It also has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a library. You can experience the royal Rajasthani lifestyle at the resort and enjoy horse riding, polo, and cultural shows. The resort also provides free parking and airport shuttle service.
Heiwa Heaven the Resort: This is a 4-star resort located about 6 km from Nahargarh Fort. It offers cozy rooms and cottages with free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, fridge, and attached bathrooms. It also has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a cafe, and a game zone. You can indulge in various adventure activities such as zip-lining, quad biking, paintball, and rock climbing at the resort. The resort also provides free parking and travel assistance.
Hathi Mauja: This is a 3-star resort located about 7 km from Nahargarh Fort. It offers comfortable rooms and tents with free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, kettle, and attached bathrooms. It also has a pool, a garden, a restaurant, and a terrace. You can enjoy the rustic charm of the resort and interact with elephants at the nearby Hathi Gaon. The resort also provides free parking and bike rental service.
These are some of the best places to stay near Nahargarh Fort that will make your trip to Jaipur memorable and enjoyable.
You may also like to read: Riding Solo in Jaipur: My Day at Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan that you should not miss on your trip to Jaipur. It will take you back to the glorious past of the Rajput rulers and their royal lifestyle. It will also give you a chance to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Jaipur and plan your visit to Nahargarh Fort today!
