Rajasthan is one of the northern states in India, it is the state where many kings ruled of the various kingdom at various places. It has a unique culture and tradition from all other states in India. Rajasthan is the only state in India which has more than 40 forts, palaces and Havelis, which makes the state a hot spot for tourists. There are many things to explore in Rajasthan mostly the history and architectural monuments.

Here are the top 20 Famous Forts in Rajasthan that you must visit once in your life –

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the rare “living forts” in the world situated in Jaisalmer city in the state of Rajasthan. In this city, one-fourth population lives within the fort as there are many shops, temple, restaurants and houses which gives them a source of income. This fort is one of the 6 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan which is popularly known as the Golden Fort or Sonar Qila as it is situated on the golden sand of Thar Desert. The mesmerising beauty of the fort and its huge structure attracts a lot of tourists. It is on the list of one of the largest forts in the world. This famous heritage place was built in the year 1156 and was named after the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. It is one of the must-visit Forts in Rajasthan where you can see its rich culture and history and enjoy the experience of royalty and explore its beauty by walking through its labyrinthine lanes.

2. Pokhran Fort

Also known as Balagarh Fort, Pokhran Fort is one of the famous forts located in Thar desert which was made in the 14th century by Marwar Thakur. Pokhran itself means the place of five mirages enclosed by sandy and salt ranges. This place has also served as the site for India’s first underground nuclear weapon detonations which makes it one of the main reasons for tourism. This fort consists of a large door with sinister spikes which was built to stop the elephant stampede. It also has a museum which showcases the historical and antique items of Kings like costumes, pottery, armoury and miniature paintings. There is a nearby village where you can enjoy and see many things like enjoy learning pottery and experiencing the safari of sand dunes.

3. Taragarh Fort

Taragarh Fort, also known as Star Fort is one of the oldest, unique and spectacular forts in the state of Rajasthan whose architecture was built in Rajasthani style. This place is located on the steep hillside which offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the entire Ajmer city. This fort was constructed in the year 1113 under the rule of the famous King Ajaypal Chauhan. This beautiful place’s beauty is at its peak during sunset when we can witness the whole city immersing in the fading light. Its history and rich culture give a wonderful experience to the tourists. The main attractions of this place are the three massive gateways and sculptures designed and carved with so much precision which is very elegant and this amazing piece of architecture attracts a lot of people. It also consists of some huge water reservoirs. This place is one of the ideal destinations and is also preferred for photography by photogenic people because of its panoramic view of the whole city which makes it a must-visit place in the city.

4. Amer Fort Jaipur

Jaipur is the home for many prosperous and rich kings of the ancient Rajasthan state of a bygone era who gave some huge and admiring architectural beauty like the Amer Fort located at Jaipur which is so strong, elegant and beautiful that even enemies were not able to destroy it during the war. This fort is very high and big which also give the mesmerising view from the top. Some interesting things like elephant ride are available here which helps giving its visitors a royal treatment. They also organise light and sound show in the evening which is very enjoyable which expresses and tells the story of royal people and it helps you to get to know the wonderful history of the fort. At night will be pleased to get the chance to taste the Rajasthani cuisine in the royal palace with the royal treatment and it becomes tastier with the fresh air and beautiful view of this city of Rajasthan. From the top of the fort, we can witness the eagle view of the pink city at night and this feeling should be experienced at least once in your life. It is considered as one of the best places you must visit with your friends and family in this memorable place.

5. Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is located at the height of 125m above the city in Mehrangarh of Jodhpur city. It was built in the year 1459 by the famous Rao Jodha and is known as one of the biggest forts in India. The fort is enclosed by thick boundaries in which many famous palaces for their extensive courtyards and intricate carvings are there. This fort has a total of 7 gates and we can witness the imprints of cannonballs fired on the 2nd gate of the fort during wartime which is a symbol of its strength. This wonderful place has many famous things like Fattehpol victory gate which was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh and Jayapol victory gate which was built by Maharaja Man Singh which commemorates the victory of these kings over Bikaner and Jaipur and Mughals. There is also a museum situated inside the fort which is one of the main attractions as is considered as one of the well-stocked museums in Rajasthan which consists of royal palanquins. The museum also includes the heritage of the Rathores such as arms, paintings, customs and decorated period. It also has many antique things which will gain your attention as well as many galleries like Armoury, Turban Gallery, Paintings, Palanquins, Daulat Khana and Elephant’s Howdahs. If you want to get some information about the history of the royal people of Rajasthan, this is the must-visit place for you.

6. Khejarla Fort

Kherjarla Fort is considered as one of the most popular Heritage sites situated in the desert of a small place named Bilara in Jodhpur city in the state of Rajasthan. It is a famous tourist destination which is well known for showcasing the brave and rich Rajput culture. This fort also offers a royal stay to have an enlivening experience of grandeur and royalty of Rajput culture of the by-gone era of valour and chivalry. This mesmerising hotel has attracted many visitors because of its latticework designs and stone carved rooms which increases the beauty by amazing pictures and antiques. This fort gives a spectacular view of the landscape and surrounding ruins and the palace is a destination in itself. The hotel management also offers horse and jeep safari to its customers in the surrounding areas and also offers delicious local and international cuisine to the visitors. This place is one of the must-visit places in Jodhpur city if you want to have a wonderful experience of history and royalty.

7. Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort also known as “Cheel ka Teela” means “Hill of Eagle”, the fort is on the height of Aravalli range it even overlooks the great Amer fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The fort is also famous by “Victory Fort”, a cannon was manufactured in the fort which was then the world’s largest cannon on wheels, known as “Jaivana Cannon”. There are subterranean passages which connect Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort. The fort has thick and high walls of red sandstone which covers an area of 3 km, as the fort is situated on the hills there is a central watchtower in the fort from where you can view the excellent surrounding landscape. There is an ‘Aram Mandir’ and the garden within its courtyard, you must visit this fort. You will get an amazing experience of exploring nature in this historical monument. 

8. Nahargarh Fort

Along with the Jaigarh Fort, this is the other fort which stands on the Aravalli Hills of Jaipur, Rajasthan. This fort comes under those forts which once formed the defence ring for the Jaipur city. Previously it was known as Sudarshangarh, there is a popular belief about the fort that spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia haunted the fort and obstructed its construction, which was pacified by constructing a temple within the fort in his memory. The fort was built by the king of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1734. The marvellous architectural fort has several structures, temples, gardens and Palaces. The major attraction of the fort is the retreat palace for the queens, “Madhavendra Bhawan”.

9. Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort or Chittor Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the largest fort in India. The fort is situated in a town Chittor and previously it was the capital of Mewar. Chittorgarh Fort was ruled by many rulers, in the 7th century it was ruled by the Mewar Kingdom, then from 9th to 13th centuries, Paramara Dynasty ruled the fort. A Turkic ruler of Delhi Alauddin Khalji defeated Rana Ratan Singh force in 1303 and ruled the fort, Bahadur Shah ruled the fort in 1535, then Bikramjeet Singh was defeated by Sultan of Gujarat and took the fort. In 1567 Akbar took the fort and ruled. This fort is famous due to Meera Bai, Rani Padmini and Karnavati for sacrificing their life. This largest and oldest fort attracts people with its natural beauty, the beautiful combination of green and sandstone walls looks amazing. The fort has awesome reservoirs which are surrounded with lush greenery, luxurious palaces and temples are also within the fort. You must visit this fort.   

10. Ranthambore Fort

Ranthambore Fort is situated near the city of Sawai Madhopur, which lies within the Ranthambore National Park. The ruined fort was constructed on two hills. This fort is different from other forts it’s the house for wildlife animals, it’s the largest wildlife sanctuary. On the fort, you can experience the invasions of British and Mughals. This fort is something unique to offer you along with the beautiful natural views you will get to see the wildlife animals around you.   

11. Kumbhalgarh Fort

It is a Mewar fortress located in the high cliffs of Aravali Hills in Rajsamand district near Udaipur which was built by Rana Kumbha during the 15th century. It is also called India’s Great Wall as it is the second-longest wall in the world with a length of 36 kilometres as this is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan. It personifies the grandeur and spirit of Rajasthan because of its marvellous architecture and history as it was the birthplace of the legendary Maharana Pratap and thus holds a special place in the heart of Rajputs. There are many temples inside this fort-like Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parsvanath Jain Temple, Ganesh temple and so on which attracts a lot of religious people. As located in this amazing place in hilltop, this majestic citadel offers a superb bird’s eye view to the surrounded verdant forests.

12. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Located in the city of Bikaner, it is one of the few forts in Rajasthan which are not built on a hilltop which was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in the late 15th century. It was formerly called as Chintamani Mahal until 20th century. This place is quite astonishing to people as it was so strong that this Fort was still unconquered and could withstand even after multiple of invasions. People come to see this place because of its strong architecture and are also attracted by its grand museum which showcases ancient artefacts and thus makes it a premier tourist attraction. One of the most famous attractions of this fort is the Anup Mahal which showcases its beautifully decorated rooms who shows the valuables of the royal family. It is an excellent example of history, bravery, tradition and culture and is must be visited by people who come to Bikaner.

13. Jalore Fort, Jalore

Also known as Sonagir or Golden Mount and Top Khana or Cannon Foundry, this is one of the most secure forts in the country and one of the foremost tourist attractions located in Jalore town of Rajasthan which provides stunning and serene views of the city from its walls. This fort is one of the rarest9 forts built by Paramas during the 10th century. It has many famous temples like Jain temple, Shiv temple, Sundha Mata temple and the temple of Parshavnath and also few mosques are found inside the fort which attracts a lot of religious pilgrims also. This city was also called as Swarna Nagari which has one of the most interesting and brave histories and thus attracts a lot of people to visit and explore this place as this Fort is the main attraction of the city tourism.

14. Gagron Fort, Jhalawar

Gagron Fort is one of the famous historical places situated in the Hadoti region of Jhalawar district of Rajasthan which is also the mausoleum of Sufi Saint Mitthe Shah. This fort is made from the theory of 12 kinds of Vedic fort architecture and is one of them called as a striking example of hill and water fort or JalDurg. This majestic fort was constructed in the 12th century by King Bijaldev and is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan. It gives the 360° view of the landscape of the whole city which is very mesmerising and attracts a lot of visitors. This beautiful architecture with sturdy walls all around it gives a royal vibe all over the place. In Muharram, this fort is highly revered by local people also and a fair is held to pay respects to the famous Sufi Saint.

15. Khimsar Fort, Nagaur

This unique fort is perched on the edge of the Thar Desert situated in the heart of rural India in Khimsar district Rajasthan. Located in the undulating Rajasthani desert, this place well preserved like a royal manor offers a wide range of experience by its area of 11 acres which has orchards, lawns and open courtyards. This magnificent fort was built by Rao Karamsji in the year 1523 and now serves as an unspoilt and well-preserved heritage hotel to its visitors to provide them with the experience of the royal life of the kings of the bygone era. It has every facility like luxury accommodation, delicious local Rajasthani and global cuisines and other facilities like swimming pool, gymnasium and so on. This is a perfect place to spend your vacations and enjoy this royal treat with your friends and family.

16. Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur

Lohagarh Fort, also known as Iron Fort is one of the strongest forts ever built in Indian history which was made by the famous Bharatpur jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It attracts a lot of people because it lies in the vicinity of popular places like Panna Meena ka Kund, Elefantastic and Elefantastic Elephant Farm as this converted hotel offers stay with best in service and modern amenities to make its customers stay a memorable stay by providing them with the feel of the life of bygone era of rulers. It is a symbol of courage, strength, eternity and chivalry of Jat rulers of Bharatpur and was named Lohagarh fort because of its strongest and finest architecture which British rulers were never able to conquer. It is very beautiful and is considered as one of the must-visit places in Rajasthan to see its rich history, architecture and listen to its stories of bravery. Some of the other interesting structures which were made inside this Fort to commemorate the victories over Mughals and British which attracts a lot of tourists are Fateh Burj and Jawahar Burj.

17. Neemrana Fort, Alwar

Neemrana Fort is one of the most famous Forts located in Jaipur in Rajasthan, India which is preferred by visitors as they offer to stay in this converted 15th century 4-star heritage hotel to help its customers discovering over 5 centuries of historical experience with all modern amenities. This architectural wonder has every facility and several enjoyable like two spectacular swimming pools, world-class restaurants, intimate play area for young toddlers and an eco-farm. It is so spectacular and amazing that it was listed in the 100 things you must do on the planet before you leave it. It also provides various recreational activities like fitness centre, outdoor pool, garden, spa and is this 553 years old heritage site is termed as one of the best comfortable and convenient accommodations in Alwar.

18. Bhatner Fort, Hanumangarh

Located on the banks of the famous Gaggar River, Bhatner Fort is one of the oldest forts in India built in 253 CE by Bhupat who was the son of King Bhati of Jaisalmer. It is situated in the centre of Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. It is one of the must-visit places in the city which gives the landscape of the whole city of Hanumangarh from the walls of this Fort. Not only for historical purpose, but this fort is visited by many people for religious purpose as well as it consists of many temples inside the fort-like Jain Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Karni Mata Ji Mandir and Mama Bhanja Kabr is also situated here and it has also a beautiful garden where people visit for morning and evening walks and spend some time in the lap of nature. Presently, this famous heritage site is visited by people as they are attracted by its rich history and architecture and to get a day out the trip with friends and family in this amazing location.

19. Alwar Fort

Alwar Fort also known as Bala Fort or Bala Quila is one of the most fascinating and gigantic Forts in Rajasthan which is located on the hilltop of Aravali Range which offers a spectacular and panoramic view of Alwar city. This Fort is spread around 8 kilometres and is also known as Tiger Gateway of Rajasthan as this place also offers open jeep Tiger Safari which is a whole new experience to visitors. This majestic fort giving breathtaking landscape has a plethora of places to explore which gives you a glimpse of life led by royal people in the bygone era. It is visited by tourists as well as local people also to spend a delightful weekend away from the busy and noisy city to refresh themselves.

20. Mandawa Fort, Shekhawati

Mandawa Fort is one of the most famous Forts located amid Aravali hills in Mandawa which is in the Jhujhunu district of Rajasthan which is considered as one of the most happening towns for tourism. This fort is now run as a heritage hotel to offer its customers a royal stay and experience the life of kings by Rajasthan Tourism Department. It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh in the year 1755 who was the first descendant of Shekhawati rulers. Most of the people get attracted to this place because of its rich Rajasthani architecture and variety of décor inside the fort. This great place adorned with beautiful frescos is frequently visited by many tourists to get a matchless experience of its rich cultural history and heritage. People also enjoy several activities here like Horse Safari and other modern amenities are also available of world-class quality.

Hope the article is interesting! Thank You!