Jaipur is rich in its colossal monuments and proud audacious history. Jaipur, now known as the capital of Rajasthan, was once upon a time considered as the capital of Rajput. The walled town surrounded by the Aravalli ranges was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Nahargarh Fort is also located along the Aravalli hills with a spectacular view of an alluring lake. Jaipur is also called the Pink city, for its magnificently pink coloured buildings and cenotaphs. The fort has a restaurant right on the top of the fort that gives you an exquisite view of the entire city. The Nahargarh Fort also showcases the Jaipur wax museum and glass palace.
History of Nahargarh Fort
The Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 and was initially named as Sudarshangarh Fort. Nahargarh Fort along with two more forts, Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort was built to form a strong defence for the mighty Jaipur city. The meaning of Nahargarh is ‘abode of tigers’, and as the name suggests, it is located in one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, the Aravalli and was home to tigers.
The most interesting tales associated with the construction of this fort is that the spirit of the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia obstructed the making of this fort. It is said that every second day the workers found that the construction was demolished and the efforts went in vain. Finally, a temple was made inside the fort to honour him where his spirit rested in peace. Hence, the fort was renamed on his name. The fort has witnessed many archival events but was never attacked. There’s an estimation that a sum of 3,50,000 rupees was spent on its construction.
Engrossing Facts
- The fort is built 700 ft. High on the Aravalli Ranges and it encircles the entire Jaipur city. It’s a bright yellow coloured fort having enormous courtyards, towers and grand gates.
- The fort is home to an Indo-European architecture and has preserved many ultimate structures in its premises. It was the same fort that gave shelter to the Europeans and the British Resident’s wife in this region during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
- As you enter the main gate on your left is a temple dedicated to the divinity of the Jaipur rulers and on a couple of steps ahead is the temple dedicated to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia.
- Diwan-e-Aam is an open enclosure where the king often met the common men to discuss their problems and complaints. It is a beautiful structure to visit.
- Madhavendra Bhawana is a two-storeyed building which was built for the king and his twelve queens. It is a luxurious suite that is divided into nine similar apartments that have amenities like a lobby, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and store. The best part is it is all connected to each other by corridors.
- The most popular attraction of this fort is the newly opened wax museum. The wax museum has statues of many renowned personalities.
- The Sheesh Mahal is a glass palace specially made to honour the Mughal and Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal has astonishing hand-cut glass designs in the entire room and what makes it top the list in Rajasthan is that unlike any other Sheesh Mahal of Rajasthan, this even has a glass flooring.
Things To Do
- Trekking through the Aravali ranges with a beautiful scenic backdrop is a whole lot of experience to bag it. The view of the luscious hills and the blue green ranges is breathtaking.
- Just around 2.7 KM from the fort is the famous Jantar Mantar; a must-visit astronomical observatory.
- There are other famous places like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh fort and Amer fort. These are some places that are absolutely worth a visitation.
- Visitors can have meals and refreshments while enjoying the beauteous view of the city. Restaurants at the Nahargarh Fort will bring you an aristocratic feel of the calming breeze and royalty. The two restaurants are:
- ‘Once Upon a Time’ that offers some tantalizing North Indian cuisine and has a royal ambience. It is open until 11 PM.
- ‘Padao’ operated by the RTDC, is youngster’s hub. The open-air courtyard concept attracts a lot of tourists to enjoy a meal with the view of a glittering Jaipur city. It is open until 10 PM.
Directions to The Fort
Located on the outskirts of the Jaipur city, the Nahargarh Fort is around 6 KM from the city. There are auto-rickshaws available to take you till the entrance of the fort. But, the best way recommended is to hire a private cab.
Timings of the Nahargarh Fort
The fort opens in the morning at 10 AM and shuts down around 5:30 PM in the evening.
Entry Fee to the Nahargarh Fort
For the overseas tourists, it is INR 200 whereas for the Nationals it is INR 50. There’s a special fee for the overseas students INR 25 and Indian students INR 5.
Entry is free during:
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- 30 March Rajasthan Diwas
- 18 April World Heritage Day
- 18 May World Museum Day
- 27 September World Tourism Day.
Entry Fee for the wax museum: INR 350
Entry Fee for the Sheesh Mahal: INR 350
Best Time to Visit the Nahargarh Fort
It is always suggested to visit Jaipur during the winters from November to March as the weather is delightful during the day. It almost takes an entire day to thoroughly visit the fort. Trekking and walking might go tiring during hot summers. The view from the top of the Nahargarh Fort is stupendously beautiful and is a sure-shot tarriance for you if you are visiting Jaipur.
