The Heritage Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Visiting Rajasthan is both enchanting and a romantic adventure. It is a place packed with palaces and forts entwining both the splendor and might of a once great hub filled with Maharajas and Princes who each had their own story to tell.
Here is a list of both the most important and prominent fortresses and palaces that any one who comes to this delightful part of India should not miss visiting.

FORTS
1. The Amber fort is a fine example fo Rajput style Architecture and was built around 11 kilometers outside of Jaipur which was once in ancient times the capital of the Jaipur State. It was started by Rajah Man Singh a great Commander of the Jaipur army in 1592. It was eventually extended and completely constructed later on by the Jai Singhs before moving to Jaipur. The location of the Fort is on a picturesque hillside overlooking a lake making it extraordinary in it's habitat. It's reflection in the Lake make it an exquisite example for photography.

2. The Meharanghar Fort was built in Jodhpur by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he changed his Capital and moved from Mandore to Jodhpur. It stands high on a hill and has encompassed within it's walls palaces and other buildings which now serve as a large museum for the area.T he Moti Mahalfor example is embellished with stained glass windows. Other buildings in the Fortress like the Darbar Takhat, Chandan Mahal,Umaid Vilas and Rang Mahal are places not to be missed by the Tourist.

3. The Sonar Kila or Golden Fort as it is affectionately known is based in Jaisalmer and was one of the older style fortresses of the Medieval period having been erected in 1156 by Bhatti Chief Jaisal and the reason for it being called the Golden fort is because it is basically created from yellow sandstone which gives it the Golden Hue it is famous for.

4. Another Fort Built in Jaipur was the Fort of Victory or Jaigarh Fort and it was also the National Treasury for many years. This was built at a later date by Sawai Jai Singh in 1726. This fort which stands high up on the Hill is very famous for housing the biggest cannon in the world called Jaivan.

PALACES

1. Visitors to Rajasthan must visit the Amer Palace as this is a wonderful and romantic vision of sheer beauty and intricate artwork. It was built by one of the Mughal Emperor Akbar's Generals, namely Raja Man Singh in the year 1600 AD and is situated near other great buildings such as the Raj Mahal and Diwan-e-Am.

2. The City Palce of Udaipur comes into its own as the great complex of buildings was built overlooking a peaceful and enchanting lake called Lake Pichola by a Maharana named Maharana Udai Singh. Other that followed built more and added more buildings. Built from granite and Marble it is like a pearl coming from the Lake and there are other buildings
such as the Jagdish Temple to visit within the Complex.

3. The City Palace built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in Jaipur was a hot spot for the then Royal Family and is a famous place to visit within the Pink City. This palace is famous for its numerous courtyards and immaculately cultivated and laid out gardens. A must for those who love to take a romantic stroll.