When you visit Rajasthan, it’s a history book come to life, rather than just a state. But, unlike the dull history texts you had to wade through in school, this one is made of the most gorgeous red sandstone & white marble. Seeing the sheer scale of the buildings here is just mind-numbing. When you gaze up at a 500-year-old wall, you can’t help but feel tiny – which is a strange mix of humility & excitement all at once.
Explore some of the best forts and palaces in Rajasthan, which let travelers step into the region’s iconic architecture, the royal dynasties that shaped it, and the timeless monuments that still stand, the real-life heroes & villains of ancient India.
12 Most Popular Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan for Historical Experiences
The forts and palaces in Rajasthan are more than mere architecture; they are the very places where kings fought fearless battles and forged the legacy of Rajput valor.
Amber Fort (Amer Fort), Jaipur
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is the most popular spot in Jaipur. It sits atop a hill, and the massive walls look like they go on forever. The builders used red sandstone and marble, which gives it a unique look compared to other forts in the region.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (around 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds and the heat.
- Entry Fee: Rs 50 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM; 6:30 PM to 9:15 PM (for night viewing).
- Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur.
Why You Should Go: The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is the highlight here. One candle can light up the entire room because of the thousands of tiny mirrors on the walls and ceiling.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Because it is composed of yellow sandstone that glows in sunlight, locals refer to it as the “Sonar Quila” or Golden Fort. This fort is still inhabited by thousands of people, unlike other forts that are now only museums. It’s like a living, breathing metropolis enclosed by walls.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months (October to March) are the only comfortable times.
- Entry Fee: Free to enter the fort; roughly Rs 50-Rs 250 for specific museums/palaces inside.
- Timings: Open 24 hours (since people live there), but attractions open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Location: Near Gopa Chowk, Jaisalmer.
Why You Should Go: You can walk through narrow lanes, buy local crafts, and eat at cafes right inside the fort walls. The Jain temples inside are also incredibly detailed and peaceful.
City Palace, Udaipur
This isn’t just one building; it is a vast complex of several palaces built over 400 years. It stands right on the banks of Lake Pichola, making it look like something out of a fairy tale. The balconies and towers offer amazing views of the lake and the Lake Palace hotel.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours offer better lighting for photos.
- Entry Fee: Rs 400 for adults, Rs 150 for children (approx).
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Location: Old City, Udaipur.
Why You Should Go: The Crystal Gallery is mind-blowing. It has chairs, tables, and even beds made entirely of crystal. Also, the boat ride from the palace to Jag Mandir is a must-do activity.
Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
This is the largest fort in India, covering about 700 acres. It has a heavy and sad history known for the “Jauhar” (mass self-immolation) committed by Queen Padmini and other women to protect their honor. The fort stands on a high hill and has seven different gates you have to pass to get in.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning, as you will need at least 3-4 hours to see it all.
- Entry Fee: Rs 40 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Location: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
Why You Should Go: The Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) is stunning. You can climb up for a great view. The story of the fort is tragic but very powerful, and hiring a guide here is highly recommended to understand it.
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Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
While it looks like a massive palace from the street, Hawa Mahal is actually quite thin and was built as a high screen wall. King Sawai Pratap Singh built it so royal women could watch street festivals without being seen by the public. Its pink honeycomb shape is the most recognized symbol of Jaipur.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best light hitting the front façade.
- Entry Fee: Rs 50 for Indians, Rs 200 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Location: Badi Choupad, Jaipur.
Why You Should Go: It has 953 small windows called Jharokhas. The design allows wind to blow through, keeping the place cool even in hot summers. The view of the Jantar Mantar observatory from the top is also great.
City Palace, Jaipur
This palace stands right in the center of the Pink City and covers a large chunk of the total area. The royal family of Jaipur still lives in a part of this palace, which adds to its charm. It is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-day is fine as most attractions are indoors or shaded.
- Entry Fee: Rs 300 for Indians, Rs 700 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM; 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (night visit).
- Location: Jaleb Chowk, Jaipur.
Why You Should Go: The four gates in the inner courtyard (Pritam Niwas Chowk) are beautiful. Each gate represents a different season and a Hindu god. The Peacock Gate is the most famous one and makes for a fantastic photo backdrop.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Most forts in Rajasthan are built on hills to protect them from attack, but Junagarh is different. It was built on flat land, yet no enemy was ever able to capture it. The structures inside are very well preserved and feature extensive goldwork and stone carving.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter, as Bikaner gets extremely hot in summer.
- Entry Fee: Rs 50 for Indians, Rs 300 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner.
Why You Should Go: The Anup Mahal is gorgeous, with its red-and-gold paintwork. The fort also has a great collection of old weapons. It is usually less crowded than the forts in Jaipur or Jodhpur, so you can explore it peacefully.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
If you want to see a fort that looks truly invincible, this is the one. It towers 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur, and the thick walls still bear the marks of cannonballs from old battles. It offers the best view of the famous “Blue City” houses below.
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to catch the sunset over the blue houses.
- Entry Fee: Rs 200 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners (approx).
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur.
Why You Should Go: The museum inside is fantastic. You can see royal palanquins, swords, and costumes that actually belonged to the kings. The Flying Fox zipline tour here is also great for thrill-seekers.
Looking for more inspiration? Read our full Rajasthan Travel Guide 2025 covering the Top 10 places you shouldn’t miss.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is one of Rajasthan’s most potent expressions of Rajput military ingenuity. The great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built the fort in 1726 with the sole motive to safeguard the kingdom. The fort boasts thick red-sandstone walls, extensive watchtowers, and interconnected passages, tied up to withstand formidable assaults.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (mornings/late afternoons give the best views and lighting).
- Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indian adults. Indian children/student concessions are usually lower, and Rs 200 for foreign adults
- Timings: 09:00 AM to 4:30 PM / 09:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Check official website)
- Location: Devisinghpura above Amber Fort, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Why You Should Go: Jaivana cannon (one of the world’s largest wheeled cannons), strong walls, great views of Amber/Jaipur, and well-preserved battlements
Kumbhalgarh Fort
This colossal fort rises above southern Rajasthan, with walls enclosing 2.8 sq km (1.1 sq miles), two majestic Jain towers, scattered wells, Hindu temples, and royal palaces. This is a UNESCO-listed stronghold, home to India’s most noteworthy fort complexes, with two giant gates, huge ramparts, and evocative ruins that transport visitors straight into the pages of history.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Entry Fee: ~₹10 – ₹15 for Indians and ~₹100 for foreigners
- Timings: Generally open daily from about 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Rajsamand district, Rajasthan
Why You Should Go: Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-visit for history lovers, with its 36 km wall, Maharana Pratap’s birthplace, UNESCO status, Badal Mahal, and stunning Aravalli views.
Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort in Rajasthan has a certain mystique, built in the 8th century and watching over the region ever since. You’ve got stillness, quiet corners, courtyards that feel open, and high stone terraces that seem just to go on forever. And then there’s this surreal 360-degree view of Ajmer, the lake, and the Aravalli hills all spread out before you, which really offers one of the best scenic experiences.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (mild weather)
- Entry Fee: Many visitor guides list no entry fee for Taragarh
- Timings: 08:00 AM to 6:00 PM (even “open 24 hours” for the grounds)
- Location: Ajmer (near downtown / Dargah area)
Why You Should Go: Taragarh has rugged hilltop walls, historical bastions (Bhim Burj), great views of Ajmer and the surrounding plains, and atmospheric ruins, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and those who like short hill walks and panoramic photography.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is this absolutely incredible place – the last of the really grand royal residences still standing in the world, and a serious symbol of all the grandeur Rajasthan used to have. It was all commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh as a drought relief project, a really forward-thinking idea at the time, and he had it built in a style that blended Art Deco with traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (Jodhpur’s winters are ideal for sightseeing)
- Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indian adults, ₹10 for children, and ₹100 for foreigners
- Timings: Museum/public visiting hours typically around 09:00 AM to 4:30 PM / 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Umaid Bhawan Road, Cantt Area, Jodhpur
Why You Should Go: Umaid Bhawan is a living palace, a part museum, part royal residence, part luxury hotel with Art Deco architecture and Rajasthani motifs, historical exhibits (royal paraphernalia, vintage cars), gardens, and views of the Blue City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rajasthan’s history is full of wars and clan rivalries, so kings built massive forts on hills to protect their people and show off their power and wealth.
There are an estimated 150-200 forts and 80-120 palaces in Rajasthan, each with its own special story to tell and regal grandeur to behold.
October to March is generally the best time to explore the forts in Rajasthan. The weather is cool and relaxed, making it perfect for wandering around the huge complexes.
While most of the larger palaces in Rajasthan are now open as museums, allowing visitors to come and go. Still, some parts are often private residences for the royal families or have been converted into luxury hotels.
The largest fort in Rajasthan is Chittorgarh Fort. Sprawling across nearly 700 acres, it’s not only the biggest fort in the state but is also regarded as the largest fort in India and even Asia.