I find forts & fortresses have a mysterious & invincible air around them. Built to protect kings, nobles & their dynasties, they have outlived their creators in most cases. I have visited few forts, but always come away feeling a dual sense of humbleness & awe. One such fort I visited was Jaigarh Fort, also called Victory Fort, in Rajasthan (India).
During one of my many work trips to the pink city Jaipur, I had the chance to visit Jaigarh Fort, located around 15 kms from the main city. This fort overlooks the more popular (and UNESCO Heritage Site) Amber Fort and in fact was built to protect it; can you imagine that ~ A fort built to protect another fort!! interesting right!!
Jaigarh Fort is rugged in look, built as it is on one of the peaks of the Aravalli Hills and is most famous for housing ‘Jaivana’ – the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The Jaigarh Fort, like the City Palace Jaipur, is privately owned, by the Royal Family and has been conserved well.
The fort can be reached from a winding uphill road and from the main gate to the ramparts & other sights within the fort, it’s a long walk. Therefore, advisable to take commercial jeeps available at the entrance or if driving by own vehicle, pay vehicle charge & drive around inside to all the sights. In the monsoons (when I visited), the surrounding landscape of the otherwise rugged & dry Aravalli Hills transforms into vibrant green all around.
There are many legends associated with Jaigarh Fort, the most talked about are the hidden treasures in the large underground water tanks within the fort. However, no treasures have been found till date, inspite of Income Tax & Indian Army doing a thorough search in the 1970s. The fort has a museum & an armory chamber for the tourists and a souvenir shopping complex. It is less visited in comparison to Amber fort. However, for the crowd shirking me, it was a perfect place as I had a lovely time clicking pics in peace.
If visiting Jaipur (either on work or leisure trip), a day tour to Jaigarh Fort is very much recommended.
~ Happy Travels ~
Recommended Reads :
Postcards from Rajasthan by a fellow travel blogger Saakshi
Beautiful. Have some lovely memories associated with this place. A bit of a nostalgia.
http://www.bnomadic.wordpress.com
yes! a great heritage site! shared beautifully.
Lovely photos sush ……looks like magical fort …did they show this fort in the movie yeh jawani hai diwani?
Great photo, it looks like you had a wonderful vantage point. Thank you for your comment on my painting.
Brought back memories of my college day visit here
Bful pictures
Lovely captures and nice coverage Sushmita! I'm yet to visit Jaipur…
Have visitedJaipur and the fort many times, loved it and loved ur post. Brought back the fond memories to my mind! 🙂
http://shilp3005@gmail.com
Lovely fortress, one in a million.
Lovely fortress, one in a million.
Lovely fortress, one in a million.
Lovely fortress, one in a million.
Cool place. I like your blog!
Nice blog! Nice pictures!
How much do you travel, Sush! I am going green with envy!
Magnificent fort covered beautifully. Nice write up.
http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Awesome Clicks!!
The Beautiful Fort this Is.
And Beautiful Narration.
Brought back my old memories…Yes, it is a beautiful fort, and I took that long walk to reach the fort. Loved your pictures!
I have seen this one and it is truly magnificent. Lovely pics.
I have visited this one and it is truly magnificent. Loved the pics.
I have visited this one and it is truly magnificent. Loved the pics.
I have visited this one and it is truly magnificent. Loved the pics.
Great shots of magnificent fort.
wow. very cool. nice perspective as well to get it all in…i love visiting places like this…