There are three forts close to Jaipur, often known as the Pink City, and one of them is Nahargarh. Visitors sometimes miss the fort in favor of the famous and well-maintained Amber Fort on the other side of the ridge since, unfortunately, it was neglected until quite recently, despite its importance. Nonetheless, the fort is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur thanks to extensive restoration efforts and the addition of some thrilling new features. Jantar Mantar, constructed in 1734 by Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh II, is widely regarded as one of Jaipur’s most popular tourist destinations. The Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory housing the largest stone sundial on the planet, is situated in the very center of the city. The expansive Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is home to twenty massive pieces of equipment that measure the motion and locations of the stars.
History
The fort, originally called Sudarshangarh, was renamed Nahargarh after its builder, Sawai Jai Singh II, who was Maharaja of Jaipur in 1734. Throughout its entire existence, the fort remained impregnable, despite its primary role of defense. Nonetheless, the fort served as a venue for important events, like as treaty signings with Maratha armies, in the 18th century. The royal family would frequently use the fort as a hideaway on their hunting excursions.
What was built during the day would collapse at night in the Nahargarh Fort, according to a haunted tale, because the soul of Prince Nahar Singh Bhomia wandered the palace and halted its development. The building work was allegedly halted by the prince’s restless spirit, according to King Sawai Jai Singh. Sawai Jai Singh sought the advice of priests and astrologers before deciding to construct a shrine honoring the price. In further recognition of the prince, the monarch bestowed his name on the fort. The building of the fort proceeded without a hitch thereafter.
Architecture
There are several buildings inside the fort that adhere to Indo-European architecture. The temple honors the sovereign god and is located to the left of the entry gate, Tadigate. This is in addition to the shrine that honors Nahar Singh Bhomia, prince of Rathore, which is located within the fort. The ‘Madhavendra Bhawan,’ constructed by Sawai Madho Singh, is another notable landmark inside the fort. Suites for the king and twelve queens are located on the second floor of this structure. There are nine identical flats, and each one has its own entrance, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, and pantry. Diwan-I-Aam, an outside enclosure where the monarch visited the ordinary people and listened to their grievances and worries, is another feature of the palace.
Attractions
Nahargarh is a small fort that is strong and sturdy. The inside is very impressive, particularly the royal complex of Madhavendra Bhavan. The nine large, independent rooms, which were inhabited by the queen and daughters of the monarch, are arranged around a courtyard on three sides. On the other side are the royal apartments. A passage went from them to the rooms, where the monarch might playfully visit his women behind closed doors. Stunning paintings cover the structures in this area.
Around Madhavendra Bhavan, you may see rotating works from the Sculpture Park. Twelve artists from India and eleven from other countries have their works on display at the moment.
The fort’s Wax Museum is another popular attraction. Thought to be priced too high by some. The museum is organized into three sections. The first is the Hall of Icons, which features wax figures of notable people like Bollywood actors and cricket players. The second is the Royal Darbar, which showcases paintings and wax figures of prominent Rajasthani royal families dressed traditionally. The third section is the modern-day Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Mirror Palace, which is constructed from millions of pieces of glass.
Nahargarh, like many Rajasthani forts, has its unique system of step wells called baolis for water storage. Both are located within the fort, although one is on the outside, inside the ramparts. They conform to the hill’s natural contours in an odd, asymmetrical design, unlike other step wells. The outside stepwell is the showpiece of “Rang de Basanti.”
Views of Jaipur, its environs, and other forts, as well as Jal Mahal, above Man Sagar Lake, may be enjoyed from the walls of the fort. The ramparts may be traversed on foot. But due to the old building, doing so might be dangerous.
When it comes to sunrises and sunsets in Jaipur, Nahargarh is a top choice. Advertised as a sunset spot is Kali Burj, which is close to Padao restaurant. The spot where the sun rises is close to the big exterior step well.
Nahargarh Fort Timings
You may visit the fort in the morning from 10 AM until 5:30 PM. No matter the day of the week, you may visit Nahargarh Fort at the same time.
Nahargarh Fort Ticket Price
Visitors from India must pay 50 rupees to enter Nahargarh Fort, while students pay just 5. The cost of the ticket is INR 200 for foreign visitors and INR 25 for students.
The Nahargarh Fort is open to the public free of charge on several holidays and special occasions, including World Heritage Day (18 April), World Tourism Day (27 September), Rajasthan Day (30 March), and World Museum Day (18 May).
