Nahargarh Fort | Pride Of Jaipur’s Historical Sites
Nahargarh is a hill fort in Rajasthan, India, near Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber (a princely state in pre-colonial India), in 1734 after he moved his capital from Amer to Jaipur.
Built on a steep hill, it is surrounded by a wall that, in the shape of an irregular polygon, encloses buildings at different levels. You can get into the fort, about 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the city, through three gates.
The nearby hill fort named Balathal was also built by Jai Singh I, who then called it “Nahargarh.” Both forts have the same architectural style. Nahargarh means a fort of tigers, and Balathal means a fort of cows.
Background & History:
The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is one of the most famous forts in Rajasthan. It’s right up there with the fame and popularity that Amber Fort has, especially among local tourists.
Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, the Nahargarh Fort was built over and around a hill and is one of the nine forts in Jaipur.
It served as a retreat for the royal family and strengthened the region’s defense. During the 1857 Indian Mutiny, King of Jaipur Sawai Ram Singh shifted European civilians, including British Resident’s wife, to Nahargarh Fort for their protection.
In 1868, the fort was extended during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh. Sawai Madho Singh also constructed Madhavendra Bhawan with suites for queens and a suite for the king.
Travellers tips:
1. Wear comfortable shoes: As the fort is situated on a hill, there are several steps and narrow pathways. Wearing comfortable walking shoes will help you explore and enjoy your visit to the fort without any hassle.
2. Carry enough water: It can get quite hot in Rajasthan during summer, so it is essential to carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated and cool.
3. Wear light clothing: When visiting the fort, wear lightweight and airy clothing so you don’t feel too hot or uncomfortable while exploring the fort.
4. Bring your camera: It offers stunning views of the city and its many monuments. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some beautiful memories!
5. Opt for guided tours: If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of Nahargarh Fort, it’s best to take a guided tour with an experienced guide who can provide you with interesting insights about the fort.
6. Ensure you carry sunscreen: The sun can get quite intense in Rajasthan, and it is essential to protect your skin with good sunscreen when visiting Nahargarh Fort.
7. Carry some snacks: There may not be many options for food at the fort, so it is best to carry some snacks and water with you.
8. Visit at the right time: It’s best to visit the fort in the morning or early evening when the sun isn’t too harsh, as the fort gets quite crowded during peak hours.
9. Follow all safety instructions: Make sure you adhere to all safety instructions given by the authorities at the fort. This will ensure your safety and that other people visiting the fort.
10. Enjoy your visit: Above all, make sure you enjoy your visit to Nahargarh Fort and create some beautiful memories!
Hidden Facts on Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
- One of the most exciting facts about Nahargarh Fort is that it was featured in Bollywood films such as Rang De Basanti and Shuddh Desi Romance.
- The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur was a retreat palace for the Maharajas. It was here that the King used to stay when he needed time away from his courtly life and responsibilities, attending to sermons and so on. The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur served as a royal palace until 1728 AD.
- The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is located at the top of the hill. It dominates the landscape in this area. The height is about 1000 feet above sea level, and is located in the Aravalli hills.
- Each of the palaces inside the Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur has its history, its reasons for being where it is, why it was built in this certain way, and so on.
- The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is made of red stone, as most architecture during that time (1727-1728 AD).
- Legend has it that ghosts haunt Nahargarh. You may not hear about the ghost stories associated with this massive citadel on your tourist map, but locals are very familiar with these tales.
What should you know before visiting the Nahargarh Fort?
READ THIS IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE NAHARGARH FORT THIS WEEKEND!
The hours vary from one season to another. In the winter, the fort is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in the summer, it is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There are three floors that you can explore as you learn about the history of this fort.
The first floor has a museum where paintings, photographs, & other exhibits make up an exciting display of all things related to Nahargarh Fort.
The second floor houses the living quarters of the guards, their families, and other staff running this massive structure. You can also see cannons on this floor that give you an idea about how wars were fought in those days.
The third floor is empty except for one Shiva temple and a viewpoint from where you can gaze at the beauty of this citadel as it glitters in the sunlight.
Monsoons and winters are ideal for visiting this place.
The summer is also lovely, but it can’t be called good because the temperatures soar and the humidity is so high. Nahargarh is best visited in the evenings in the summer and the afternoons in the winter.
Q4) What is the walking distance of Nahargarh Fort?
The fort is easily accessible by road, and for those who enjoy walking, it is possible to reach the fort by foot. The distance from the city centre to Nahargarh Fort is around 6 kilometres, and it takes approximately 1-2 hours to reach the fort by foot. Additionally, there are many cafes and restaurants along the way where one can stop and enjoy a meal or a drink before continuing the journey to the fort.
Q5) Where is Nahargarh Fort situated?
Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007
It is a famous landmark in Jaipur on the Aravali hills. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built it in 1734, serving as an essential defense fortification for his kingdom. The fort gained its name from Nahar Singh Bhomia, a brave Rajput warrior who is said to have lost his life during its construction. There are beautiful murals and paintings on the walls of the fort that show stories from local legends.
The main attraction of Nahargarh Fort lies at the top, where one can get a stunning view of Jaipur city below.
No, it is not open for night visits. The fort’s gates close at sunset, and no visitors are allowed afterward. However, you can still enjoy the stunning views of Jaipur from the top of the fort during the day. Several restaurants and cafes in and around Nahargarh Fort offer delicious food and drinks to visitors, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. So if you’re looking for a way to experience the beauty of Jaipur without staying out too late, Nahargarh Fort is worth considering.
The answer to this question depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. Amer Fort is an impressive fort and palace complex built in the 1600s. It has fantastic views of Jaipur and the hills around it. The Nahargarh Fort is also a great place to visit. It has a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful city views from a hilltop. Amer Fort is probably your best bet if you’re looking for an awe-inspiring sightseeing experience. However, if a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning panoramas is what you’re after, Nahargarh should be at the top of your list. Ultimately, both forts have something to offer, which comes down to personal preference. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
WHAT TO DO AT NAHARGARH FORT
You can’t throw a rock in Jaipur without hitting a fort, but if you find yourself at the Nahargarh Fort, you will want to do what it says on its sign—you will want to “explore the fort.”
Once you do, we bet you’ll agree that it’s one of the best reasons to plan a trip to Nahargarh.
With that said, the Nahargarh Fort is open from sunrise to sunset. If you plan on doing everything here, it’s probably best to come early because this place gets crowded with tourists and locals around noontime.
We have broken our list of things to do at the fort into several categories that are listed below:
1. Explore the Fort
We were keenly aware that we had slipped entirely out of Jaipur and into another place and time. As such, we spent time exploring the fort, and we think you should too.
2. Discover the History of Nahargarh Fort
If it’s not enough to enjoy the relative solitude of a place so far from the city, then this is a good place to read up on a little bit of history about the fort.
3. Take a rickshaw ride around the fort
One of the best ways to see a place like this is by rickshaw; if you’re going to do it, do it big.
4. Try Traditional and Indian Street food nearby Naharghar
The Nahargarh Fort is located right outside Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital city, boasting some of the best Jaipur street food you will find on this planet. The village just outside the Nahargarh Fort main gate has some delicious local eats that are affordable and just as tasty as those from any city around India.
5. Laugh at the tourists dancing to Hindi music playing all day inside the fort
Make sure to take a peek inside the Nahargarh Fort. It contains an open-air amphitheater filled with musicians and dancers playing every kind of music you can think of all day. We recommend visiting on a Sunday morning if you want to see Indian families enjoying themselves.
HOW TO REACH NAHARGARH FORT?
Jaipur airport is the nearest airport. You can take a taxi or local bus to reach Nahargarh Fort.
For Self-driving cars, Your can book Zoom Cars as recommended.
By Road: This is one of the most common and preferred routes to reach Nahargarh Fort. You can hire a car, catch a bus or take an auto-rickshaw from the city center to arrive at the fort.
By Train: Jaipur is connected with many cities of India via train once you have arrived at Jaipur Railway Station (Jaipur Junction).
By Air: Jaipur is well connected to other parts of India by air. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located approximately 28 km away from the fort. From here, you can hire a car or take a taxi directly to Nahargarh Fort.
Once you have reached the fort, you can enjoy a picturesque view of Jaipur City and its surrounding areas. Enjoy exploring this historic and majestic monument!
