Nahargarh Fort: Be at the Top of Jaipur..Quite Literally!
Nahargarh Fort- Jaipur Rajasthan
Fort Nahargarh of Jaipur is one of the most loved and visited places of Jaipur, Rajasthan. In fact, the city view this magnificent fort has to offer is not to be found from anywhere else. If youy are travelling from Delhi to Jaipur, this can be an amazing weekend getaway.
Historically Speaking
Standing tall on the edges of “Aravali Mountains”, literal meaning of Nahargarh is ‘The Lion’s Abode’. However, Nahargarh was not called so originally. It was called “Sudarshangarh” at the outset and got the current name quite later.
Built in 1734 by the erstwhile king of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, this fort was a relaxing retreat for the royals. This marvellous fort was also the hunting abode for the kings. Later in 1883, Sawai Madho Singh of Jaipur built ‘Madhvendra Palace’ in the vicinity for his nine queens.
Do you wonder who designed this sprawling and breathtakingly beautiful fort? Mr. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, the architect who also designed Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’.
Spooky tale behind the name Nahargarh
As the local legend goes, ‘Nahar’ (Lion) in the fort’s name is after one ‘Nahar Singh Bhomia’ (A local prince). It is said that his spirit hampered the construction of this fort and only after certain rituals and a temple dedicated to him was constructed, did this fort get its present form. Sounds haunted? Of course not! The beauty and magnificence of this place is much beyond that.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Key Attractions of Nahargarh
- The most amazing part of going to Nahargarh is the serpentine path leading to it. You have deep valleys and Mother Nature to behold on the way i.e. some perfect selfie spots.
- The tall gate which welcomes you in is called ‘TadiGate’. This leads us to the main attraction of the fort- ‘Madhvendra Palace’. This two storied palace has nine identical suites Suraj Prakash, Chandra Prakash etc. ‘The Wax Museum’.- From Mahatma Gandhi to Amitabh Bachchan to Einstein to film star Govinda, all come alive in this state of the art wax museum. These Neatly handcrafted sculptures have given a unique touch to the elegance of Nahargarh fort.
What are the Ticket charges at Nahargarh Museum?
- Entry tickets for Foreigners- 200/-, Foreign Students- Rs 25
- Entry tickets for Indians- 50/-, Indian Student- Rs 5
Museum is open for all days from 10.00 AM to 06.30 PM.
The Bollywood Connection of Nahargarh
Do you know this fort has a unique Bollywood connection? A popular sequence of blockbuster Hindi film ‘Rang De Basanti’ was shot here. The film sequence inluded actors like Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapur and Siddarth. Find the spot and you’ll love it.
‘Place where a Key Scene of film Rang De Basanti was Shot’
‘Padao’ Restaurant
Well, hunger pangs are sure to set in after roaming for a few hours around Nahargarh Fort. To satiate your taste buds, ‘Padao’ restaurant comes to the rescue. Located in the fort campus itself, this restaurant is apt for having delicious food, snacks and cold drinks.
Padao Restaurant of Nahargarh
What is unique about the Nahargarh fort of Jaipur?
The Nahargarh Fort is a historic fortification located in the Aravalli hills overlooking the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. There are several unique features of this fort that make it a popular tourist destination:
- Architecture: The Nahargarh Fort is a beautiful example of Rajput architecture, with its elaborate walls, bastions, and gateways. The fort is a unique blend of Indian and European styles of architecture.
- Location: The fort is situated on the edge of the Aravalli hills, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The fort is also situated at a higher elevation than the Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort, which are located nearby.
- History: The Nahargarh Fort has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a defensive fortification to protect the city of Jaipur from invaders.
- Ghost Stories: The fort is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a king named Nahar Singh, who was said to have been unhappy with the construction of the fort. The ghost stories add an element of mystery and intrigue to the fort, making it even more fascinating to visit.
Overall, the Nahargarh Fort is a unique attraction in Jaipur that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Rajasthan, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
What is the best time to visit Nahargarh fort?
The best time to visit the Nahargarh Fort is during the months of October to March, which is the winter season in Jaipur. The weather during this time is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During these months, the weather is generally dry, and there is minimal rainfall, which makes it easier to explore the fort without any disruptions. The winter season also coincides with several festivals and events in Jaipur, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur International Film Festival, and the Jaipur Elephant Festival, which adds to the cultural experience of visiting the fort.
It is advisable to avoid visiting the fort during the summer months of April to June, as the temperatures can soar as high as 45 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable to explore the fort during the day. Similarly, the monsoon season from July to September can also be a challenging time to visit due to heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans and make it difficult to explore the fort.
Two cents
Visit this fort for a magnificent view of Jaipur, Rajasthan. A heaven for shutterbugs, this fort speaks volumes of the rich heritage and culture of Jaipur, The Pinkcity of Rajasthan.
View of Jaipur from Nahargarh fort
If you ever wish to travel to Jodhpur, do not forget to savour the beauty of the magnificent Fort of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh.