10 Best Forts in Rajasthan: Popularity, History, & Entry Fee

Every fort in Rajasthan is a poem written in stone, etched from the strength of kings, warriors, and undying pride. Their walls, scarred yet majestic, narrate the stories of skilled artisans who were driven by patriotic sentiments. They have breathtaking, amber-lit courtyards, labyrinthine passages, and panoramic battlements that overlook desert horizons. Step inside these forts, and you’ll feel their pulse beneath every carved arch. We bring to you 10 of the finest forts in Rajasthan, ranked by their history, popularity, and entry fees.

Let’s start the countdown!

If you are planning to explore the forts of Rajasthan. In that case, IndianHoliday has just the perfect packages for you –

• Castle Tour Package of Rajasthan

• Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour

• Royal Rajasthan with Agra tour

Top 10 Forts in Rajasthan – History, Timings, and Entry Fee

From representing a Rajput warrior’s valour to whispering eerie tales of haunted corridors and midnight legends, these forts promise history with a whiff of thrill.

10. Taragarh Fort – Bundi

Taragarh Fort greets you from the top of the Aravalli hills at a height of 1426 feet. It was first commissioned by Rao Deva Hada in 1298 AD and then constructed by Rao Raja Bar Singh Hada in 1354 AD. It played a crucial role as a military base during the Mughal and Maratha invasions.

9. Ranthambore Fort – Sawai Madhopur

Ranthambore Fort rises proudly within the renowned Ranthambore National Park, overlooking the wild jungles that once served as royal hunting grounds. Built in the 10th century by the Chauhan rulers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has witnessed fierce battles and Mughal conquests. Locals believe that undiscovered royal treasures are buried somewhere in the fort’s underground chambers.

8. Jaigarh Fort – Amer

Jaigarh Fort is situated atop the Aravalli hills, built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This “Victory Fort” houses the world’s largest wheeled cannon, Jaivana, which was never fired in battle. It has secret underground passages, vast water reservoirs, and weapon foundries. Unlike many forts, Jaigarh remained unconquered and houses the royal artifacts that narrate Jaipur’s proud military history.

7. Nahargarh Fort – Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a retreat and defence fort for Jaipur. Its name, meaning “Abode of Tigers,” is tied to the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia, a Rathore prince believed to have haunted the hills until it was pacified by building a temple inside the premises. The fort also served as the royal family’s hunting residence in the past.

6. Junagarh Fort – Bikaner

Junagarh Fort, originally known as Chintamani Durg, was commissioned by Raja Rai Singh in 1589 and completed in 1594 under his prime minister, Karan Chand. It is one of the few forts in Rajasthan not built on a hill, yet it remained unconquered despite multiple attacks by Mughal and Afghan forces. The fort later became a centre of power for the Rathore dynasty, where royal ceremonies, strategic alliances, and the flourishing of art and culture in Bikaner were witnessed.

5. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, or Sonar Quila, was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajputs and hosts several locals and communities within its walls (a living fort). It is said that the fort and the Bhati rulers were cursed by a sage named Eesul Nath, who was displaced from his meditation site for the construction of the structure. That is why, over the years, the fort faced numerous sieges, and the Bhati rulers endured repeated battles and losses.

4. Kumbhalgarh Fort – Udaipur

Built by Rana Kumbha of the Sisodia Rajput clan (1448 – 1468 AD), Kumbhalgarh Fort was part of a network of 32 forts and served as a refuge and military stronghold. Its legendary walls, spanning 36 km, among the longest in the world, safeguarded Mewar rulers for centuries. Local lore recounts that the walls collapsed repeatedly until a pilgrim volunteered for a ritual sacrifice. A temple now marks the sacred spot (Hanuman Pol Shirne) where his beheaded body fell.

3. Chittorgarh Fort – Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort dates back to at least the 7th century AD. The fort endured three major sieges – in 1303 (Alauddin Khilji), 1535 (Bahadur Shah), and 1567- 68 (Akbar), each followed by courageous acts of sacrifice by its Rajput defenders. Legend holds that Rani Padmini and thousands of women committed Jauhar to protect their honour when defeat loomed.

2. Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan. Legend says he displaced a lone hermit, Cheeria Nathji, who cursed the fort with perennial water scarcity. To appease him, Rao Jodha built a temple and pond, but before laying the foundation, a man named Rajaram Meghwal consented to be buried alive to break the curse. A memorial still marks his grave inside the fort.

1. Amber Fort – Jaipur

And the fort that tops our list is Amber Fort! Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I of the Kachwaha dynasty, this hilltop fortress served as the royal seat of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers. It’s closely tied to the story of Jodhaa Bai, the Amber princess who married Emperor Akbar, forging a powerful Mughal-Rajput alliance. Amber’s sprawling courtyards, secret tunnels, and centuries-old battle tales make it one of Rajasthan’s most iconic historical treasures.

How to Plan Your Trip to Rajasthan Forts?

FAQs