11. Pratapgarh-
Located near Udaipur, Pratapgarh has two iconic forts, Devgarh Fort and Dhariyawad Fort.
Devgarh fort, also known as Devliya, is constructed about 1800 feet above sea level on a subdivision of small hills. The fort complex comprises Rajmahal, baoris, and Jain temples. The palace consists of a solar clock as well as ponds in the vicinity.
The Fort Dhariyawad is a majestic structure that belongs to the 16th century, situated on the confluences of the Jakham and Karmoi rivers. The fort has wildlife sanctuaries and dams in the vicinity.
12. Churu-
Known for its mesmerizing shifting dunes, the small city of Churu is the gateway to the Thar desert. Dotted with grand Havelis that boast 50-100 rooms, adorned with intricate fresco paintings, interestingly, Churu has no royal history.
These Havelis were homes of wealthy and prosperous merchants, who inhabited the area. The paintings in the Havelis are reflections of the lifestyles, almost feeling the past knocking at the door. The doors of the Havelis are also intricately designed. Churu provides a beautiful landscape, where the skyline bursts with colors during sunset on one side, and the moon peeps out of the water on the other.
The Ratangarh Fort is famed for its grand gateways, marvelous monuments, and a clock tower. Surrounded by ethnic villages and brilliant stretches of landscape, the grand fort is located in the middle of the city and has four gates and boundary walls.
13. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh-
Chittor Fort is a six-gateway fort on a plateau. The fish-shaped fort complex is approached by a bridge and is the largest in India. It is made of limestone, covering the Berakh River. The fort complex covers sixty-five historic structures.
The fort is famed for its seven gateways or pols namely Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate, and the main gate which is named after Lord Ram. The fort houses many palaces, like the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, and Rani Padmini’s Palace.
There are also many temples within the fort premises. There are two towers within the premises of the fort Vijay Stambha, Tower of Victory and Kirti Stambh, Tower of Fame, gives a beautiful glimpse of the city. All these structures are significant for their Rajput architectural features.
14. Jalore-
Jalore is famed for Jalore Fort and Kot Katsa Fort. Known to be one of the unconquerable and impregnable forts of the country, the impressive Jalore Fort perched atop a steep hill. The actual period of construction of this massive fort is unknown and believed to be sometime between the 8th – 10th centuries.
The Jalore Fort situated at an elevation of 1100 ft is built in a traditional Hindu architectural style and offers an exhilarating panoramic view of the entire city. The four main gates to the fort are led by a long serpentine path.
The Kot Katsa fort has a three-storied palace rampart, tower, and an entry gate. On both sides of the walls of the fort are massive gates. The fort’s main gateway is a large wooden structure, which is now in ruins.
15. Ranakpur Temple, Pali-
Ranakpur is famed for its marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular of the Jain temples, is spread over an area of four thousand five hundred square yards and consists of twenty-nine halls.
The temple, designed as a ‘chaumukha’, has four facades. It is a beautiful and marvelous structure carved in stone is well known all across India for its captivating architecture style.
The unique thing about the temple is its color-changing columns, from golden to pale blue after every hour that passes during the day. Moreover, each of these columns has been carved intricately without repeating any designs.
16. Dungarpur-
A land of palaces strikes classic Rajput architectural style built using Pareva stone. The Ek Thambiya Mahal comprises Raniwas, Udai Bilas Palace, and Krishna Prakash, which is a veritable marvel with sculptured pillars, ornate balconies, bracketed windows, arches, and marble carvings.
The Juna Mahal is elaborately planned with fortified walls, corridors, watchtowers, and narrow doorways having a rugged exterior. The interiors adorn complete contrast with beautiful murals and delicate glassworks.
The Badal Mahal is a classic composition of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles built on the banks of Gaibsagar lake. The whole structure sports domes and verandas.
17. 84-Pillared Cenotaph, Bundi-
84-Pillared Cenotaph is an umbrella, constructed in the 16th century and known as Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri in the local language. It is a saying that one cannot count all the 84 beams at a time.
The umbrella is a double-storied structure and beautifully decorated with artistic figures depicting the art that was prevalent back then. At the upper level, the core chattri, supported with 16 pillars.
This umbrella consists of four chattri placed on the corners of the structure. At the lower level Cenotaph, a large Shiv Linga is placed. These pillars together are called “chaurasi khamba”. Thus, the name 84-Pillared Cenotaph was given to the structure.
18. Jhalawar-
The Gagron Fort, surrounded by water from all sides, is unique in its way as it is the only Fort which doesn’t have any foundation and hills acting as a foundation. It is known as ‘Jaldurga’, as it is the only Fort of northern India which is enveloped by water.
Generally, all forts have two ramparts while Gagron Fort has three. The Fort has two main entrances. One gate leads towards the river and the other leads towards the hilly road.
Chandrabhaga temple, on the banks of river Chandrabhaga, is a splendid temple built in 7th century AD. It provides an excellent example of temple architecture. The carved columns, the arch walkways, and the exquisite craftsmanship make this temple unique.
19. Sukh Mahal, Bundi-
Bundi is a small town famous for its palaces, Havelis, and step wells. The establishments here are known for their impressive architecture. Sukh Mahal is one of the most beautiful Mahals in Bundi.
It was once the summer palace of the erstwhile Maharajas and was highly luxurious. The Mahal is a fabulous example of the traditional Rajput style of architecture. With the hill at the backstage, and is surrounded by luxuriant and thriving gardens, Sukh Mahal is a treat to the tourists.
It lies by the lake Jait Sagar which makes it appear as if its foundation is under the water. One can find a touch of Mughal art in the paintings that adorn the walls of the palace.
20. Dundlod Fort, Jhunjhunu-
The Fort is a perfect amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal style of architecture. It is adorned with motifs of flowers and foliage, minarets, mythological paintings, artistic furnishings, Shekhawati frescoes, and wall hangings.
The entrance to the Fort is through Suraj Pol gateway, which lands to the main courtyard connecting Uttar Pol and Bichla Darwaza. From there, a few steps would lead you to the spectacular Diwan Khana. Diwan Khana is a visual treat that renders the priceless look of Mughal architecture furnished with archaic elements.
It also contains a well-stocked library containing rare books from Indian history. Above the library, there is a portion called Duchatta which was the place from where the ladies used to watch the court proceedings going on in the Diwan Khana.
