The main attractions of the state of Rajasthan are, undeniably, it's numerous monuments. Right from the massive forts to fascinating palaces to the huge havelis (mansions) to the amazing temples, all add to the magnetism of Rajasthan. Rajasthan monuments are a living proof of the royal bygone era of the state. A monuments tour of Rajasthan brings alive the romance, culture and glory of the past days. These monuments are a visual treat to the eyes, with the architecture ranging from Mughal to Rajput to European.
Amber Fort
Amber fort, Jaipur is situated approximately 11 km from the city of Jaipur. It was the citadel of the Kachhawa rulers of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. A blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Amer fort offers a visual treat to the eyes. Raja Man Singh I got the fort constructed in 1592. However, Sawai Jai Singh did the completion work for the fort. The fort contained all the necessities and luxuries required by the royalty as well as the other people living inside.
Made up of red sand stone and white marble, the Jaipur Amber fort palace presents a picturesque site. Covering the interior walls of the palace are painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. The Maota Lake, in the foreground of the court, offers an amazing sight. There are four sections in the Amber fort. Leading up to the palace is the main stairway situated in Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard. Jaleb Chowk also served as the area for welcoming the armies returning after winning. The main gate that leads to the Jaleb Chowk is known as Surajpol
Chittorgarh Fort
The legend has it that Bhim, a Pandava, stared the construction of the Chittorgarh fort, Udaipur. The fort has a number of magnificent structures within itself. A one km zig-zag accent leads to the Chittorgarh fort of Udaipur, Rajasthan. There are seven gates in the fort. The main gate you come across while walking up to the fort is Rampol, the gate of Lord Rama. A climb on the way between the second and third gate, takes to the two Chattris cenotaphs built to honour Jaimull and Kulla (heroes of 1568 siege by Mughal emperor Akbar). The main gate of the fort itself is Surajpol, the Sun Gate.
The Chittorgarh fort houses a number of palaces within itself. The palaces within the fort include Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Padmini's Palace, etc. bringing forth the romantic era of the Rajputs, is this hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh.
Jaisalmer Fort
Standing almost 30 m above the city of Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer fort. The fort is also known as the Sonar Quila. This is because standing against the backdrop of the desert with its golden sand, the fort looks straight out of a fairy tale. Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer is a massive complex comprising of a palace, various security sources, the havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders.
During the reign of the Bhatti Rajputs, the Merchant community acquired great deal of power. They constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other. The havelis of merchants have decorations on walls and ceilings and carvings on outdoors and interiors. The sandstone mansions of the merchants were built by stone craftsmen. The sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies of the mansions are worth paying attention to. Even today, these examples of superb architecture stand inhabited.
Umaid Bhavan
Maharaja Umaid Singh, an admirer of western lifestyles hired a famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, for Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur. The maharaja got the palace constructed with the intention of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms. Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in India.
The attractions of the palace include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards room, tennis courts and marble squash courts. The Palace has now been converted into five star deluxe palace hotel. The Umaid Bhavan Palace of Rajasthan also houses a museum. On display, in the museum, are an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.
