Perched on the rugged ridges of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort Jaipur is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Rajasthan. Alongside Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a crucial defense ring for the Pink City. With a name that translates to “Abode of Tigers,” the fort carries an air of grandeur and mystery, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and architectural brilliance of Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort History
Originally named Sudarshan Garh Fort, the fort was renamed Nahargarh after local legend suggested that it was haunted by the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia, a prince whose spirit obstructed the fort’s construction. To appease him, they built a temple dedicated to Nahar Singh within the fort and renamed it in his honor.
Though the royal family primarily built the fort as a retreat, it also served as a strategic military defense during times of conflict. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, built Nahargarh Fort in 1734 as a retreat and defensive fortification. Under the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh, between 1883 and 1892, major renovations were made to the fort, giving it its current structure with royal suites, corridors, and other decorative features.
Nahargarh Fort Architecture
Nahargarh Fort’s architecture is a blend of Rajput and Indo-European styles. Built in 1734, it features robust defensive structures like thick zigzagging walls and bastioned towers, designed for protection. The fort’s palace, Madhavendra Bhawan, includes royal suites for the king and queens, connected by courtyards and corridors, with intricate frescoes, arches, and colored glass windows. Typical Rajput elements like jharokhas (overhanging windows) and chhatris (pavilions) adorn the structure, while Mughal influences are visible in the arches and domes. This mix of military utility and royal elegance makes the fort an architectural marvel.
Nahargarh Fort Horror Story
According to legend, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II began building the fort in 1734, strange occurrences began to disrupt the construction process. No matter how much progress the workers made during the day, they would mysteriously see the walls collapse overnight. The baffled workers were unable to continue the construction.
Soon, it was believed that the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia, the former ruler of the land, was displeased with the fort being built on his territory. He was said to be haunting the site, preventing the fort from being completed. To appease his restless spirit, Maharaja Jai Singh II built a small temple within the fort, dedicated to Nahar Singh Bhomia. People believe that once the temple was constructed, the disturbances stopped, and the fort was completed without any further issues.
Madhavendra Bhawan (Palace)
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh built Madhavendra Bhawan, a two-story building, in the 19th century as a royal retreat. They specially designed this place as a residence for the Maharaja and his queens. This place has nine identical palaces for each of his queens and one palace for the king. The names of the nine palaces are Chand Prakash, Suraj Prakash, Anand Prakash, Kushal Prakash, Lakshmi Prakash, and Jawahar Prakash.
Large corridors connect each palace to the king’s palace so that when a king visits one queen, others don’t know about it. This is a two-story building in which, on the ground floor, there is a large courtyard where functions are organized, so when functions are organized, all the queens and kings watch the functions from the windows of the 1st floor. The 1st floor is the winter residence of the King and Queen, and the 2nd floor is the summer residence. In summer, they use khas-khas ki tatiya and spray water on them, so whenever the wind flows, it brings cold air in summer.
From the terrace of Madhavendra Bhawan, you can see the best view of Jaipur City and also see the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace.
In the bedroom of palaces, the special mechanism allows one person to speak from one end while another person listens from the other end, showcasing the curved shape design. This mechanism enables the queen to sleep while Dasi talks with her. From here, only that proverb, deewaron ke bhi kaan hote hai,is made.
Jaipur Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal Nahargarh Fort:
Located near the entrance of Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum Nahargarh Fort showcases life-like wax figures of famous personalities from India and around the world. Artisans created the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) here as an exquisite addition, using entirely glass and mirror work to
Nahargarh Fort Sunset Point
The fort is especially popular for its sunset views. As the sun sets, the sky turns into a vibrant mix of orange, pink, and purple hues, creating a magical backdrop for the city below. The fading light paints Jaipur’s skyline in soft shades of pink, gold, and shadow.
Nahargarh Fort Restaurant:
Visitors can enjoy meals at the Padao Restaurant, located on the fort’s terrace. It offers both traditional Rajasthani cuisine and contemporary dishes, along with sweeping views of the city, making it a memorable dining experience. The entry fee for this restaurant is 200 rs; with this, you will get some free food.
Nahargarh Fort Timings
The timings of Nahargarh Fort are 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Nahargarh Fort Ticket Price
- Nahargarh Fort’s entry fee for Indians is 50 Rs.
- Nahargarh Fort tickets for Indian students: 20 Rs
- Nahargarh Fort Ticket Price for Foreigners—200 Rs
Best time to visit Nahargarh Fort
The best time to visit Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is between October and March, when the weather is mild and pleasant, great for traveling. During these months, temperatures are cool, allowing tourists to explore the fort comfortably.
Visit during the evening hours (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) for the best view of Jaipur’s stunning sunset. Alternatively, mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) are ideal for exploring with fewer crowds.
How to Reach Nahargarh Fort
There are two ways to reach Nahargarh Fort Jaipur. You can come from Nahargarh Fort, Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan, where only 2-wheelers are allowed, or you can walk only.
Another way is from near Amber Fort, which is 16 km long and a very hilly area.
The Nahargarh Fort is located 700 feet above Jaipur City. There is no public transport available, so if you visit Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, please visit with your private car or taxi.
Travel Tips
- Water: There are limited facilities inside the fort, so carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun, especially if visiting during the day. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential to avoid sunburn or heat exposure.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, especially if visiting in the summer. Light cotton is ideal for Rajasthan’s climate. During winter, carry a light jacket, as it can get chilly in the early morning and evening.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, as you will be exploring various parts of the fort, including some steep steps.
- Sunrise or Sunset: Visiting during sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views of Jaipur and is highly recommended. The early morning is quieter, while sunset is popular for its spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Conclusion
Nahargarh Fort Jaipur stands as a symbol of Jaipur’s rich heritage, blending historical significance with architectural charm and natural beauty. Its serene location in the Aravalli Hills, combined with its fascinating history and unique blend of Rajput and European architecture, offers visitors a unique experience of Rajasthan’s royal past. Whether you’re exploring the Madhavendra Bhawan, witnessing a sunset over Jaipur, or visiting the wax museum, Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur provides a blend of history, culture, and Nahargarh Fort views that make it a must-visit destination for travelers in Jaipur.
Several Bollywood films have been shot at Nahargarh Fort, thanks to its majestic architecture and scenic views of Jaipur. One of the most notable movies filmed at the fort is “Rang De Basanti” (2006). In the movie, the famous song “Masti Ki Paathshala” was filmed at Nahargarh Fort Jaipur, where the characters are seen enjoying the scenic beauty of Jaipur from the fort’s terrace.
“Shuddh Desi Romance” (2013) – The crew filmed several scenes from this romantic comedy, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra, at Nahargarh Fort.
The filmmakers also shot “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008) in Nahargarh Fort.
Near By Attraction
Jaigarh Fort – Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is located on the Aravalli hills near Jaipur. Constructed primarily as a military fortification, it was designed to protect the nearby Amer Fort and the city of Jaipur.
Jal Mahal – Jal Mahal, located in the heart of Jaipur, is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions, known for its floating beauty and unique architectural design.
City Palace Jaipur – The City Palace Jaipur, located in the heart of Jaipur, is a stunning blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, it served as the royal residence of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur – Located in the heart of Jaipur’s bustling streets, Hawa Mahal is one of India’s most recognizable and photographed monuments. Its pink sandstone facade, intricately designed with latticework and small windows, rises like a crown on the skyline of Jaipur.
