Jaipur, the Pink City or the capital city of Rajasthan, is often acclaimed as the most beautiful city of Rajasthan. The city is rich with an infinite wealth of history, heritage, arts, and culture. Tourists on a quest for unique cultures often descend upon Jaipur in droves during peak tourist season however the history, heritage, arts and culture of Rajasthan do extend beyond Jaipur city.
In this blog, we aim to give a detailed and comprehensive list of forts near Jaipur city that make for conveniently short getaways from the capital well worth your time and effort. All of these forts date back to pre-independence times when the country was broken up into small principalities and the Rajput kings ruled the state of Rajasthan.
Additionally, all of these forts are a convenient distance away from Jaipur City, just close enough for a weekend getaway you won’t easily forget.
Book Budget Hotels in Jaipur
1. Taragarh Fort, Ajmer
Built atop a steep hillside, Taragarh Fort in Ajmer is one of Rajasthan’s oldest forts. Constructed in 1354, Tarahgarh Fort is the handiwork of the Chauhan dynasty of north-western India. Much of this fort is ruins however it still provides an interesting glimpse into the history of the state.
- Location: Ajmer City
- Distance from Jaipur: 143.7 km
- Things to Do: Explore the high battlements of this fort, its water reservoirs, and Rani Mahal, the palace of Chauhan queens and concubines.
- Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Must Read: 14 Most Popular Places to Visit Near Jaipur
2. Laxmangarh Fort
Laxmangarh Fort may be in ruins yet it still makes for an interesting visit. This fort was built in 1862 by Rao Raja of Sikar and served as a fortress to protect Sikar Town. He also founded a village in his own name as Laxmangarh in 1864.
The fort is built on large scattered rocks and now partly owned by a private party. Therefore it is only partially open to tourists.
- Location: Sikar District
- Distance from Jaipur: 154.3 km
- Things to Do: Explore the old ruins and take plenty of pictures of this impressive fort built upon scattered rocks.
- Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Must Read: 20 Worthy Weekend Getaways from Jaipur
3. Bala Qila/Alwar Fort
Constructed in the 15th century, Bala Qila or Alwar Fort provides an interesting insight into an architecture that provided protection against invaders and aggressors for entire settlements. This fort was built by Hasan Khan Mewati and provides an astounding view of the city of Alwar even today.
- Location: Alwar
- Distance from Jaipur City: 155.7 km
- Things to Do: Enjoy a truly unique bird’s eye view of Alwar City from Bala Qila and take plenty of pictures of the scenic views.
- Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Must Read: 21 Famous Picnic Spots Near Jaipur to Relax
4. Hill Fort, Kesroli
Access to Hill Fort, Kesroli may not be as easy as getting into the other forts on this list. Hill Fort, Kesroli is now a heritage resort owned by Neemrana Group of Hotels. It is one of the rare heritage hotels and a perfect holiday choice for a weekend getaway. The hotel has a swimming pool and a beautiful garden with rooms decorated in traditional Rajasthani style.
- Location: Kesroli
- Distance from Jaipur City: 163.8 km
- Things to Do: Enjoy a luxurious stay here with plenty of opportunities to explore this heritage hotel and an ancient fort.
- Room Tariff: Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 7,000
Also check the couple friendly hotels in jaipur
5. Ranthambore Fort
A visit to Ranthambore Fort necessitates an incursion into Ranthambore National Park as this fort is built within the park limits. The park has a rich heritage of being the hunting grounds of Rajasthan’s royalty and the fort is a remnant of the Chauhan dynasty.
- Location: Sawai Madhopur
- Distance from Jaipur: 165.0 Km
- Things to Do: Explore the many temples of this fort and use this opportunity for an excursion to Ranthambore National Park.
- Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
You can book budget hotels in Sawai Madhopur with Treebo Hotels in Sawai Madhopur for a relaxed stay.
Also, Read: 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in February
6. Lohagarh Fort
This fort was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to withstand attacks by the British Army and it did its job well. Today the fort stands strong as a reminder of the military might and acumen of Rajasthan’s royalty. Lohagarh or the ‘fort of iron’ is virtually impenetrable and is protected by deep moats on all the sides.
Inside the fort, there are three palaces Mahal Khas, Kamra Palace and the Palace of Badan Singh and impressive monuments of Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
- Location: Bharatpur
- Distance from Jaipur: 187.2 km
- Things to Do: Explore the museum, monuments and towers of Lohagarh Fort such as Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas, Kothi Mahal and Jawahar Burj among others.
- Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Also, Read: 10 Famous Palaces to Visit in Jaipur
7. Khandar Fort
Built on the perimeter of Ranthambore National Park; Khandar Fort was considered an impenetrable fortress according to local legends. The fort offers an insightful glimpse into the varying royal clans that occupied this fortress.
It is believed, due to its strategic location Khandar Fort is one of the most inaccessible and invincible forts in Rajasthan. The fort is perched on a vertical hill with three entry gates and never lost a battle to its enemies in the past.
- Location: Goth Bihari
- Distance from Jaipur: 205.8 km
- Things to Do: Admire the artistry of impressive idols carved into the rocks or made from single stones that occupy the 7 temples of Khandar Fort.
- Timings: 8 am – 6:30 pm
Must Read: 11 Alluring Places to Visit Near Jaipur in One Day
8. Badnore Fort
Badnore Fort is a seven-storied fort located on Bhilwara-Asind road. It is a popular tourist attraction and one among multiple forts near to Jaipur with a significant visitor footfall. The fort has served exclusively for defence purpose. Inside the fort, you will see two temples, prisons, stables, rooms with small windows for shooting the invaders and balconies.
- Location: Bhilwara
- Distance from Jaipur: 224.5 km
- Things to Do: Admire the natural wonder of Pur Udan Chatri nearby, a rare natural occurrence of a large rock resting on a considerably smaller one that also offers a beautiful view from a high vantage point.
9. Khejarla Fort
Khejarla Fort is an ancient fort transformed into a luxury heritage hotel in Khejarla, Rajasthan. Over 400 years old, this fort and present-day hotel meticulously preserve its historical characteristics while also emphasizing on modern luxuries for its guests.
- Location: Khejarla
- Distance from Jaipur: 272.3 km
- Things to Do: Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Khejarla Fort heritage hotel and explore its ancient interiors.
10. Shergarh Fort
There is not much to Dholpur except for Shergarh Fort. However; the magnificence of this ancient fort makes up for the lack of anything of distinction in Dholpur. The fort is mostly in ruins and yet makes for an interesting sightseeing opportunity with its unmistakable aura of times gone by.
- Location: Dholpur
- Distance from Jaipur: 274.3 km
- Things to Do: Enjoy the view of the once-notorious Chambal Ravines from the ruins of Shergarh Fort.
11. Chittorgarh Fort
One of the largest forts in the country, Chittorgarh Fort also happens to be one of the multiple forts near Jaipur that are worth a visit. Spread over 691.9 acres, the fort complex comprises of several palaces, 2 memorial towers, grand entries and a number of temples.
Dating back to the 7th century, this is one of Rajasthan’s oldest and magnificent forts.
- Location: Chittorgarh
- Distance from Jaipur: 310.5 km
- Things to Do: Explore the vast expanse of the fort including its many terraces and palaces.
- Timings: 4 am – 10 pm
12. Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort in beautiful Bikaner City is one of Rajasthan’s most popular forts and also happens to be easily accessible from the capital city. The fort was originally known as Chintamani and later renamed as Junagarh Fort
Construction of Junagarh Fort commenced in 1589 and completed by 1594 and the result was a 5.28 hectares large fortified complex comprising of palaces, temples and beautiful pavilions.
- Location: Bikaner
- Distance from Jaipur: 333.8 km
- Things to Do: Explore 5.28 hectares of palaces, temples, and pavilions with plenty of opportunity for photography within Junagarh Fort.
- Timings: 10 am – 4:30 pm
13. Mehrangarh Fort
In times gone by, kings and rulers often built grand structures to commemorate battles won and new territories annexed. As a result of these victories, we have grand monuments like Mehrangarh Fort.
Built by Rao Jodha in around 1460, the 7 victory gates were later added to the fort by Raja Man Singh in commemoration of multiple victories on the battlefield.
- Location: Jodhpur
- Distance from Jaipur: 334.4 km
- Things to Do: The fort comprises of 7 grand gates, a museum of numerous royal artefacts and astounding architectural features.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs. 60 per person (Indians) Rs. 400 per person (Foreigners)
14. Gagron Fort
Gagron Fort is an excellent example of hill and water forts that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the masterpieces of Rajput architecture.
Six such Hill Forts of Rajasthan are recognized by UNESCO as the distinctive architectural heritage of the Rajput Royals of India. Gagron Fort is one of these and also happens to be one among multiple forts near to Jaipur City.
- Location: Gagron
- Distance from Jaipur: 345.3 km
- Things to Do: The fort offers an astounding view of the river and the lush greenery surrounding its periphery
- Timings: 9 am – 4 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50 per person
15. Bhatner Fort
Bhatner Fort, meaning fortress of the “Bhatti Rajputs”, is located in Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. The fort is almost 1700 years old and one of the oldest forts in the Indian history.
Today Bhatner Fort is an important historical site in Hanumangarh. Though the city has gone through many changes since the times of the Rajput rulers, the fort does retain much of its former glory.
- Location: Hanumangarh Town
- Distance from Jaipur: 397.3 km
- Things to Do: The fort boasts of a beautiful view to enjoy and a garden that is the perfect venue for family picnics
- Timings: 6 am – 8 pm
In conclusion, it is easy to see that much of Rajasthan’s history is connected to its old forts and monuments. Fortunately, there is no dearth of grand forts near Jaipur that allows tourist the benefit of a convenient stay in the capital city and easy transit.
Book hotels in jaipur for an amazing holiday and safe stay experience.
[mc4wp_form id=”30734″]
