Nahargarh Fort Jaipur, Timings of Nahargarh Fort, Entrance Fee (Ticket) of Nahargarh Fort, History of Nahargarh Fort, How to Reach Nahargarh Fort, Guide at Nahargarh Fort, Architecture of Nahargarh Fort, Most Significant Aspect of Nahargarh Fort, Attractions of the Fort, Best Time to Visit Nahargarh Fort, Nearby Attractions Nahargarh Fort.
About Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Located in the Pink City of Jaipur is the Nahargarh Fort, which is one of the many countless palaces and beautiful historic buildings that speak of the magnificent and rich history of this city. Embellished with delicate carvings and stonework, the Nahargarh Fort is an impregnable fortification that together with its two neighbouring forts, Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, once stood as the strong defence of Jaipur city. Standing tall on Aravalli Hills, the Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734 as a retreat. It was originally called Sudarshangarh Fort, but was later renamed to Nahargarh Fort which literally translated to “The Abode of Tigers”. With some breathtaking views of the city, the Nahargarh Fort is known for its extended wall which connects it to Jaigarh Fort.
One of the main attractions in the premises of the Nahargarh fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan, which is a magnificent hall designed with intricate murals and stucco work. Nahargarh Fort was primarily used a s a retreat f or the ladies of the royal household and has a ladies quarters by the name of ‘Zenana’. Also known as the Madhavendra Bhavan, the ‘Zenana’ was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its counterpart, the ‘Mardana Mahal’ was also constructed in the complex for the royal men. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards and the Asiatic lions.
History
Nahargarh Fort was commissioned in the year 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. Placed on the lofty Aravalli Hills, the fort was a retreat palace for the ruler. Nahargarh and Jaigarh fort are connected to each other through their extended ramparts.
There is also a legend connected to the fort. It is believed that the fort was cursed by the spirit of Nahar Signh Bhomia, a Rathore prince. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh found this property which once belonged to the said prince and the Maharajs thought about raising a fort here. But, the spirit of the prince was not happy with the idea. Nevertheless, the construction started. The part of construction that was done in the morning was found completely destroyed the next day. When Maharaja Sawai Singh came to know of this, he built a small fort inside the premises of the fort and dedicated it to the prince. Later on, a small temple was also built here. The prince’s spirit was now happy.
In the year 1868, King Sawai Ram Singh renovated the fort. After this, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh, in the year 1880, thought of an idea to turn this fort into a luxury retreat. He commissioned Raj Imarat to make the fortress within the fort that would be used as for recreation purpose. This amusement place was named Madhavendra Bhawan. This enchanting structure with wall paintings, fine interiors and stucco patterns was architected by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the architect of Jaipur.
Architecture
The fort exhibits a beautiful Indo-European architecture housing several beautiful structures inside. As you enter the fort through entrance gate called “Tadigate”, you will find a temple dedicated to the Jaipur rulers towards left. Another temple devoted to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia also resides inside the complex. Other than that you will find a “Madhavendra Bhawan” built by Sawai Madho Singh. The structure is two storied building with suites for king and his twelve queens. Divided into nine similar apartments, each one consists of a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other attraction inside the palace includes Diwan-I-Aam, an open-air enclosure where the king met his subjects and listened to their problems and complaints.
Most Significant Aspect of Nahargarh Fort
The abode of tigers has an amazing view. Earlier it was a lonely place with magnificent structures and a few places to eat. But now the fort is bustling with noise due to the recent opening of the glass palace and wax museum.
The wax museum has many well-known personalities including the likes of Amitabh Bachchan. The museum along with the life like replica of many national heroes also has detailed backdrops and well-designed sets.
The Sheesh Mahal was designed to honor the Mughal and Rajput architecture. The significance of this glass palace is that the entire room is made from hand cut glass. Sheesh Mahal in other parts of Rajasthan does not have a glass floor. This is what makes this a unique place to visit.
Travelogy India, offers you the perfect trip to Jaipur, along with its major attraction gives you a wonderful experience that you will remember lifetime. You can make your itineraries customized according to your interest and requirements.
Attractions of the Fort
The 18th century Nahargarh Fort is a specimen of marvelous Indo-European architecture. Thepopular attraction in Jaipur has many structures worth exploring. At the entrance of the fort, in ‘Tadigate’, there is a temple dedicated to the revered deity of Jaipur rulers. There is another temple, dedicated to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia whose spirit obstructed the construction of the fort and was later appeased.
A popular tourist attraction in Nahargarh fort is the ‘Madhavendra Bhawan’ built by Sawai Madho Singh. The architect of the marvelous palace was Vidhyachar Bhattacharya, the person who designed the Pink City, Jaipur. The two-storey building was built as royal lodging for the king and his twelve queens. The interiors are beautifully adorned with murals and stucco designs. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store.
The Jaipur Wax Museum is the newest attraction in the Nahargarh fort complex. It is the first wax museum in the world to have been set up at a heritage site. There are 32 wax exhibits here. The notable attraction is the lifelike statue of Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood actor being the highlight. A stunning recreation of an 18th century royal courtroom, Vishramgraha is also worth visiting. It houses traditional costumes, artefacts, paintings, a royal buggy, and antiques of Jaipur’s royal family.
Nahargarh Biological Park is surely a not to miss place. The park spreads over an area of 7.2 sq. km of thorny landscape and is home to many animal species. Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Lions, Sloth Bear, Deer, Desert Fox, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey and Langur are the well-known inhabitants. A wide variety of bird species is also found in the park. The Nahargarh Fort is an interesting place to check out in Jaipur. Enjoy the wonderful environs, history and attractions.
Things to Do
Cycling and trekking are two activities that can be done at Nahargarh Fort. There are many groups which organize these activities for a fee. You can also visit the Nahargarh Biological Park located within the fort premises. History, royalty and nature at one place, that is what Nahargarh Fort is!
Sculpture Park at Nahargarh Palace
The opulent Madhavendra Palace at Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II as his luxurious retreat. Two centuries post, curator Peter Nagy has adorned it with exquisite sculptures that capture the indulgent past, giving birth to Sculpture Park. This joint project between the Government of Rajasthan and the NGO Saat Saath Arts opened to the public since 10 December 2017, becoming a space for the contemporary artists to showcase their work. It houses 53 artworks by 24 top artists, including Indian and international.
The larger, striking sculptures have been placed in the royal courtyard which gleams with an exuberant beauty. The regal palace is symmetrical from the inside but confusing to explore, yet it brings forth a sense of awe and wonder. The sculptures housed inside the palace are smaller yet equally, even more so, astounding. The Sculpture Park is an annual exhibition, which means the artworks will be replaced by November 2018, bringing forth a fresh new narrative.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Indian: INR 50, Foreign National: INR 200
Availability of Guides
Guides are available for a fee and the rate may vary from person to person and also the services taken.
Best Time to Visit
Rajasthan is a desert, so you can expect warm temperature all the time and that is why, it is best to visit during winter months, that is from October to March. Though the days will be sunny at 20-220 C but nights are much cooler with the temperature dipping to 50 C.
How to Reach Nahargarh Fort
The city of Jaipur is well connected by good intra-city transportation. To reach the Nahargarh Fort from in and around the city one can easily hire a taxi, an auto rickshaw or take a bus. All of these modes of transportation are easily available as Nahargarh Fort is a popular destination.
Nearby Attractions
Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and one of the famous locations of Jaipur is just 2.7 km away from the Nahargarh Fort. Other attractions located nearby are Jaigarh Fort, Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal.
Nahargarh Fort may not have been a war zone but it has witnessed many historical events. It is also a proud symbol of India’s ancient heritage and architecture. That is why, a visit to the fort means revisiting those historical moments and to salute the great knowledge of yesteryears where beauty and pride were captured in magnificent buildings. Nahargarh Fort is definitely a shining example of such a beauty.
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