India > Forts & Monuments > North India - Rajasthan > Nahargarh Fort (Jaipur)

Nahargarh Fort

Situated on the rugged ridge of Aravali Hills, Nahargarh Fort is situated to the north of Jaipur. Floodlit at night, it looks majestic and grand and is a classic example of fort architecture. Built in 1734 by Sawai Raja Jai Singh II, it was extended in 1868. The fort is also known as Tiger fort and was built to further enforce the defense of Amber, the erstwhile capital of Kachchwahas Rajputs. It has an interesting legend attached to it. It is said that while the fort was being constructed, everyday a spirit of a prince known as Nahar Singh a prince would destroy the construction. To appease the spirit, a tantrik was called and it finally agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named after him. Thus, the fort was named after him.

The erstwhile summer retreat for the royal family, Madhavendra Bhawan was built by Sawai Ram Singh II. It has a cluster of 12 identical suits for queens with a suit for the king at its head, delicate frescos, toilets and kitchen hearths. It is one of the most favored picnic spot of the region. One can enjoy meals and refreshments at Durg Cafeteria and drinks at sunset in the Padao Restaurant on the west. Nahargarh fort is the first of the three forts that were built by the kings of Jaipur and is situated 6 km north west of City Palace. It offers picturesque views of the city of Jaipur below to the Man Sagar lake. Ringing with a number of legends, the structures within the fort are contributed by three kings. The royal retreat for royal queens and the venue for the shooting parties of the royalty, the palatial duck blind in the lake was used as a personal treasury for many years. The lovely buildings added in 19th century, by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II, are worth seeing and are well preserved.

Inside the Nahargarh Fort

The prime attraction of the Nahargarh Fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan which was the summer retreat of the royal family. The structure was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1880s and boasts of 12 completely alike suites for the use of queens. The suite of the king was constructed at a convenient place so that he could visit his queens without any hassles. The rooms are linked with each other by means of corridors and have beautiful frescoes inside. There are also toilets and kitchen hearths in this pleasure palace.

This pleasure palace is one of the most loved picnic spot today. Durg cafeteria is located just above the entrance and provides refreshment for the tourists. The Padao restaurant situated in the western part is open only in the evenings and sells drinks to its customers.

The Nahargarh Fort in contrast to the other forts of Rajasthan is neither very massive nor very crowded. As such it offers a perfect retreat for all those who wish to spend some quiet moments with themselves. The tranquility offered by the fort draws many tourists from far and wide.