Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of
Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop
of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The
fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of
the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868.
Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh
to bolster the defence of Amber.
The legend also have it that it was named Nahargarh after
Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would destroy the
construction and not allow its progress further. So after a
tantrik prayer to the spirit it agreed to leave on condition
that the fort is named after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan,
built by Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of 12
identical suits for queens and at the head is a suit for the
king himself.
The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate
frescos as well as toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used
by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and
is now even a favoured picnic spot. Durg Cafeteria just
above the entrance sells meals and refreshments, while Padao
Restaurant on the west sells drinks around sunset.
Tour in Jaipur opens up an array of architectural marvels
that the royal state of Rajasthan is famous for. And
Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is a massive structure that gives
vacationers a glimpse of the architectural wonders that dots
the Pink city of India.
Nahargarh or the Tiger Fort is the first of the three forts
built by the kings of Jaipur. Built mainly in 1734 by Jai
Singh II, it lies 6 km north west of City Palace and
provides some stunning views of the city of Jaipur down
below to the Man Sagar Lake. The imposing fort harbors many
legends and three kings have added their stamp at different
times to the structures within the fort.
In the midst of this lake is a palatial duck blind, which
was used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal family.
A royal retreat for the Maharanis, it was also used as a
personal treasury for many years.
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh
like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's
beautiful capital. It overlooks the city from a sheer ridge
to the north, and is floodlit at night. Much of the original
structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added
by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19 th
century are preserved in a good condition. Some of the rooms
provide the most spectacular view of the city below.