Enduring Grandeur of Sandstone and Marble
Rajasthan, India
- Location
Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer)
- Nearest Airports
Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
- Nearest Railway Stations
Jaipur Junction
- Highlight
UNESCO-listed heritage sites known for their massive defensive walls, strategic hilltop locations, and detailed Rajput-Mughal architecture
- Duration
8D/6N
The sand dunes of Jaisalmer or the rugged Aravallis surrounding Udaipur, Rajasthan stands as one of the last historical remnants of India’s imperial past. This one-week itinerary invites you to travel through Rajasthani forts built with sandstone and marble. Allow yourself to walk mindfully through halls once tread by kings, queens, and warriors, as a chronicle of India’s important historical events.
Rajasthan is home to some of India’s most significant hill forts, including Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amer, and Jaisalmer Fort, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.” These forts were strategically built between the 8th and 18th centuries to control trade routes and withstand long sieges, featuring extensive ramparts, multiple gates, palaces, temples, and water storage systems.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Sunset at Amer Fort’s ramparts
- Sound and light show at Mehrangarh Fort
- Ornate mirror work at Sheesh Mahal
- Panoramic sunrise from Chittorgarh
- Folk performances at Jaisalmer Fort
- Boat ride to the floating Jag Mandir
An Eight-Day Itinerary for Forts of Rajasthan
Day 1: Amer Fort in Jaipur
Nestled on top of Aravali Hills, one of the ancient Rajput architectures, Amer Fort or Amber Fort, has been Jaipur’s pride since the 1500s. Maharaja Man Singh, a trusted general of Akbar, built the fort to make a residence for Rajput rulers. Adorned with yellow and pink sandstones facing Maotha Lake, Amber Fort has been presumed to have borrowed its name from Ambikeshwar (an avatar of Lord Shiva), or from Amba (an avatar of Goddess Durga). Separated into four segments, Amer Fort is a colossal complex with slender maze-like stairs spreading everywhere.
Jaleb Chowk, Public Audience Hall, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Mahal – are the four best places to visit in this Jaipur fort. The main entrance, also known as Sun Gate, takes you to Jaleb Chowk, a courtyard where the soldiers used to bring back their booty from war and the women were allowed to witness the traditional unfolding only through the window.
Day 2: Nahargarh and Jaigarh Forts in Jaipur
Adjacent to Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh II as a protection to Amer Fort, the original residence of the Rajputs. The small holes on the barrier of the 3-km-long fort served as mouths of cannons during battles. For that reason, it is known as ‘Fort of Victory.’ Jaivana, the largest cannon on wheels, is treasured in Jaigarh Fort.
Nahargarh Fort, meaning ‘the abode of tigers,’ is another incredible fort in the vicinity. It was built in the 1700s to function as a defense zone for Jaipur. Aligned in different complexes for royal men and women, the fort was used more as a retreat for the royal family. From the top of Nahargarh Fort, the broad view of the ‘pink city’ can be seen.
Day 3: Chittorgarh
On the third day, leave Jaipur and head towards Chittorgarh, the largest fort in India by area. Spread over 700 acres, Chittorgarh narrates haunting stories of Rani Padmini, Maharana Pratap, and countless braveheart warriors. Walk through Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, and the mystical waters of Gaumukh Reservoir. The fort’s silence is often broken only by peacocks or the wind moving through broken walls.
Day 4: Udaipur
Have you heard of the ‘Venice of the East’? Udaipur is often called the ‘City of Lakes’ as well due to its numerous artificial lakes, including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Udai Sagar.
Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace, an architectural wonder that overlooks Lake Pichola. Though more of a palace complex, its fortified balconies, grand courtyards, and museum halls make it an unmissable attraction in Udaipur. Learn about the Sisodia Rajputs (a Rajput clan), whose tales of defiance and cultural flourish remain preserved here.
Wind down with a sunset boat ride to Jag Mandir, rising like a lotus from the lake.
Day 5: Kumbhalgarh
It is time to take a detour to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for having the second longest continuous wall in the world, stretching over 36 km. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, the fort is famous as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. It was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar as a strategic hilltop stronghold in the Aravalli Range and served as a refuge for the Mewar rulers during times of conflict.
Day 6: Bikaner
After exploring the strategic hilltop of Kumbhalgarh drive to Bikaner, a desert town steeped in history and known for its red sandstone marvels and camel caravans. Begin your exploration with the Junagarh Fort, a fort not built on a hilltop yet never conquered. Constructed in the 16th century by Raja Rai Singh, a general in Emperor Akbar’s army, the fort complex includes ornate palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, and Chandra Mahal, with richly decorated interiors of mirror work, lacquer, and gold leaf.
Do not miss the Bhandasar Jain Temple, known for its intricate carvings and use of ghee in its construction, and Karni Mata Temple, famous for its holy rats.
End the day with a walk through the Kote Gate bazaar (market), and smell the fried snacks and fresh jalebis, for an authentic street food tour.
Day 7: Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
We are now moving to Jodhpur, the blue city. The most significant fort in Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the ruler of Marwar, and built on top of a 410-foot-high hill to protect the city of Jodhpur. The fort is known for its massive stone walls, intricately carved palaces like Phool Mahal and Moti Mahal, and blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Possibly the most magnificently preserved fort in India, the fort overlooks the blue-washed houses of old Jodhpur, a blue cityscape best viewed from the fort’s ramparts.
You can attend a traditional folk dance and music performance at the fort courtyard in the evening.
Day 8: The Living Golden Fort in Jaisalmer
Complete your Rajasthani fort trail with the only inhabited fort in India, Jaisalmer Fort. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert and glowing gold at sunset, it feels like walking through time. Jaisalmer Fort displays classic Rajput military architecture with massive sandstone walls, bastions, and four intricately designed entrance gates leading into winding lanes. Built entirely from golden-yellow sandstone, it features palaces with carved balconies (jharokhas), Jain temples with intricate marble and sandstone work, and a layered urban layout.
You may book a night in a heritage haveli inside the fort for a true Rajasthani experience.
How Ruhani Guides Your Trip
We at Ruhani provide self-guided packages, where you have the freedom to customize your tour according to your needs. Reach out to our team via the contact form below for more details.
Contact a Ruhani Travel Advisor Right Away
In case of any emergency, medical or otherwise, you can contact the Ruhani support team at any point in your travels. We are here to assist you throughout.
- (+1) 301-250-6943
- contact@ruhaniindia.com
100% Custom-Made
- Every itinerary can be further personalized according to your own personal needs and wants.
- Authentic slow travel experiences handpicked exclusively by our expert team.
- Prioritize your freedom and be responsible towards the environmental burdens of mainstream tourism.
- Select your preferred destination and choose for yourself how you want to experience that region.
Why Choose Ruhani?
Soulful Tour Packages
- We make India matter to women-only groups and intrepid travel-enthusiasts.
- Our tour packages portray a unique and broad perspective of India.
In-Depth Expertise & Support
- We believe in the power of soulful tourism with an all-encompassing need to gain knowledge.
- Under any emergency, medical, informational, or otherwise, our team will assist you in every way.