When Maharajah Jai Singh II—the founder of Jaipur—built this hilltop fort in 1734, he did so both to create a royal retreat and to further fortify the burgeoning city below, connecting the complex with other structures like Jaigarh Fort via an extended defense wall. The complex (which is said to have been named for a dead prince whose spirit disrupted initial construction), was extended again some 130 years later, but that first connecting wall still exists today—though now the primary function of the fort is to offer stunning views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and now-vast Jaipur. Make the steep, 1.2-mile trek up (or take a longer detour by car) to take in the vistas, and to wander through the fort’s temples, open-air pavilions (where the kings would hear from subjects), and former royal apartments—including the two-story structure built for one King and his twelve queens.
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A Defense and Retreat
When Maharajah Jai Singh II—the founder of Jaipur—built this hilltop fort in 1734, he did so both to create a royal retreat and to further fortify the burgeoning city below, connecting the complex with other structures like Jaigarh Fort via an extended defense wall. The complex (which is said to have been named for a dead prince whose spirit disrupted initial construction), was extended again some 130 years later, but that first connecting wall still exists today—though now the primary function of the fort is to offer stunning views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and now-vast Jaipur. Make the steep, 1.2-mile trek up (or take a longer detour by car) to take in the vistas, and to wander through the fort’s temples, open-air pavilions (where the kings would hear from subjects), and former royal apartments—including the two-story structure built for one King and his twelve queens.
The Eye of the Tiger
Nahargarh Fort sits high above the city of Jaipur, and offers up a breathtaking view of the sprawling metropolis below. Nahargarh literally means ‘abode of tigers,’ but I found no reference to why this is the name. There is a lengthy wall that runs along the ridge of the hill where this fort resides, and if you are willing to make the trek to the top and stand on the wall, this is the view that awaits.
