Jaigarh Fort — Attraction in Jaipur Municipal Corporation

Jaigarh Fort, located near Amer in Jaipur, is another significant historical attraction in Rajasthan. Built in 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it offers visitors a deep dive into Jaipur’s military history and features commanding views of the surrounding landscape. Here’s a general review based on human experiences:

Architecture and Ambiance:

• Impressive Military Architecture: Unlike the more ornate Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort is known for its rugged, fortress-like design. The red sandstone structure exudes strength and has massive fortification walls that reflect its purpose as a military stronghold. • Panoramic Views: Visitors often highlight the breathtaking views from the fort. Jaigarh is positioned on a hilltop, offering expansive vistas of the Aravalli Range, Amber Fort, and Maota Lake below. The vantage point is a big draw for photography enthusiasts.

Attractions and Experience:

• Jaivana Cannon: One of the major highlights of Jaigarh Fort is the Jaivana Cannon, once the world’s largest wheeled cannon. Visitors are often amazed by its size and the fact that it was never used in battle. • Armory and Museum: The fort also houses a museum that showcases a collection of ancient weapons, armor, and military artifacts. Visitors who enjoy history and weaponry will find it fascinating, though some find the display a bit limited compared to larger museums. • Underground Passage to Amber Fort: The fort has a secret underground passageway that connects it to the Amber Fort below. While visitors can’t explore the entire passage, it adds to the fort’s sense of mystery and strategic design. • Lesser Crowds: Compared to Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort tends to be less crowded, making for a quieter, more relaxed visit. Many travelers appreciate the calm atmosphere, allowing them to explore the fort at their own pace.

History and Heritage:

• Strong Military Significance: Visitors often mention the rich history behind the fort, particularly its role in protecting Jaipur from invaders. Learning about the military strategies and historical significance enhances the experience for history buffs. • Ruler’s Treasure Legend: There are also fascinating stories surrounding Jaigarh Fort, including rumors of hidden royal treasures buried within its walls, which add an air of intrigue.

Maintenance and Cleanliness:

• Decent Maintenance: The fort is generally well-maintained, though some areas could benefit from more restoration. Visitors note that while it is clean, certain sections feel less polished compared to more touristic spots like Amber Palace. • Spartan Interiors: Unlike the ornate interiors of other Rajasthani palaces, Jaigarh Fort is functional and spartan, focusing more on military design than aesthetic beauty. Some visitors find this simplicity appealing, while others miss the intricate detailing seen in other Jaipur attractions.

Accessibility:

• Hilltop Location: Jaigarh is perched on a hill, so getting there involves a bit of a climb or drive. Walking within the fort can also involve steep steps, so visitors with mobility issues should plan accordingly. • Good for Explorers: Those who enjoy walking and exploring old forts will love Jaigarh for its expansive corridors, hidden corners, and strategic viewpoints.

Pricing and Value:

• Affordable Entry: The entry fee is generally considered reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. While not as visually striking as some palaces, the fort’s historical significance justifies the cost for most.

Overall Verdict:

Jaigarh Fort is an excellent destination for those interested in Rajasthan’s military history and strategic fortifications. It offers a more peaceful and authentic experience compared to the busier Amber Palace. The panoramic views, impressive cannon, and historical artifacts make it a worthwhile visit, especially for those who appreciate history and architecture. However, it may feel less exciting for travelers expecting the more lavish and ornate designs seen in other nearby...

Jaigarh Fort is one of the famous palaces in Jaipur. It was built by Raja Jaisingh II with the purpose of protecting the port of Amer. The Fort is named after his creator. The Jagger Fort is home to Jaivan Cannon- the world's largest canon of that time. Actually, the Naagin canon mentioned in the movie Tanhaji is actually referred to Jaivan canon. And yes it wasn't destroyed as shown in the movie; It is preserved in Jaigarh Fort. And the canon is really very big. The wheels, the barrel, the seat... everything is so huge and magnificent. It was a sight to behold. This canon was only fired once and the shot created a lake....A LAKE!!! Which is clearly visible from the Fort. The fort is built on a small hill called Cheel ka Teela (the Eagle's Hummock) a part of the Aravali mountain range. Now the sounds of the names of the Fort, the place where it is built, the canon .... all denote just one thing- Victory !!! A big fort built protect another bigger Fort...in the Eagle's place...to keep an eye on the enemies (keep an eye like eagle)...a part the world's oldest mountain range- Aravali. Just imagine the zeal. The entry fees as of 2021 is Rs 100 per person + 50 Rs for parking. The vehicles are allowed to go inside the Fort because there is about 1½ to 2 km distance between the Fort's entrance and the parking lot. The parking area is adjacent to Fort terrace where the canon is preserved. And the view from up there is really amazing. From one end you will see the bawdi (step well) and from the other end the view of city and the lake (mentioned above). Bavdi has been completely dry up there are trees and tall grasses grown all over the place and the thick layer of moss (probably thick as it has been soo many years). Now because this fort was built for the sole purpose to protect the Amer fort, Thus walls of this Fort are massive.... So tall and so thick. There is this one particular view/observation post (i don't know exactly what it's called- the area where soldiers are stationed to keep an eye on the enemies). And there is this narrow passage connecting the canon area and view post. Small window like openings are made on the walls in the post to serve its purpose. But now it only serves as photography point. It was windy the day I went there so we really had an amazing experience. They were also many langurs very close to that narrow passage but they were completely harmless and didn't get close to any visitors. I think they are quite adaptable to tourists now. Apart from the canon, the palace holds a small museum where various tools and weapons are preserved and this is also the place for photography in traditional Rajasthani dresses. Experience of this palace is really mesmerizing. Just touching the walls of the fort and imagining that ones this fort had run to its fullest..... Imagining the soldiers doing their duty and imagining the loud thunderous sound of the canon that must have been heard miles away when it was fired..... To see those weapons and imagine how the kings and his men would use them in wars and for practicing. All of these thoughts gave me a chill in the spine !!!! It was full...

This is the major military fort of the Jaipur, it was built to protect the Amber fort. It has a rain water harvesting system. It has a huge pond where the rain water from the initial rains was collected. As the initial rain water carries all the dusr and grime, this water was used for washing and for animals. Subsequent rain water was diverted to an enormous underwater tank , this was used for drinking. Beneath the underwater tank there were rooms where Royals kept there treasure. There was an tunnel connecting there rooms to the city palace few miles down the Amber fort. The tunnel runs below the water tank. There is also the largest canon of the world here. It is so heavy that it required four elephants to rotate it. It was fired only once from a distance of 1.5 km by four soldiers who were standing inside the rain water harvesting pool. When it was fired the whole fort shook like earthquake and the eardrums of all 4 soldiers were perforated and they fell in pond. The canon ball fell hundreds of miles away and created a crater where it fell. Later on a lake was built at the site of canon ball fall. There is beautiful view of Jaipur city , Aravali hills and Amber fort from this fort. There is a canon foundry where how canons were made is displayed. There are chambers and courts for king and his queens, where they lived when Amber fort was under attack. There are royal garden, many films has been shot here. This fort is available for hire for general public for wedding and other functions. This is the only fort in the world where one can travel inside the fort in your own vehicle. There is a small museum and photograph museum. A shop is there for selling artifact's, though it is very very expensive. A shop is there for snacks. There is a Shriram and Vishnu temple and there is one Bhairava temple in the campus. We had a great time there. Must...