Taragarh Fort — Attraction in Rajasthan

TARAGARH FORT

Built in 1345, atop a steep hill overlooking the city, it almost has a guardian-like presence over Bundi. With time having stolen its charm and grandeur, Taragarh is still a worthy shadow of its past. It stands in a sombre contrast to the land below – fields, rivers and lakes, surrounded by fruit orchards, flanked by Aravallis and looking postcard perfect. Apart from the tanks built with now-lost technique so they never dry up, the fort is also a tribute to Rajput architecture with its curved roofs, temple columns, and elephant and lotus motifs.

Constructed in the year 1354, the Taragarh Fort is one of the greatest forts in Bundi. It is also known as Star Fort. Positioned on a steep hill, the Taragarh Fort also offers a breathtaking view of the Kota. It looks best during the sunset as the city gets drenched in the fading light of the Sun. However, the main attraction for the tourists is the fort itself. As you enter the Taragarh Fort, the giant gateway will provide you a grand welcome. There are three gateways to enter the court and each of them has a distinct name. The different names are Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. The detailed carvings of elephants on the gate will give you an idea about what's in store inside. Though time have had its effect on the various features of the fort yet these features exhibit the grandeur of Rajput rule.

The tunnels of the fort are also worthy visiting. These tunnels of the fort played a significant role during the war as it provided a secured exit for the king and his deputies in case of looming danger. However, you as a tourist won't be allowed to enter the tunnel as there is no comprehensive map of the tunnels. The Taragarh Fort also possesses a number of massive battlements along with ramparts. These exhibits are also a great attraction for the tourists. For instance the famous Grand Canyon, Garbha Gunjan attracts a huge number of tourists.

The Rani Mahal in the Targarh Fort is also a great attraction for the tourists. Built exclusively for the wives and concubines of the rulers, this mahal has some fantastic features. The stained glass windows and the murals in the mahal still bear the charm of the Rajput era. Hence, it is quiet clear that a visit to the Taragarh Fort will provide you an absorbing experience and will let you witness a variety of features that played a significant role in the history of the place.

Taragarh Fort Timing and Entry Fee

The timings of the fort are as follows: Summers: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Winters: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The prices for entry to the fort are as follows: For Indians: INR 25 per person For Foreigners: INR 100 per person Also, one has to buy a separate ticket for carrying a digital camera, which costs INR 50; and a ticket for taking along a video camera, which...

Taragarh Fort, better known by the name of Star Fort is a massive and splendid fort located in the Bundi district of Rajasthan. A colossal place full of marvelous architectural wonders like huge gateways, wall paintings, bastions, weapons, palaces, lakes, and much more, is a must visit in Rajasthan for the lovers of heritage and excursions. The scenic view of the Bundi city from the top of the fort is really refreshing and breath-taking. The main gate known as the Hathiya Pol gives the fascinating entry to the Fort after climbing steep pathways. This huge portal has elephant structures carved on it.There exist three other gigantic gateways namely- Gagudi ki Phatak, Phuta Darwaza, and Lakshmi Pol that facilitate entry to the fort. These gateways are the secondary gateways that protected different parts of the fort during emergencies. These are made of wood and are in a very ruined state.Bhim Burj is a massive bastion built in the 16th century and boasts of the pride to mount the Garbh Gunjan (Thunder from the Womb) canon, one of the most powerful and thrilling canons of that era.

Chitra Shala is another amazing thing to explore within the complex. This place has original murals and colorful wall paintings of the Bundi School of Paintings, but are in a ruined state and demands more attention of the authorities. This art gallery is also known as the Ummed Bhawan getting the name from its creator Raja Rao Ummed Singh.

Garh Palace or Bundi Palace is a majestic palace located within the premises of the fort. This palace, accessed through the Hathiya Pol is said to be built by Raja Rao Ratan Singh Hada during the years of 1607-1631 AD.

Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Chhatra Mahal are the prominent palaces inside the Garh Palace and has splendid features of intricate pillars and kiosks called Jharokhas.

Miran Saheb ki Dargah is a shrine dedicated to Hazrat Miran Syed Hussain within the Garh Palace.

A palace called the Rani Mahal is also located inside the fort complex that has colorful glass windows and wall paintings as the main attraction. It was meant to be the living area for the queens in that era.

The exquisite feature of the fort is the network of tunnels that are present there and probably was meant for the emergency exits of the royal dignitaries during the times of war. Although, these are closed for the visit of tourists due to lack of proper maps.

Some other attractions of the fort are Zenana Mahal, Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Aam, Anirudh Mahal, and Ratan Daulat. All these are also worth...

Rajasthan had been a land of rajas (kings) and forts. The state has some of the most marvellous forts artistically and architecturally. While the land was mostly ruled over by Rajput kings, Mughals also reached here and formed these establishments. But a major part still belongs to the native rulers. My immense love for history and archaeology has taken me to various places which hold great cultural significance. I heard about Bundi’s Taragarh Fort almost four years back and then it was just a thought. Never knew that this fort had such a great importance in Indian history. Taragarh Fort Bundi is not only one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan but is also an artistic and architectural masterpiece.The fort has been constructed in parts on Nagpahari Hills by several rulers who have ruled over it and have left eternal impressions on the walls of this majestic fort. Located in the heart of the city, one can get a panoramic view of Bundi, with lots of houses painted blue just like Jodhpur. Though, there are many places to explore in Bundi but Taragarh Fort steals the show, standing gloriously, narrating its story of the past.Taragarh Fort is the pride of Bundi city. The city has been ruled over by several clans, has seen lots of fights, blood, politics and whatnot. The fort is said to have been constructed around 1354AD. Built on a steep hilltop, I still have to figure out who originally constructed the fort. While I went through several blogs and websites online, I found different information regarding the person who built it. However, after reading some resources online, I came to this conclusion that Taragarh Fort Bundi was constructed by Rao Dev Hada who is also said to be the founder of Bundi City. But, I also got to read somewhere that the fort was built by Rao Bar Singh. Now I am not certainly sure who is the main person behind the construction of this massive fort. Since most of the sources quoted Rao Dev Singh Hada only, so I had to believe that. I have even read that the fort was constructed by...