Situated on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh fort gives an amazing northern backdrop to the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. This is one of the most visited tourist sites in Jaipur that once together with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, offered a strong defense to the city. If you are choosing a Jaipur tour package then make sure it includes Nahargarh Fort as it offers you breathtaking views and that is why in the Bollywood movies like Rang De Basanti (2006), Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), etc. some scenes were shot at Nahargarh Fort.
The relevance of name of Nahargarh Fort
The Nahargarh Fort was named Sudarshan Garh initially but it later it got the name Nahargarh meaning ‘abode of tigers’. If the legends are to be believed then the name Nahar stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit was said to be haunting the place and that is why the construction was obstructed many times. However, after the construction of the temple, the spirit was pacified and it was in his memory that the fort got its name Nahargarh.
History
The Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by the then ruler of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh as a barrier up on the ridge of the Aravali hills so that it can defend the city from the attacks of the enemies. This was one of the reasons why the fort was later expanded in the reign of Sawai Ram Singh in 1868 over the surrounding hills in order to connect it with another important fort of Jaipur – Jaigarh Fort.
Although the fort was never attacked yet it has historical relevance especially in the 18th century when the Maratha forces warred with Jaipur. Another interesting fact that shows the strength of this fort is that in 1857, the Indian Mutiny (which is also considered by some historians as the first war of independence), the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh helped Europeans of the region by moving them to Nahargarh fort for their protection. In the nineteenth century, around Hazuri Bagh huge cannons were placed to safeguard the fort from any attack and even shots were fired to signal the city.
Later in 1883-92, at Nahargarh, many other palaces were built by Dirgh Patel that led to the spending of a lot of fortune by the King. When India was under British rule, the Jaipur State government used Nahargarh fort for official solar time read purposes until 1944.
Architecture
A blend of Indo-European architecture styles, Nahargarh Fort was turned into a monsoon resort during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh in 1880s. The Maharaja used to invite dignitaries and other royal guests to the fort for shooting ducks. Today, the major attraction for tourists in the Nahargarh fort is the palace, its rooms, artwork and the beautiful views of the Man Sagar Lake from the top of the fort.
With the help of Raj Imarat, who was assisted by an engineer Thakur Fateh Singh, an amusement palace within the Nahargarh fort was built, which was known as Madhavendra Bhawan during Sawai Madho Singh ruling. Even Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who was the design architect of the palace, festooned the beautiful interiors of this spectacular palace with stucco designs and frescos, which are best reflected in the harem of the King.
Madhavendra Bhawan, which is the most stunning part of Nahargarh fort is the Zenana deorhi (Women’s Quarters) was mainly used as a retreat for the royal ladies and extends to the fourth courtyard profusely. You can see the finest art of Rajputana here which will leave you spellbound. For the royal men, the Nahargarh Fort Jaipur had Mardana Mahal. The palace was considered as a perfect destination in summer by the royals and had 12 matching boudoirs for the Rajput queens. Connected by corridors decorated having delicate murals, the palace when floodlit at night glittered. It is said that almost three and a half lakh rupees were spent in the construction of the palace which had Kings and queens suites well connected with beautiful corridors.
Jaipur Wax Museum in Nahargarh Fort Jaipur
When you enter Nahargarh fort, then on the left side you can find Jaipur Wax Museum which runs in support with Department of Archaeology & Museums Jaipur, apart from Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. This is technically the Vishram Ghar or the Rest House for the soldiers and Shastragar-Artillery. Mr. Anoop Srivastava is the founder Director of this remarkable museum which was inaugurated in 2016 by Bollywood star Govinda. In this museum, you can find over 35 wax and silicon statues of personalities from the field of sports, acting, etc.
What is the location of Nahargarh Fort?
The Nahargarh fort is not situated in proper Jaipur city but is well-connected with the intra-city transportation service. You can reach the fort by cab or auto rickshaw or even bus, as it is right below the Jaigarh Fort and 6 km northwards from the city center.
Biological Park at Nahargarh Fort
Another attraction for the tourists at Nahargarh Fort is the biological park which spreads across the Nahargarh Sanctuary and covers an area of 7.2 square kilometers. The fine granite and quartzite rocks in the organic park with rich flora, like Kathiawar Gir dry deciduous forests, present a superb look of a jungle. From Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers to Indian leopards all can be seen here in their natural habitat. This place is even delight for the bird watchers with 285 species of birds, like white-naped tit, which can only be found exclusively here.
Conclusion
So, this time when you visit Jaipur do not miss the chance of enjoying some quality time at Nahargarh Fort. The fort will offer you so many pleasing views and places that you will never forget your tour to Nahargarh Fort. However, you are advised to choose a Jaipur package as it will save you a lot of money. Also, you do not forget to visit other forts like Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort as these are splendid too.
- Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Visiting Time: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm daily
- Entry Fees: For Indian Tourists – INR 20 per person, for Foreign Tourists – INR 50 per person, for Indian students – INR 5 per person and Foreign students – INR 25 per person