Top 10 Famous Historical Places in Rajasthan

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Rajasthan, regarded as the “abode of the rajas”, retains a wealth of history in its historic places, cities and comprises vibrant, bustling towns, desolate deserts, and a traditional way of life. Rajasthan, India’s largest state, is known for its attractions and is essential in promoting tourism in the country. Whether it is the interesting palaces of its capital, Jaipur, the lovely lakes of Udaipur encircled by the upper level of the Aravalli range, the world-renowned tiger sanctuaries, or the remarkable Thar desert; the diverse state is guaranteed to leave an impression. Historical places in Rajasthan have shown significance in maintaining and strengthening India’s national heritage. Moreover, many unique places to visit in Rajasthan make it a popular vacation destination for people worldwide.

Rajasthan, like every other state, has its history, fortresses, and monuments that tell the narrative of valiant warriors who remain revered for their bravery and love for their nation.

The sites are both a tourist’s paradise and among the best places to visit in Rajasthan.

Top 10 Historical Places in Rajasthan

Here’s a list of the top-most famous historical places in Rajasthan that you must explore on your next Rajasthan trip.

1. Kuldhara Village
2. Jaipur City Palace
3. Ajmer Sharif Dargah
4. Amer Fort
5. Lake Palace (Jal Mahal)
6. Nahargarh Fort
7. Jaigarh Fort
8. Neemrana Fort
9. Jaisalmer Fort
10. Hawa Mahal

1. Kuldhara Village

A haunted attraction in the heart of Rajasthan, the hamlet of Kuldhara, was once a prosperous settlement of Paliwal Brahmins. However, around three centuries ago, it was abandoned, considered cursed, due to the brutal regime of then minister Salim Singh. However, the reason behind the desertion might have been declining water supplies or an earthquake. Despite having a status of being cursed and haunted, the communities surrounding the village seem to be well-planned and established, with temples, residences, and streets in antique architectural style. But if the locals are to be believed, anyone attempting to stay in the neighbourhood will be chased away by paranormal entities or killed.

With such an intriguing past and enduring legends, Kuldhara gained the status of a haunted place in Rajasthan through time, and the Rajasthan government chose to develop it as a tourist attraction. Hence, Kuldhara is definitely right up there, with Bangarh as one of the most unique and eerie places to visit in Rajasthan.

2. Jaipur City Palace

City Palace is a sprawling palace complex in Jaipur, India, containing the Mubarak, Chandra Mahal, and other structures. It served as the official residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the leader of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty. The palace compound, situated northeast of Jaipur’s grid-patterned centre, has remarkable architecture and features a wide variety of patios, gardens, and structures. The Jaipur City Palace, one of the best historical monuments in Rajasthan, was built between 1729 and 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. He designed and erected the outer fortifications, and subsequent monarchs continued to expand them until the twentieth century. 

Apart from the main complex, the aforementioned Chandra Mahal is another major attraction, featuring a museum. Although parts of the palace also house the royal family. 

3. Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Khwaja Garib Nawaz Dargah, popularly known as Ajmer Sharif, is in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The shrine is the resting place of the famous saint Moinuddin Chisti. The Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti is a worldwide waqf, an Islamic cemetery governed under the Government of India’s Dargah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah is located at the foot of Taragarh Hill, 2 km from the central Ajmer Railway station. It comprises many white marble structures positioned around two patios, along with an enormous gate gifted by the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Akbari Mosque, constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It houses the saint’s domed tomb. Every year, Akbar and his wife would walk here from Agra to fulfil a vow made when he wished for a son. Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the top places to visit in Rajasthan.

4. Amer Fort

You will see Rajputana’s (aka Rajasthan’s) royal flair as you go through the picturesque compound of the Amer Fort, constructed of pink and yellow sandstone. The magnificent beauty sits in Jaipur, in the lower to mid recesses of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles), and offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding regions. Considered the crown jewel of Jaipur, almost 5,000 visitors travel to the fort daily to revel in its regal grandeur. Owing to its royal splendour, the Amer fort, alongside five other forts in the state, is included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

It is well-known for the exquisite combination of indigenous as well as Mughal styles of architecture. Built by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput ruler, in 1592, the Amer fort features massive parapets and multiple beautifully constructed entrances, which perfectly accentuate its timeless beauty. 

The fort is one of the most famous monuments in Rajasthan, best known for its elephant tours and the light and sound display, attracting visitors daily. It is an excellent example of Rajput’s grandeur, inventiveness, and workmanship. Overall, Amer Fort is among Rajasthan’s oldest forts and showcases its rich past.

5. Lake Palace (Jal Mahal)

The ever-lovely Lake Palace is set on Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, and functioned as a holiday house for the Mewar family in the past. This massive palace covers an area of approximately 4 acres and is one of the most famous historical places in Rajasthan. It has been renovated into a prominent resort, the Taj Lake Palace.

The Taj Lake Palace, originally known as Jan Niwas, was built between 1734 and 1746 during the rule of Maharana Jagat Singh II. The palace’s walls are black and white marble, with decorative motifs and semi-precious stones. The palace’s corridors are enhanced by lawns, columned terraces, and fountains.

6. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort, another famous historical place in Rajasthan that towers over the city of Jaipur was erected in the 1880s by Sawai Madho Singh. The fort is located on Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles), and together with Amer and Jaigarh forts, it formed the main defences for the pink city. Initially known as Sudershangarh, it eventually got the name Nahargarh which means “Tiger’s Abode.” The rulers of Jaipur often utilised Nahargarh Fort as a vacation residence with its multiple palaces, temples, and manicured gardens. It is closely linked to the Jaigarh Fort via an expanded wall.

Although regal and beautiful in every right, it is not as fabled as Amer Fort, making it a perfect destination for those who prefer lesser crowds. The fort’s main feature is the Madhavendra Palace, which contains an extravagant room for the emperor and nine apartments for his concubines. To sum it up, the Nahargarh Fort is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Jaipur.

7. Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is a spectacular fort located in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Ranges, rising 500 meters above sea level. The fort was built in 1726 AD by the legendary Raja Jai Singh II to reinforce the Amer Fort.

In reality, from the Jaigarh Fort, you can have an uninterrupted view of Amer Fort and its complex, as well as a breathtaking vista of the beautiful hills and rivers surrounding the fort. It is one of the most notable places to visit in Rajasthan, with numerous distinguishing characteristics.

Inside the property sits the world’s largest cannon, the Jaivana Cannon. The Aram Mandir, Vilas Mandir, Lalit Mandir, and Laxmi Vilas are some other monuments within the fort.

8. Neemrana Fort

The Neemrana Fort Palace, built in the 15th century, has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel. It has astounding views of the surrounding forest and provides a picturesque escape from the city’s bustling life. Staying at this opulent resort is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Seven palace wings are erected over fourteen levels terraced into a hill spanning 6 acres of the garden palace. Other notable attractions include two outdoor pools, hanging gardens, India’s first zip-line, and an Ayurvedic spa. Visiting this resort is a wonderful way to enjoy a quiet and leisurely holiday. The images of the resort make this one of the best historical places in Rajasthan with pictures. 

9. Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort, commonly referred to as the ‘Golden Fort’ or the ‘Sonar Quila,’ was built in 1156 AD by a Rajput monarch named Rawal Jaisal. It is one of the world’s most prominent forts and is also called the Golden Fort because of its sizeable yellow sandstone walls, which are vivid yellow during daylight hours and soften to honey-gold at dusk. This arid beauty, perched atop Trikuta Hill in the enormous Thar Desert’s sandy expanses, has seen many wars.

Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, is a cultural melting pot of nomadic desert and royalty that gives a one-of-a-kind experience. Lakshminath Mandir, four expansive entryways, Merchant Havelis, and Raj Mahal are among the fort’s primary features.

10. Hawa Mahal

A part of the City Palace complex in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is an exquisite edifice that resembles Lord Krishna’s crown. The structure, built of pink and red sandstone, stands smack in the middle of Jaipur’s historic market.

Lal Chand Ustad, the mastermind behind this beauty, created this honeycomb-shaped, intricate masterpiece in 1799 AD. One of the most notable aspects is the 953 windows, each featuring amazing latticework. Moreover, the palace was also designed to stay cooler during the gruelling summer months. Hence, it’s worthwhile to witness this architectural ingenuity firsthand.

Rajasthan is truly remarkable. If you want to travel to this beautiful state then you can book Rajasthan Tour Packages at the best prices on SOTC and enjoy perfect holidays with your loved ones.

People also ask about Historical Places in Rajasthan

What are the historical monuments of Rajasthan?

Here are some of the popular historical monuments of Rajasthan: Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort and many more.

Which is the oldest monument in Rajasthan?

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the oldest monuments in Rajasthan built by a local Mori Rajput ruler Chitrangada Maurya in the 7th century A.D.