Forts & Palaces in India

The architectural grandeur and magnificence of these forts and palaces makes the visitors feel the ebb and flow of the Indian history. Today, most of these forts and palaces have been converted into hotels.

Some of the famous forts and palaces are:

1. Hawa Mahal, Rajasthan: Constructed in 1799, Hawa Mahal is the most sensational monument in the city of Jaipur. The palace, overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court an upper hand, so that they can watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets behind stone-carved screens. For this purpose, it was designed with over 900 niches, and the entire building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head.
   
   
2. Jaisalmer Havelis: Founded by Prince Jaisal Bhatti, Jaisalmer is one of the most remote towns of India, located deep in the heart of the Thar desert. On either side of the narrow lanes are the sandstone havelis, with stone carvings, screen windows, delicate pavilions & balconies. These beautiful mansions were built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and is still partially lived in.
   
   
3. Jal Mahal Jaipur: Jal Mahal is an 18th century pleasure palace and is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The palace is perched amidst Mansagar lake, which is in turn nestled amongst the Nahargarh hills. The Jal Mahal Palace , Jaipur is noted for its sophisticated design and grand architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs.
   
   
4. Mysore Palace: Designed for the Maharaja of Mysore by a British architect, Mysore Palace was built in 1897. The decorations inside are outrageously extravagant, proving how rich the Maharaja was at this time. The palace is spectacularly illuminated on Sunday nights, and during the festive season of Dussehra. The Mysore Palace, once the residence of the Wodeyars, is one of the largest palaces of its kind in India, and one of the most splendid. Travel to India