Introduction

Sited atop Cheel ka Teela - the Hill of Eagles, Jaigarh Fort is one of Jaipur’s three surviving Rajput fortresses and the most majestic. Though about 15 kilometers outside the main city, its walls and ramparts are visible from miles around.

Jaigarh Fort is an archetypical Rajput fortress - moated, built on the top of a scraggy hill, with might walls that stretch for miles across the Aravalli hills. Built by successive generations of Rajput rulers between the 15th to 18th centuries, Jaigarh is especially remarkable as most of the original structure is still intact. The fort first served as an armory and many of its products are on display, such as the canon Jaivan - the world’s largest canon on wheels.

While visiting the fort, the first section you are likely to visit houses this mighty canon. Built in the fort’s own foundry in 1720, its barrel alone weighs 50 tons! A proud addition to the fort’s defenses, the canon was fired only once. The ball fell 35 kilometers away; proud locals will tell you that the historic crater is now a lake.

Within the confines of its rugged ramparts, Raja Sawai Jai Singh built a cannon foundry, palaces, temples, and observation towers. Although the structures within the fort lack the ornamentation and intricate decorations that makes Jaipur famous, the fortress was very well equipped to withstand attacks or long sieges.

The engineering and design of the fort is an impressive reminder of Rajasthani skills. An advantageous location, sturdy observation towers, and a network of well concealed tunnels and passages allowed the defenders of the fort to watch the palaces of Amer and the city of Jaipur. The fort’s ingenious water harvesting system ensured adequate water supply even during the long, dry summer months. Local legends say that the tanks were later emptied to hide the gems and treasures. Of course, like most legends and folk tales there was no trinket recovered to support it!

A number of galleries and halls at the fort house historic Rajput exhibits such as guns, knives, ammunition, maps, documents, and many interesting photographs. The exhibits are nicely displayed with detailed signs and write-ups.

Special Attributes

A 15th century fortress which also houses the world's largest cannon on wheels, Jaivan.

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

None, wear whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Buses, Taxis

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

The fort is spread over many buildings and structures across a hilltop. There will be a lot of walking involved a lot of walking under the desert sun. Remember to cover your head with a scarf or hat, wear sunscreen, and carry a bottle of water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

You can take your own vehicle in to tour the fort. AVisitors can even tour the fort via vehicle. Vehicle entry costs Rs. 50. The ticket to City Palace includes the entrance fee to Jaigarh Fort and is valid for two days.

Type of site

Monument