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» Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur

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Situated on a steep hill, the 5 km long majestic Mehrangarh Fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the largest forts in India. It has been a witness to the splendour of a bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. Some of these gates still bear marks of numerous sieges which this fort withstood. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

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» Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

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Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis. The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable art - museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.

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» Chittaurgarh Fort, Chittaurgarh

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The stubborn pride of Chittaur, the fort is a gigantic structure with numerous gateways built by the rulers in 7th century. Crowning a 180 m high hill, it spreads in a area of over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris' within the structure are remarkable reminisces of the Rajput gallantry. The most important gates are Padam Pol, Hanuman Pol, Bhairon Pol and Ram Pol. The fort has various outstanding monuments - some of them are the finest examples of the Rajput architectural style. The primeval ruins of the fort are worth beholding.

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» Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

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Built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. With some beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal within the fort is one of the most enchanting and well-maintained forts with a very impressive museum of artifacts, artillery and weapons. Karan Pol is east facing and is the main entrance to the fort while Suraj Pol, meaning the sun gate is situated next to it. The fee for visiting the museum is Rs. 50 per head.

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» Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

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A multi layered palace, built by Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo Singh) in 1799 AD. The architect of the building was Mr. Lal Chand Usta. Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind is a pyramidal facade, comprising five storeys of semi octagonal overhanging windows with perforated screens, domes and spires. Though it is located at one side, Hawa Mahal is a part of city palace complex. Hawa Mahal is famous for it's beehive like structure, and is made of red and pink sand stone, outlined with white borders and motifs.

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» City Palace, Jaipur

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Located in the capital of Rajasthan, the City Palace of Jaipur or the main palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, additions have been made to the palace complex by many of his successors. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

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» City Palace, Udaipur

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Erected by Maharaja Udai Singh, the elegant City Palace is a marvel in marble, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. Majestically positioned on a hill, it is flooded with balconies, towers and cupolas along with the superb views of the lake and the city that can be appreciated from the upper terraces. A perfect fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palatial complex has a number of astounding buildings, well-planned gardens and fountains.

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» Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

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Ajit Bhawan was exclusively built for maharaja Ajit singh, the younger brother of maharajah of Jodhpur. It is an impressive red sandstone structure of 1940's with arched windows, carved balconies and cupolas adding to its rugged beauty. The most interesting feature in the building is the courtyard-a quadrangle with exquisitely carved lattice work. This area comes to life during meal times when Rajasthani delicacies are served by turbaned men and veiled women. Traditional folk music makes the meals more enjoyable. Lying behind the palatial Ajit Bhawan is a charming village complex. Nestling in a rustic and lush green setting are bungalows named after the months and zodiac signs of the Indian calendar.

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» Mandawa Fort, Mandawa

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Mandawa Fort was build in 1755 by Thakur Nawal singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhawati. A stay at Castle Mandawa makes it convenient to visit other towns of Shekhawati like Chirawa, Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarhm Mukundgarh and Dunklod for their painted havelis. Two imposing gateways lead to the central courtyard where cannons stand as a reminder of the past when they used to repel the enemy. An opportunity to experience local festivities is provided during Holi and Gangaur, two festivals which are held during the month of March Chariot, camel and horse rides can be arranged on request.

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» Lake Palace, Udaipur

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The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel. It is a magical palace and its image in the middle of the lake is like a leaf straight out of a fairy tale book with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship and the ethnic themes using the textiles and handicrafts all over highlight the beauty that is simply beyond compare the lake around makes a pleasant murmur with its rippling waves and lapping that adds to the mesmerising moments.

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» Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner

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Oriental fantasy and European comforts are blended together most tastefully in the Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built Lalgarh Palace. There are terraced lawns that have been artistically planned and are in forever bloom with Bougainvillea bushes and peacocks that charm almost everybody who witness it. The palace has now been turned partly into a heritage hotel, while the other part still serves as the royal residence. The elaborate filigree work and intricate latticework are glorious achievements of the craftsmanship. The museum of the palace boasts of some well preserved hunting trophies, royal portraits and old photographs. The palace also houses a library, which is said to be the largest collection of original and rare Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques.

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» Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur

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This palace built in 1899 A.D. for the younger son of the then maharajah of bharatpur - Jaswant Singh and much later it was designated `Zenana' residence of beautiful princesses. It has single entrance, a massive and, richly carved archway made of sandstone, allowed ladies of royal family a complete privacy. Its architecture is an interesting combination of rajput and mughal styles. The sunny courtyards and enchanting cupolas enthrall the visitor who would also remain enchanted by spacious, airy rooms adorned with colorful frescoes, period furniture and several antiques and objets d'art remind a magnificent lifestyle of a past era. Activities of interest arranged here are tours and excursions to keoladeo national park and deeg palace. The palace is so situated that it offers a view of the migratory birds in the nearby national park.

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» Mansingh Palace, Ajmer

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A Five Star Hotel with 100 beautifully designed and furnished rooms and suites, It offers the finest cuisines - Continental, Mughlai and traditional Rajasthani at its Roof-top "SHIVIR" Restaurant. "RIPPLES" the 24 hours Coffee Shop offers Buffets, Mini Meals and anytime snacks. A perfect pool side Barbeque lights up your evenings.

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» Narayan Niwas Palace, Jaisalmer

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Amidst grand and majestic surroundings NARAIN NIWAS PALACE stands overlooking the town having a magnificent view of the Jaisalmer Fort. Its exquisite carvings on yellow sandstone. of which the buildings is constructed blends in perfect harmony with the Golden City of Jaisalmer. It is a testimony of a bygone royal era and today represents a hallmark hospitality.

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» Neemarana Fort, Alwar

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Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India's oldest heritage resorts. Neemrana became the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.

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» Samode Palace, Samode

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Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels. The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators.

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» Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

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In the land of unrelenting sun & desert sands, with a race of fierce, proud & noble warriors, in the midst of magical cities and magnificient forts and palaces stands the striking home of the Maharaja Umaid Bhavan Palace.Surrender yourself entirely to the fantasies of fairy tale royal existence as you drive past the immaculate lawns, enter an imposing lobby & are ushered discretely up sweeping marble staircase directly to the Maharaja's private suite s & regal apartments.

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» Amer Fort, Jaipur

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At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh. Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niws where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning. Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court inprivacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors".