Nahargarh Fort crowns the Aravalli hills above Jaipur — a defensive fortress built in 1734 that forms part of the city's ring of hilltop fortifications (along with Jaigarh and Amber) and provides the best panoramic view of the Pink City. The view from the ramparts at sunset — the entire city laid out below in a pink grid, with the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar visible, and the Aravalli hills extending to the horizon — is Jaipur's most spectacular.
The fort was built by Jai Singh II as a retreat and defensive position overlooking his new capital, and the Madhavendra Bhawan (added in the 19th century) contains a suite of identical rooms arranged around a courtyard — one for each of the nine queens of Maharaja Ram Singh, designed so that the king could visit each wife without the others knowing. The corridors connecting the rooms are arranged so that no queen's room looks into another's, which is either architectural diplomacy or architectural paranoia, depending on your perspective.
The drive up to Nahargarh from the city — winding through the hills with progressively expanding views — is part of the experience, and the café at the fort (Padao restaurant, operated on the ramparts) serves drinks with the sunset view that makes Nahargarh the most popular evening destination in Jaipur.
Verified Facts
Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by Jai Singh II
Madhavendra Bhawan has identical rooms for nine queens
The fort provides a panoramic view of the entire Pink City
Nahargarh forms part of a ring of fortifications with Jaigarh and Amber
Get walking directions
Krishna Nagar, Jaipur, 302016, India
