Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort sits on the edge of the Aravalli ridge north-west of the Old City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, off Krishna Nagar and Brahampuri. Sawai Jai Singh II began the fort in 1734, shortly after founding Jaipur, as one of the guardian fortresses of the planned city, working together with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Its name is usually translated as the Abode of Tigers, and local tradition links it to the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose shrine lies within the walls. In 1868 Sawai Ram Singh II extended the fort and built the Madhavendra Bhawan, a summer retreat for the royal family. The Madhavendra Bhawan contains a set of identical suites arranged around a central courtyard, so that the maharaja's queens each had a private apartment with a shared passage, and the rooms are decorated with painted walls and floors in an Indo-European style. The fort walls run along the ridge for several kilometres, with bastions overlooking the city, and an old stepwell, Sadar Bazaar Baori, stands below the ramparts. A Wax Museum and a Sheesh Mahal have been added in modern times as visitor attractions, and the rooftop terraces give wide views of Jaipur, Jal Mahal and the Man Sagar lake. The experience is architectural and scenic rather than curated, with visitors walking through palace courtyards, along the walls and onto terraces. The fort never saw major battle, since the city was at peace with the Marathas through treaty after 1818, and it served more as a refuge and royal retreat. Conservation by the Rajasthan government and heritage groups has repaired walls and painted rooms, and the fort now hosts events and a restaurant. It is best known as the place to watch the sun set over the city, and the terrace stays busy near dusk. The fort lies a steep drive or climb from the city, and many visitors take a taxi up and walk part of the way down along the old path.