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Nahargarh Fort also known as the 'Tiger Fort' is situated 6 kms north-west of the City Palace in Jaipur. Built in the year 1734, the Fort was one of the first three forts built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Later additions were made to the fort by Maharajas Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century. Cradled in the Nahargarh Hills, Nahargarh Fort was a 600 ft high sentinel. The Fort was built as a means of bolstering the defense of Amber. Nahargarh Fort stands as a symbol of the royal past and reminds the visitors of the glory of the kings and Maharajas. The Fort was used by royal family members for excursion in summers and even today it is a favourite picnic spot.
The Nahargarh Fort provides magnificent views of the Man Sagar Lake and the city below. In the middle of this Man Sagar Lake is a palatial duck blind which was used for shooting parties by the royal family. The duck blind has also served as a personal treasury and a royal retreat for the queens.
Today the fort is mostly in ruins and many of the old structures are in bad
condition. Though the old structures are in ruins but the buildings built by
Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century are in good
condition. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram Singh II has a cluster
of 12 identical suits for queens and a suit for the king. Vidyadhar
Bhattacharya, the designer of Jaipur, built this palace. The rooms are
linked by corridors and known for its beautiful interiors of frescoes and
stucco designs. Many interesting legends are linked to this imposing fort. According to a legend, the Fort was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh, a prince whose spirit would cause mischief so as to delay the construction of the fort. Finally after a Tantrik prayer the spirit agreed to leave the place on the condition that the fort should be named after him.
The fort dominates the skyline and looks more impressive when floodlit in the evening. Durg Cafeteria situated just above the entrance of the fort sells meals and refreshments. The Padao Restaurant which opens only in the evening sales drinks.
Visiting Hours : 10.00 a.m. -16.30 p.m.
