Perched on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) that overlooks the Amer Fort, the Jaigarh Fort is one of the finest-preserved military fortresses in Rajasthan. The fort, constructed in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was primarily aimed at guarding the Amer Fort and served as the military headquarters of the kingdom. Its formidable walls, massive structures and a location on top of a hill ensured that the fortress was considered almost impregnable. The fort made of red sandstone extends over 3 km and comprises watchtowers, gateways, subterranean passages, armouries, water storages and numerous defensive systems. A secret tunnel links Jaigarh to the Amer Fort for the royal families to make a quick escape during times of emergency. Perhaps, the main attraction of Jaigarh Fort is its historic Jaivana Cannon - said to be one of the largest wheeled cannons in the world that was fabricated in the fort's own foundry in 1720. It was apparently fired only once during testing and the cannon is an ode to the great ingenuity of the Rajput empire. Within the fort, the fort houses some wonderful museums where you can find the display of antique arms and armaments, royal artifacts, war gear, and historic manuscripts that throw more light on the military history of Rajasthan. In fact, the large system for water harvesting and underground water chambers used for storage, apart from other engineering skills, reveals the planning behind the construction of the fort. At an altitude from where you can have a bird's eye view of Amer Fort, Maota Lake and the nearby Aravalli Hills, this fort offers spectacular panoramic views of the vicinity, especially during sunrise and sunset when photographers are often seen here capturing some memorable images. In contrast to some of the other places in Jaipur, the Jaigarh Fort is comparatively less crowded, and you can explore the architectural marvel at your own pace. So make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as it covers quite a large area.
