The forts in Rajasthan were strategically located and some of them are also found in the arid regions. These are enclosed structures within massive ramparts designed in the Rajput architectural style. The citadels at the forts in Rajasthan were used for providing a retreat to the warriors. The forts were built with the purpose of protecting the subjects as well as the royal families from the attack of the foes. Additions were constantly made to these forts resulting in an architectural legacy showing the assimilation of the Mughal and later on the British opulence. This kind of architecture is known as Indo-Saracenic architecture.

These invincible forts were generally found perched on steep summit. Apart from making the enemy`s approach difficult such a height also allowed the soldiers to keep a vigil on the surrounding area. The bastion is surrounded by walls made of local stone. The semi-circular bastions were furnished with platforms for wheeled guns. The daunting Mehrangarh canons and the arc shaped walls that are several kilometers long. The forts of Jaisalmer and Chittor reflect these features.

Other interesting features of the forts in Rajasthan include massive gateways that were studded with spikes to combat the attacking elephants and thus defend the access to the fortress. The designs of these massive gateways are both a work of art and a symbolic display of mythical animals and processions of warriors. The tourists will generally come across two elephants sitting and facing each other at the main entrance. This was called the Hathi Pol. one of the best Hathi Pols have been created in the forts of Bundi and Kota. The threshold door depicts Lord Ganesh - a deity with the head of an elephant on the body of a human. He stands for luck and success and hence the main entrance of Amber Palace is called Ganesh Pol.

Some of the most outstanding forts in Rajasthan are:-

Chittorgarh Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

Amber and Jaigarh fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Taragarh Fort

Dundlod Fort and Palace

Mehrangarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

City palace, Udaipur

Amer Fort