Jaigarh Fort, known as the "Victory Fort," stands majestically atop the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in Jaipur's Aravalli range. Famous for housing Jaivana, the world's largest wheeled cannon ever made, this imposing red sandstone fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views and a fascinating glimpse into Rajputana military architecture. Connected to Amber Fort through an underground passage, Jaigarh Fort is essential for anyone seeking to understand Jaipur's royal heritage.
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Book Fort Tour - ₹2,500 →History of Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, as a military stronghold to protect Amber Fort and the royal treasury. The fort never faced a direct attack throughout its history, earning it the name "Victory Fort" - a testament to its impregnable design and strategic location.
The fort served as the primary military manufacturing center for the Kachwaha Rajputs. Its foundry produced some of the most advanced cannons of the era, including the legendary Jaivana. For centuries, the fort remained a closely guarded royal property, closed to public until 1983.
The Treasure Mystery
Jaigarh Fort is shrouded in legend about a massive hidden treasure. In 1976, during the Emergency period, the Government of India conducted extensive excavations based on rumors of buried gold. While the exact findings remain classified, the treasure hunt added another layer of mystery to this already fascinating fort.
What Makes Jaigarh Fort Special
- Jaivana Cannon: World's largest wheeled cannon, 20 feet long, weighing 50 tons
- Underground Tunnel: 2 km secret passage connecting to Amber Fort
- Cannon Foundry: Ancient workshop where royal weapons were forged
- Strategic Location: Eagle's Hill providing 360° views of Aravalli range
- Military Architecture: Impregnable walls with watchtowers and bastions
- Royal Armory: Museum showcasing swords, shields, and medieval weapons
- Water Storage: One of the largest water tanks in India (Sagar Lake)
- Untouched Heritage: Never conquered in battle, preserving original structures
Major Attractions Inside Jaigarh Fort
1. Jaivana Cannon (जयवाना तोप)
The crown jewel of Jaigarh Fort, Jaivana is the world's largest wheeled cannon. Built in the fort's foundry in 1720, this massive iron cannon measures 20.19 feet (6.15 meters) in length with a diameter of 11 inches. It weighs approximately 50 tons and could fire cannonballs weighing 50 kg over a distance of 35 km.
According to legend, Jaivana was fired only once in history - as a test - and the cannonball landed 35 km away. The single test firing required 100 kg of gunpowder. Today, Jaivana stands on a revolving platform, a testament to Rajput engineering prowess.
2. Cannon Foundry (Dungar)
The fort houses the only surviving cannon foundry in India. This workshop, known as Dungar, produced cannons, ammunition, and metal goods for the Amber kingdom. Visitors can see the original furnaces, molds, and tools used in cannon manufacturing. The foundry demonstrates the advanced metallurgical knowledge possessed by Rajput craftsmen.
3. Royal Armory Museum
The museum displays an impressive collection of medieval weaponry including:
- Swords of various sizes and designs
- Daggers with ornate handles
- Shields decorated with hunting scenes
- Historical cannons and ammunition
- Armor used by Rajput warriors
- Palanquins and royal artifacts
4. Underground Tunnel to Amber Fort
A secret 2 km underground passage connects Jaigarh Fort to Amber Fort below. This tunnel was built as an escape route for the royal family during emergencies. While the tunnel is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons, its existence adds to the fort's mystique.
5. Laxmi Vilas Palace
Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, Laxmi Vilas is a small palace within the fort complex featuring beautiful murals, mirror work, and royal chambers. The palace provides insight into the lifestyle of Rajput nobility.
6. Lalit Mandir & Vilas Mandir
These small palaces showcase Rajput architectural elegance with delicate lattice windows (jalis), ornate ceilings, and wall paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and royal life.
7. Sagar Lake (Water Reservoir)
One of the largest water storage tanks in India, Sagar Lake within the fort could hold enough water to sustain the garrison during extended sieges. The rainwater harvesting system demonstrates sophisticated water management of that era.
8. Watchtowers & Ramparts
The fort's 3 km long walls feature numerous watchtowers providing panoramic views of Jaipur city, Maota Lake, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. These towers offer excellent photography opportunities.
📸 Photography Tips for Jaigarh Fort
- ✓ Best light: Early morning (9-11 AM) for warm tones on sandstone
- ✓ Jaivana Cannon: Use wide-angle lens to capture full size
- ✓ Panoramic views: Watchtowers offer 360° city views
- ✓ Amber Fort: Excellent viewpoint from southern ramparts
- ✓ Tripod allowed for still photography
Video camera fee: ₹200 (required for professional equipment)
Jaigarh Fort Entry Fee & Timings
Entry Fee (2025)
- Indian Nationals: ₹35 per person
- Foreign Tourists: ₹85 per person
- Students (with ID): ₹10 (Indian), ₹40 (Foreign)
- Still Camera: ₹50
- Video Camera: ₹200
- Composite Ticket: ₹300 (Indian) / ₹1,000 (Foreign) - includes multiple monuments
Fort Timings
- Opening Time: 9:00 AM
- Closing Time: 4:30 PM
- Weekly Off: Open all days
- Last Entry: 4:00 PM
- Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours for complete exploration
Best Time to Visit Jaigarh Fort
By Season:
- October to March (Best): Pleasant weather (15-25°C), clear skies, comfortable walking
- April to June (Hot): Very hot (35-45°C), visit early morning only
- July to September (Monsoon): Lush green views, occasional rain, fewer tourists
Best Time of Day:
- Morning (9-11 AM): Best for photography, cooler temperatures
- Afternoon (2-4 PM): Less crowded but hotter in summer
How to Reach Jaigarh Fort
From Jaipur City Center:
- Distance: 15 km via Amber Road
- By Taxi/Cab: 30-40 minutes, our Jaipur tour includes Jaigarh Fort
- By Auto-rickshaw: ₹300-400 one way
- By Bus: Local buses to Amber, then auto to Jaigarh
From Amber Fort:
- By Road: 2 km uphill drive (10 minutes)
- Shared Jeeps: Available at Amber Fort for ₹50-100 per person
- Walking: 30-40 minute steep uphill trek (not recommended in summer)
From Jaipur Airport:
- Distance: 32 km
- By Taxi: 45-60 minutes
🚗 Complete Fort Circuit Tour
Visit all three forts in one day with our comprehensive tour:
- ✓ Amber Fort with elephant ride option
- ✓ Jaigarh Fort with Jaivana Cannon
- ✓ Nahargarh Fort for sunset
- ✓ AC private vehicle & expert guide
Insider Tips for Visiting Jaigarh Fort
- Combo Visit: Combine with Amber Fort (just 2 km away) for a complete experience
- Comfortable Footwear: Lots of walking on uneven surfaces - wear sturdy shoes
- Carry Water: Limited vendors inside, bring your own water bottle
- Guide Recommended: Hire a guide (₹300-400) to understand the history and legends
- Early Start: Visit early to avoid crowds and heat
- Allow Time: Don't rush - the fort is larger than it appears
- Sunset Option: Continue to Nahargarh Fort (6 km) for spectacular sunset views
- Composite Ticket: Buy if visiting multiple Jaipur monuments over 2 days
Jaigarh Fort vs Amber Fort - Key Differences
| Aspect | Jaigarh Fort | Amber Fort |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Military fortress & armory | Royal palace & residence |
| Main Attraction | Jaivana Cannon | Sheesh Mahal |
| Crowds | Less crowded | Very crowded |
| Time Needed | 1.5-2 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Entry Fee | ₹35 (Indian) | ₹100 (Indian) |
Nearby Attractions
- Amber Fort (2 km): Magnificent palace-fort - Complete Guide
- Nahargarh Fort (6 km): Best sunset point in Jaipur - Sunset Guide
- Panna Meena ka Kund (2 km): Stunning geometric stepwell
- Anokhi Museum (1 km): Hand printing textile museum in Amber
- City Palace (13 km): Royal residence in Jaipur city
- Hawa Mahal (14 km): Iconic Palace of Winds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaigarh Fort worth visiting?
Absolutely! Jaigarh Fort offers a less crowded, more authentic experience than Amber Fort. The Jaivana cannon, panoramic views, and military architecture make it a must-visit for history and photography enthusiasts.
Can I walk from Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort?
Yes, but it's a steep 2 km uphill walk taking 30-40 minutes. In summer, this is not advisable due to heat. Shared jeeps (₹50-100) or taxis are readily available at Amber Fort.
Is the underground tunnel to Amber Fort open?
No, the underground tunnel is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons. However, you can see the tunnel entrance inside the fort.
What is the best time to visit Jaigarh Fort?
Visit between October-March for pleasant weather. Morning hours (9-11 AM) offer the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for exploring.
How big is the Jaivana Cannon?
Jaivana is 20.19 feet (6.15 meters) long, weighs 50 tons, and has an 11-inch barrel diameter. It's the world's largest wheeled cannon ever made.
Is Jaigarh Fort included in the Jaipur composite ticket?
Yes, Jaigarh Fort is included in the Jaipur composite ticket (₹300 Indians, ₹1,000 foreigners) along with Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, and other monuments.
Are there restaurants inside Jaigarh Fort?
There's a small cafeteria inside the fort offering basic snacks and beverages. For proper meals, visit the restaurants near Amber Fort or in Jaipur city.
Is Jaigarh Fort wheelchair accessible?
The fort has many steps and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for wheelchair users. Some areas near the entrance and Jaivana cannon are relatively accessible.
Conclusion - Plan Your Jaigarh Fort Visit
Jaigarh Fort offers a unique glimpse into Rajput military history and engineering excellence. While it receives fewer tourists than nearby Amber Fort, this "Victory Fort" rewards visitors with the world's largest cannon, stunning Aravalli views, and fascinating royal armory. The fort's impregnable design, never conquered in battle, stands as a testament to medieval Indian military architecture.
For the best experience, combine Jaigarh Fort with Amber Fort (via the scenic road as the tunnel is closed) and Nahargarh Fort for a complete "Fort Triangle" tour. The cooler months from October to March offer ideal conditions for exploring this hilltop fortress.
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Last Updated: January 2025 | Entry fees and timings are subject to change. Please verify current information before visiting.