Rajasthan is a paradise of living architecture. Here, forts are carved into hillocks, palaces drift across lakes, and havelis are embroidered in stone. From climate-conscious engineering centuries ahead of its time to material palettes that celebrate contrast and interiors conceived as immersive art, every structure tells a story. Explore Jaipur’s pink palaces, Udaipur’s mirrored courtyards, and Jaisalmer’s golden façades in this curated list of 11 must-visit historic structures of Rajasthan.

Amber (Amer) Fort, Jaipur

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Amber (Amer) Fort was the erstwhile palatial stronghold of the Rajput Kachwaha clan, when it was their capital long before Jaipur was founded. Begun by Raja Man Singh I in the late 16th century and later expanded by other rulers, it is an amalgamation of Rajput defensive tactics and Mughal aesthetics. Constructed of red and yellow sandstone, the façade of Amber Fort rises above the man-made Maota Lake in commanding splendour. The fortress is a series of massive arched ways, palaces for kings and queens, grand courts and sprawling courtyards. The Diwan-i-Aam features pillared arcades, while the Diwan-i-Khas showcases marble inlay. The Sheesh Mahal remains the jewel of the fort, where thousands of mirrors transform a single candle flame into a dazzling starlit effect. Beyond its history, the fort has chic souvenir shops, fine dining restaurants and quirky cafés tucked within its ramparts. Every evening, a light and sound show brings the fort alive with tales of valour, betrayal and romance, as the illuminated walls themselves become the stage.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

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Hawa Mahal literally translates to the Palace of Winds, thanks to its 900-plus windows of varying sizes. The iconic pink pyramidal palace, with its numerous fenestrations, has become synonymous with the identity of the Pink City. Overlooking a bustling shopping district in Jaipur’s old walled city, the monument is thronged by tourists posing against its façade. Yet few realise that Hawa Mahal is among the rare buildings celebrated for its rear elevation rather than its front. What appears from the street is in fact a giant latticed screen, created for the royal ladies of the time, allowing them to observe street processions and market activities without being seen by the public. The palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in a design that resembles the crown of Lord Krishna, to whom the king was deeply devoted. The rear façade, with its countless honeycombed windows, captures all the glamour and the Gram, but the palace’s interior is also a marvel of engineering ingenuity. The jharokhas are designed to channel air through a Venturi effect, naturally cooling the interiors.

Along with materials such as lime plaster and sandstone, this system keeps the palace several degrees cooler than the harsh desert climate outside. This design makes Hawa Mahal a naturally air-conditioned building centuries before modern cooling systems, and a remarkable example of climate-conscious architecture. While many admire the palace from the street, the best view is from the cafés and terraces across the road where visitors can sip coffee while capturing a picture-perfect shot of the Palace of Winds.

Also read: Karauli City Palace is an anthem to the centuries-old design practices of Rajasthan

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

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Jantar Mantar is another gem of Jaipur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s largest stone astronomical observatories. Built in 1724 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the city’s founder and a passionate astronomer, Jantar Mantar is a cluster of monoliths that look like surreal sculptures but are actually scientific instruments designed with astonishing precision, impressive even in modern times. These 19 instruments could measure celestial positions, track stars, predict eclipses and tell the time with remarkable accuracy long before modern telescopes or gadgets existed. The star of the show is the Samrat Yantra, a colossal 27-metre-high sundial that still tells time to within two seconds of accuracy. Even today, scholars, stargazers and the simply curious are awed by how this open-air laboratory works. The best way to explore it is on a clear, cloudless day, and it is even better if you hire a certified guide at the ticket counter who can bring these strange-looking structures to life.

City Palace, Udaipur

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Rising along the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace of Udaipur is Rajasthan’s largest royal complex and one of its most breathtaking. Construction began in 1553 under Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, and successive rulers continued to add to it over nearly 400 years. What exists today is a plush fusion of Indo-Mughal designs where towering balconies, cupolas, and turrets seem to float above the City of Lakes- Udaipur. Noteworthy areas include Mor Chowk, famous for its peacock mosaics, the Zenana Mahal, which was reserved for the royal ladies, and the airy courtyards that open to sweeping views of Udaipur’s shimmering lakes and the distant Aravalli hills. The palace still serves as the residence of the Mewar royal family, while parts have been converted into museums showcasing the dynasty’s weapons, paintings, and artefacts. The best way to experience the City Palace is to stroll through its layered history, and if you can, stay until evening when a light and sound show inside the palace narrates the story of the building and the city.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

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Towering 400 feet above the Blue City of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the city’s founder. The fort sprawls across a rocky hilltop, crowning the skyline with its massive stone walls, some of which rise to 36 metres high and 21 metres thick. Inside, the mood shifts from formidable strength to royal splendour, as you wander through exquisitely decorated palaces such as the Phool Mahal (Palace of Flowers), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). Mehrangarh is a rare structure where the entire fort is fused into the very rock of the hill it crowns, its foundations literally carved out of the stone it stands upon. This integration makes the fort appear to grow organically from the cliffs like a natural monolith rather than a constructed building. The result is a historical icon so imposing that even Rudyard Kipling once described it as “the work of giants.” Today, the fort is also home to an outstanding museum that showcases royal artefacts, weapons, palanquins and textiles, while the ramparts offer panoramic views of Jodhpur’s sea of indigo houses.

Also read: I explored Jodhpur through art, but the city’s architecture stole the spotlight

Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

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Known for its golden dunes and honey-hued homes, the frontier city of Jaisalmer’s crown is Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of five historic mansions. Built between 1805 and 1860 by a wealthy trader and later expanded by his sons, the haveli complex reflects the prosperity of merchant families who once thrived along the desert trade routes. Every inch of its sandstone walls is carved with delicate jaalis, arches and figurative motifs that resemble lacework despite being cut from solid stone. This mastery of craftsmanship gives the haveli its nickname, “golden embroidery in stone.” Inside, the havelis open into airy courtyards, grand staircases and ornately painted chambers, some of which now house museums displaying artefacts, textiles and antique furniture.

Chand Baori, Abhaneri

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A short drive from both Jaipur and Agra, in the small village of Abhaneri, lies Chand Baori, one of the world’s deepest and most visually striking stepwells. Built in the 9th century by the Chauhan dynasty, the stepwell plunges over 13 storeys deep and is lined with more than 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a mesmerising geometric pattern. From above, the zig-zagging staircases look almost like an optical illusion, creating a hypnotic symmetry that has made Chand Baori a favourite among photographers and architecture lovers alike. Beyond its water harvesting system, Chand Baori also functioned as a palace annexe, a congregational space for the community, and even a venue for performances in its day. The air at the bottom of the well can be up to 5–6 degrees cooler than at the surface, offering locals respite from Rajasthan’s harsh summer heat.

Ranakpur Jain Temples

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Tucked away in a quiet valley of the Aravalli Hills between Udaipur and Jodhpur, the Ranakpur Jain Temples are among the most stunning examples of Jain architecture in India. Built in the 15th century under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, the temples were constructed entirely from gleaming white marble. The main temple sprawls over 48,000 square feet and is supported by an astonishing forest of pillars. In total, there are 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars, no two of which are alike. Each pillar features unique designs ranging from floral patterns and celestial figures to mythological scenes, so no matter where you stand, your eye always finds new detail.

Poddar Haveli Museum, Nawalgarh

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The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is packed with painted havelis that were once the grand mansions of wealthy merchants on the desert trade routes. Often called the “open-air art gallery of Rajasthan,” Shekhawati’s finest example is the Poddar Haveli in Nawalgarh, lovingly restored as a heritage museum. Built in the 18th century by a prosperous Marwari trading family, the haveli overwhelms with its profusion of murals, courtyards and richly decorated façades that narrate stories from mythology, local traditions and colonial influences. What makes Poddar Haveli especially captivating is its incredible collection of more than 750 frescoes, covering walls, ceilings and gateways in vivid colours. The murals depict everything from gods and goddesses to British officials, trains and gramophones, reflecting how global encounters seeped into local art. Its expansive courtyards and intricately carved wooden doors preserve the grandeur of a merchant’s lifestyle, while the museum inside showcases jewellery, textiles, coins and everyday objects.

Also read: Tijara Fort Palace in Rajasthan has a newly-launched suite inspired by cannons

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

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Perched on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the last grand palaces built in India and today partly operates as a luxury Taj hotel. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to employ workers during a famine, the palace took over 14 years to complete and is a stunning fusion of Eastern and Western design sensibilities. Constructed from golden Chittar sandstone, it glows warmly in the desert sun and dominates the city skyline with its monumental presence. Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the rare palaces in the country built in the Art Deco style with classical Rajput influences. Designed by British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the palace combines streamlined modern geometry with domes, courtyards and intricate interiors. The 347-room complex features opulent ballrooms, marble staircases, and Art Deco furniture, while its museum showcases royal heirlooms and vintage cars.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

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Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, which were built on hilltops, Junagarh Fort is situated in the heart of Bikaner city, making it one of the few major forts in the state constructed on flat land. Built in 1589 by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is a brilliant blend of Rajput, Mughal and later European influences. Its massive red sandstone walls guard a labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, temples and balconies, each one revealing new layers of grandeur and artistry. Particularly remarkable is the fusion of artistic styles within its many palaces. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) is decorated with intricate mirror work, the Anup Mahal dazzles with gold leaf and lacquered wood ceilings, and the Chandra Mahal glows with delicate glass inlay. Since the fort never fell to invaders, it remains one of Rajasthan’s best-preserved monuments, a proud symbol of Bikaner’s martial strength and refined artistry.