Taragarh Fort is known as the star fort and it can be found between two regions Ajmer and Pushkar. This fort is well known for its water reservoirs and tunnels. Today this fort serves as a museum displaying the arms of the rulers of this fort.

An amazing architecture of the earlier Rajasthan people can be seen by visiting this Taragarh Fort. This fort was constructed in 1354 AD on the top of Nagpahari hills in Ajmer. The whole is constructed of stone and the whole structure is very remarkable.

The fort can be reached today after climbing the hill for one and half an hour climb. Most of the fort has been ruined though. The city view from the top of the hill is excellent.

The fort was put to various uses when it was in good condition. The fort’s site was apt for military activity during the Mughal period. During the rule of British this fort was used as sanatorium by the British People.  Today this fort has been converted into a GovernmentMuseum and it displays a rich collection of weapons belonging to the Mughal and Rajput clan. Among the other things found in the museum it also includes miniature paintings, rock inscriptions, which date back behind 8th century AD and stone sculptures.

History of Taragarh Fort

The history shows that this fort was constructed by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan on top of a sandstone hill. This hill is some 40 km away from Ajmer. This fort was also known as the Star fort in olden days and this fort served as home for a princely state, which was ruled by Rajput clan. The entire fort is covered with six massive gates and that this fort served as the military hub during the period of Mughal ruling. In those days this fort was well known for its water harvesting system that was the best during that time. All the stone reservoirs found nearby were used for storing water.

Structures Found Inside the Fort

Gates

This fort has 6 major gates and each gateis decorated with carvings of elephants. The well-known three gates to the fort are Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagdi ki Phatak. Though they are well known there is nothing much to see today as the gates have been destroyed due to improper care. This is first line of defense. Behind the gate the second line of defense was developed in form of an embattled parapet wall.

Tunnels

This fort is also well known for its tunnels. The tunnels crisscross the entire hillside and these tunnels were the way used by the kind and his ministers to flee from the fort during any emergency attack. Since no map of the tunnel is available, these tunnels have been closed for public viewing so that people don’t get lost in the tunnels.

Stone Tower

This stone tower or the biggest battlement is known as the Bhim Burj. This place is the home of the famous cannon the Garbha Gunjanor, which is also known as the thunder from the womb. This is the 2nd largest cannon that can be found in the history of India.

Rani Mahal

This was the palace built for the wives of the rulers. The palace was decorated with murals and stained glass windows and was known for its charming beauty. Due to very less care this small palace has been ruined these days and it doesn’t display its charm to its viewers.

Attractions Inside the Fort

The stone tower is one of the major attractions, which flocks lot of people to this place. The other attraction is to the museum, which displays quite a range of weapons and products related to the period dating back to 8th century AD.

This place also has a Dargha known as Miran Saheb ki Dargha. This is located inside the walls of the fort. Miran Saheb was the warrior and governor who gave away his life while trying to defend and protect the Taragargh fort from enemies’ attack. The dargha was created to honor his sacrifice to the kingdom.

Attractions Nearby

Nearby attractions around the fort would include the temples of Pushkar. The 400 temples found in Pushkar are dedicated to various deities and is one of the popular tourist attractions near this fort.

If the trip to this fort happens to be during the month of October and November, a trip to Pushkar fair can be made. The fair is held during the karthik month of Hindu calendar and people of Pushkar celebrate it in a colorful way. Also the Hindu pilgrims come from all the way across the country to get a dip in the holy lake of Puskkar. One can also visit the Pushkar Lake and get a dip in its holy water.

Camel Ride is another major attraction. Also camel and donkey races are highlights of Pushkar fair, which are interesting to be part of.

Reaching This Fort

Ajmer is the nearest location for this fort. There are many bus and rails connecting the city of Ajmer to other important cities of India.

Bus from Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalamer connect with Ajmer. There is also bus service from Delhi to Ajmer and there is other bus service, which runs from other important cities of India.

The Sanganer airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport for Ajmer and from there one can reach Ajmer through government bus. There are also taxis available connecting Ajmer and Jaipur.

Trains from Delhi and Mumbai reach the Ajmer railway stations. Apart from that there are other trains running from different parts of the country and stop at Ajmer.