Rajasthan is often projected as a land where forts and palaces are a dime a dozen. Although there is much, much more to Rajasthan - as you can see for yourself in our various sections - the statement is partially true.

Nowhere else in the world can you find so many majestic killas (forts) and mahals (palaces) - all with their own unique stamp of individuality. So much so that they have been captured on film - The Jungle Book, The Far Pavilions, Octopussy and The Jewel in the Crown, to name a few.

Rajasthan's forts and palaces can be found anywhere and everywhere - on hilltops, in dense forests, over the ridge, in the middle of lakes and even in the midstream of a river (the Gagron Fort)!

Many forts are totally barren, while some enclose entire townships within their parapets. Forts, such as the one at Chittaurgarh, have witnessed the bloodiest of battles, while some did not even go through a rehearsal!

The prominent forts include those in Jodhpur (Mehrangarh), Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Bundi and Jaipur (Amber and Jaigarh).

Most of the palaces have been converted either into museums or beautiful hotels. The must-see ones include:

• Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur... Hotel and Museum.
• Lake Palace, Udaipur... Hotel.
• City Palace, Udaipur... Hotel and Museum.
• Rambagh Palace, Jaipur... Hotel.
• Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur... Hotel.
• City Palace, Jaipur... Museum.
• Samode Palace, Samode (near Jaipur)... Hotel.