About Moti Doongri Fort
Opening hours and days: Open for Visitors only on MahaShivratri | 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
Prime days and hours: Shivratri, Mornings
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction Railway Station, about 5 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, about 6 km
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport, about 12 km
Moti Doongri Fort stands out among the forts and palaces in Rajasthan for its unique blend of Scottish castle-inspired architecture and royal heritage. Perched on a hill in the heart of Jaipur, it was once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. The fort’s European-style design, combined with Indian elements, gives it a distinct character unlike other structures in the city and makes it a popular inclusion in many Rajasthan tour packages.
Though it opens to the public only on Maha Shivratri, its hilltop location and views of landmarks like Birla Mandir and Central Park make it an unmistakable part of Jaipur’s skyline. The nearby Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple adds a spiritual touch, making this fort an essential stop in your Jaipur experience for history, culture, and panoramic views.
Moti Doongri Fort Highlights
• Witness the Moti Doongri Fort, an 18th-century building that looks like a Scottish castle, once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II.
• Visit the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple at the base of the fort with a 500-year-old idol, imported from Gujarat, which draws thousands of worshippers.
• Admire the temple's intricate latticework, exquisite carvings of legendary images on marble walls, and its three symbolic domes that stand for India's major religions.
• Visit the lively weekly fair near the temple held every Wednesday with local stalls, sweet stores, and spiritual energy for Lord Ganesha.
• Attend the Maha Shivratri festival in Ekalingeshwar Mahadev Temple, a sacred shrine within the fort complex that opens only on this auspicious day.
How To Reach Moti Doongri Fort
By Road- You can reach the Moti Doongri Fort from Jaipur City Centre, which is around 5 kilometres away, taking about 20 minutes to reach via the Bhawani Singh Road.
Best Time To Visit Moti Doongri Fort
1. Peak Season (October to March)
- Weather Insights- With temperatures between 10°C and 25°C and mild, dry weather, sightseeing is comfortable and enjoyable.
- Things to Do- Enjoy the fort's view from the top of the hill and visit the Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple.
2. Moderate Season (July to September)
- Weather Insights-Temperature ranges between 22°C and 30°C with occasional to moderate showers.
- Things to Do- Enjoy the beauty of Jaipur's monsoon, see the view from adjacent places, and admire the temple in the green surroundings.
3. Low Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights: The temperature can reach 42°C, and the air can be dry and hot, especially in the afternoon.
- Things to Do: Visit the temple and take pictures amidst fewer crowds.
Moti Doongri Fort Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go!
- Please be aware that tourists are not allowed to go inside the Moti Doongri Fort as it is privately held; they can only visit the inside on MahaShivratri.
- Bring water bottles, hats, and sunscreen if you go during the warmer months, because it may become hot around the fort, especially in the summer.
- Dress modestly and be polite, especially during prayer times and festivals when a lot of people come to the temple.
- Don't throw trash on or around the site, and help maintain it beautiful by keeping the area clean.
- Since the fort is located on a hill in the heart of Jaipur, plan your visit with a stop at nearby attractions like Birla Mandir and Albert Hall Museum to make the most of your trip.
Attend the Maha Shivaratri Festival
The Ekalingeshwar Mahadev temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is hidden away in the Moti Doongri Fort complex. It is closed to the public all year, open only on the holy day of Maha Shivratri. This one-day access brings in thousands of people from all around the country who want to see it. The spiritual atmosphere and the fact that it's hard to get in make it a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who goes to Jaipur at this time.
Admire the Fort's architecture
The outside of the fort attracts a lot of visitors, even though it is open only once a year. The fort is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rajasthan because it combines European and Rajput styles inspired by a Scottish castle. The domed turrets, stone façade, and hilltop location make it a beautiful architectural feature that can be seen from many sections of Jaipur, especially at sunset.
Visit Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple.
The Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, one of Jaipur's most popular spiritual places, is situated at the base of the fort. Every day, especially on Wednesdays, people come here to ask Lord Ganesha for favours. The temple's tranquil setting, detailed carvings, and cultural significance make it a peaceful break in your tour of Jaipur's royal and religious sites.
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Moti Doongri Fort FAQs
What is Moti Doongri Fort known for?
The fort is famous for its Scottish castle-like construction and its placement on a hill that gives it great views of Jaipur. The fort is not open to the public all year round but only on Maha Shivratri, yet it is important to history because it was once a royal home. The Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, which is close by, draws many worshippers, making the whole hill a well-known cultural and spiritual site in the city.
What makes the Ekalingeshwar Mahadev Temple inside Moti Doongri Fort so special?
The Ekalingeshwar Mahadev Temple is a rare and important place of worship for Lord Shiva, located in the Moti Doongri Fort complex. It is extremely special since it only lets people in once a year, on the holy day of Maha Shivratri. This exclusivity, together with the temple's spiritual importance, attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists who want to see this darshan once a year.
What is the location of Moti Doongri Fort?
The famed Birla Mandir is close to Moti Doongri Fort, which stands on a hilltop in the middle of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Because it is in the middle of the city, it is easy to get to from anywhere. The fort lies on top of a tiny hill, and the famous Ganesh Temple at its feet is a busy place of worship for both residents and tourists.
Can I visit the Moti Doongri Fort?
Yes, you can visit the Moti Doongri Fort; however, it is not open throughout the year. The fort opens to the public only once annually on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. On this day, visitors can also access the Ekalingeshwar Mahadev Temple located within the fort premises, which is otherwise closed all year round.
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