Top 13 Must-Visit Forts in India
When thinking of India and its history, palaces and forts are the first things that come to mind. With the extensive history of India, all of these palaces have a rich culture to present to their visitors with the hidden past.
The majority of the forts in India are located in Rajasthan, mostly built by the Rajput warriors. Jaipur has a large number of them, each different from the others in terms of interiors and experience.
Many of these forts have been converted into hotels that were once homes to famous royal owners. Some of the impressive forts and palaces of India are listed as under:
Table of Contents
- List of Must Visit Forts in India
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
- Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
- Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
- Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
- Udaipur City Palace, Rajasthan
- Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
- Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
- Red Fort, Delhi
- Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
- Jaipur City Palace
- Chitradurga Fort, Karnataka
- Mysore Palace, Karnataka
List of Must Visit Forts in India
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
This fort is not just one of the biggest forts in India but is also well maintained and beautiful forts in India. It is positioned on top of a rocky hill in the Blue city of Jodhpur, established by the dynasty of Rathore Rajput.
The construction started in 1459 by King Rao Jodha and the finishing was done only in the 20th century.
Mehrangarh Fort is still under the royal family comprising of so many small palaces, restaurants, and museums inside the Fort. The folk dance and music held here is such a delightful show.
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Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
There are not many living forts in India where you can spend the night, but Jaisalmer Fort is one of them. It is such a magical fort made from yellow sandstone and is home to so many people living here for ages. T
he fort holds many Havelis, hotels, shops, palace complexes and temples inside it.
Rawal Jaisal began with the construction in the year 1156 making it one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The fort has seen so many battles, still standing firm on its ground. The condition of the fort is now deteriorating because of poor drainage systems.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
The ruins of the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad are a feast to the eyes. The Fort, starting its journey as a mud Fort built by Kakatiya Kings of Waranga saw a reign from 1518 to 1687 under Qutub Shahi Dynasty.
The Golconda Fort then came to be known for its diamond market selling rare diamonds of that time.
The ruins of the fort have several temples, mosques, stables, halls, and royal apartments. Some of the bastions still have canons in them. The architectural design of the fort is majestic and unique.
If you stand at a point at the dome of Fateh Darwaza and clap, you can hear the clap at BalaHissar Gate which is 1 km from the dome. The light and sound show in the evening narrates the story of Golconda Fort.
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Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh, also known as the “Great Wall of India” is extending to 35 km and is the second-largest wall in the world. It is one of the important forts of the Mewar Kingdom.
The fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and it took him 15 years for completing the fort. The palace hoists about 360 temples with step walls, cannon bunkers, and palace ruins.
This Fort is also known for the great Warrior King Maharana Pratap. The fort is located close to Udaipur making it a fun one-day trip near Udaipur. You can hire a personal car for taking the services. The famous battle of HaldiGhati in 1576 plays an important role in the history of India.
Udaipur City Palace, Rajasthan
The City palace was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 and after the Mughal invasion, the capital was relocated to Chittorgarh. The Fort is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola giving such splendid views.
The Fort is partially occupied by the family of Mewar. The City Palace Museum seems like the jewel of the palace.
The palace museum has both Mardana Mahal and Zeenana Mahal. It was constructed over four and a half centuries ago making it one of the oldest forts present in Rajasthan.
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Amber Fort, Jaipur
It is one of the better-known forts in India. Located in the small heritage town of Amber, the construction of the Fort began in 1592 by Rajput Ruler Maharaja Man Singh I.
Many rulers added to the Fort relocating the capital in 1727. The fort comprises of six Hill Forts getting the declaration from UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The architecture is a complete blending of Mughal and Hindu influences made mostly out of sandstone and white marble. The Fort is comprising of palaces, halls, courtyards, and gardens. The Sheesh Mahal is one of the beautiful parts of the Fort made intricately carved glittering walls and ceilings. You can know about history in the evening and light show.
Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
Agra Fort is a sequel to the Taj Mahal and is a must-visit place. It was the first Mughal Fort leading from four generations influencing from the Mughal emperors.
It has been listed as a World Heritage Site in 1983. It was constructed by Emperor Abkar in the 16th century made primarily as a military installation.
The white marble palaces and mosques were constructed later in the 17th century by Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan started developing his new capital in 1638 by remodeling of the Agra Fort. The British started taking control of the fort in 1803. However, when the British left, the fort was given to the Central Government.
Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
The Gwalior Fort has history laid back in time. The history dates back to as far as 525. It has seen many attacks and many rulers have ruled the fort. Raja Man Singh Tomar was one of the recognized rulers from 1486 to 1516. The outer walls are made of blue mosaic tiles and rows of yellow ducks.
The compound is huge consisting of both Hindu and Jain temples, with the Hathi Pol being the majestic thing in the Fort. The gate opens to Man Mandir Palace. The fort has an open-air Amphitheatre, showing light and sound show in the evening.
Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort stands as a powerful Mughal Rule Fort showing the icon of independent India in 1648. Shah Jahan was the maker of the Fort turned into UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
The Fort however declined with the Mughal Rule and taken over by Mughals, Sikhs, and Marathas.
The British destroyed much of it in 1857 and today the Red Fort is located in Chandni Chowk opposite Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in the world.
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest Forts in India crossing 700 acres. The Mewar rulers ruled the kingdom until it was seized by Akbar in 1568. However, Jehangir had no other option but to give the Fort back to the Mewar. Many parts of the fort are in ruins but the glory is yet present.
Some of the attractions of the fort are the palaces, temples, towers, and the presence of a reservoir for feeding fish. Climbing to the top of Vijay Stambha gets you incredible views. Many parts of the fort have been used as a royal cremation ground.
Jaipur City Palace
The Jaipur City palace was made between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The royal family is still seen in the Chandra Mahal part of the Palace with the other part dedicated to Man Singh II Museum. You can take a royal Grandeur tour for a hefty amount. The Pitam Niwas Chowk is the beauty of the fort leading to the Chandra Mahal.
The beautifully decorated doors and gates represent the four Hindu Gods of Vishnu, Krishna, Ganesh and Goddess Devi. The Peacock Gate is so popular and people from different comes come for its photography.
Chitradurga Fort, Karnataka
This is such a worthy fort falling between Hampi and Bangalore. The fort is located on the hills and was constructed by various rulers between the 10th to 18th centuries. The Fort is also called stone Fort for the presence of enormous amounts of granite and many secret hallways and passageways. It has 35 secret passages and 4 hallways not visible to any including 2,000 watchtowers.
Hyder Ali took over the Fort by giving the finishing touches to completing the mosque. The attractions inside the Fort are galleries, grinding stones, stone carvings, water tanks also with peak for scenic views. Hidimbeshwara Temple is inside the premises made for Hidimba, wife of famous Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Mysore Palace, Karnataka
The palace was first built in the 14th century which was demolished so many times. The architecture has a blending of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic Influences. The interiors are glittery with a pavilion filled with antique dolls, armory, royal painting gallery, and many unique antique collections.
The exterior is lit up using 1,00,000 bulbs for 45 minutes every Sunday. The place remains illuminated for the whole 7 days and the light and sound show looks magnificent.
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These are some of the best forts in India. Try visiting any of these forts and you will be filled with happiness and memories remaining with you for a lifetime!
