17 Most Popular Forts in India
India had been ruled by a number of dynasties. The Kings believed in royal and grand style of living, as a result many historic forts in India were constructed during this time. In India, Rajasthan specifically is one of the main state which beholds a number of forts. Watching these forts in India would be a sheer pleasure as you would come across a phenomenal mix of Rajputana and Mughal architecture. For travellers, these forts of India are of immense importance.
Forts in India reflects the colourful past of India. Your travel to India gives you a perfect chance to view them and through them you would be able to glimpse into their history. Book your tour to forts of India in such way that you experience the best of India.
Here is the list of Most Popular Forts in India that you should include during the next tour:
1- Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
Known as one of the most beautiful historical monuments in India, Gwalior Fort showcases the real beauty of the Ancient Indian Architecture. Even a Postage Stamp is issued to add charm to the importance of this fort. Built by Man Singh in the 8th century, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was imprisoned here and murdered by his brother. The Gwalior Fort consists of Six Palaces, Several Water Tanks, and Three Temples. Some of the religious sculptures in the fort exhibited to the 1st and 2nd century along with some of the Unique Artifacts.
2- Raigad Fort, Maharashtra
Raigad Fort is a beautiful fort located in the hill station that was commissioned by the Chhatrapati Shivaji. Situated 820 meters above the sea level, this monument is known as one of the Best Forts in India in the hill areas. It is a worthy place to visit over the weekend with friends, kids or families. This fort is famous as “The Gibraltar of the East” by the European historians. The major attraction of the Raigad Fort is lots of Big Water Reservoirs in which one is the Picturesque Ganga Sagar.
3- Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Known as one of the Largest Forts in the World, the Jaisalmer Fort located on the Trikuta Hill in the Thar Desert. There are many battles of very high magnitude fought in this area. Built during the 12th century, this monument is often called as the Golden Fort due to its dominance in the landscape of the Jaisalmer city. This beautiful fort was used by the travelers on the Silk Route as the refuge prior to British rule.
4- Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most Famous Forts in India, Agra fort is located at a distance of 2 KM from the Taj Mahal. This place has a rich history and spreads over the area of 94 acres. The First Sultan of Delhi Sikander Lodi lived in this fort. It is a UNESCO World Heritage lies on the Yamuna’s Right Bank. Also, the Mughal ruler Babur seized the Kohinoor Diamond from the Agra Fort. The majority of the aesthetically designed complexes in the fort is the Shish Mahal, Khas Mahal, and the octagonal tower of Muhammad Burj.
5- Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh
It is one of the oldest forts in India that located at the confluence of the Majhi and Banganga Rivers in the Kangra valley of the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. Built by the Royal family of Kangra, it is the largest fort in the state and consist of many valuable monuments. A road journey to Kangra is the perfect way to explore the Kangra Fort. Also, one can also enjoy a visit to the Hill Station of Dharamsala that is located nearby.
6- Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort is popularly known as “Lal Quila” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as one of the most popular forts in India. It is a well-preserved fort that is made completely from the Red Sandstone. This historical monument is maintained in a Top-Class Condition and mainly showcases Islamic architectural sensibilities. Along with this, the strong elements from the Persian, Hindu, And Timurid Architectural Styles are exhibited by the Red Fort. There are an Indian War Memorial Museum and an Archaeological Museum within the fort that showcases some of the pride moments of the country. Every year, the Prime Minister of India addresses the country on Republic Day and Independence Day from this beautiful fort.
7- Chiktan Fort, Jammu and Kashmir
Located in the Kargil District of Ladakh, the Chiktan Fort was built during the 16th century. During the time of creation, it was one of the Highest Forts in India with 9 storeys. However, only some ruins of the Chiktan Fort stand out. Visiting this place will give a Beautiful Image of a Castle with the backdrop of Snow-Capped Mountains.
8- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of the biggest forts in the country, the Mehrangarh Fort is a unique monument that is located on an elevated platform and has very thick walls as boundaries. There are Seven Distinct Gates in the fort and one of them has Cannonball Imprints that display the war history of the past. Apart from that, the fort also has a museum that elaborates the Pure History of the Rathores in the form of Arms, Attires, Paintings etc. The most interesting part of this fort is that some portion of the movie- “The Dark Knight Rises” was shot here.
9- Narwar Fort, Madhya Pradesh
Narwar Fort is a Beautiful Indian Monument that sits at the top of a hill 500 feet above the sea level. The Kachwaha clan of Rajputs built this extensive fort in the tenth century. However, it is not in a good condition nowadays and there is a need to repair it. Still, the flat ceilings, multifoil arches, and fluted column display typical construction of the historical India. The internal falls of the Narwar fort are adorned with the glass beads and bright paint. Situated at a distance of 122 KM from Gwalior, a trip to this fort can take the visitors to the ancient India.
10- Warangal Fort, Andhra Pradesh
If you look into an article related to the forts in India, one can’t miss the Warangal Fort if they are a fan of Kakatiya Lineage. The tourist can witness the Beautiful Gateways, Tablets, and Shrines in this fort. The people who have an interest in the Kakatiya culture will get a lifetime experience of the fall and rise of the bloodline. The major attraction of the Warangal Fort is the Thousand Pillar Temple, which is unique in its own way. You shouldn’t miss this historical fort if Stone Carvings and the Rich Heritage of India fantasizes you.
11- Fort Aguada, Goa
Get fame by featuring in the Aamir Khan’s Movie – Dil Chahta Hai, the Fort Aguada fort is known as one of the best places to visit in Goa. This beautiful fort was built by the Portuguese as a shield against the Marathas and the Dutch. The meaning of Aguada is water and got its name from a fresh water spring that was the major source of water supplied to the halting ships. There is also a Five-Star rated hotel near the Fort Aguada that overlooks the Arabian sea and offers many beautiful views.
12- Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
This popular fort was built by the Kakatiya Kings and showcases a rich history and Imposing Grand Structure. Once known for the magnificent diamonds, the city of Golconda is now renowned for the Golconda Fort because of its Military Architecture. It is one of the most wonderful historical monuments in India and tagged as one of the Seven Wonders of Hyderabad. Other Biggest Monuments in Hyderabad are Mecca Masjid, Hussain Sagar, Ramoji Film City, Charminar, Birla Mandir, Salarjung Museum, and Hussain Sagar.
13- Chapora Fort, Goa
Another beautiful monument in Goa, the Chapora Fort is one of the Historical Forts in India. This camp was the base camp of the Akbar when he joined hands with the Marathas for kicking out the Portuguese in Goa. The present design of the fort was made in 1717 that replaces the old design. Don’t forget to have a visit to the Saturday Night Market and bring back some memories of Goa with you.
14- Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal
Cooch Behar Palace is a perfect example of the Renaissance Architecture and culture of the West Bengal. This beautiful monument is purely designed on the model of the Buckingham Palace and designed by the Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. This monument is popular for its grandeur and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. At the place on which Cooch Behar Palace is built, a territory of Kamrup existed in the ancient times. Before the rule of the Britishers, the region was ruled by many rulers of the Narayan Dynasty.
15- Palakkad Fort, Kerala
Popularly known as Tipu’s Fort, this monument is a Complete Blend of the History and Nature. Situated in the foothills of the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats, the Palakkad Fort is enveloped by River Streams and Thick Forests. As per the legends, this fort was built during the ancient times. However, the recorded history of the Palakkad Fort is that it was built by Haidar Ali in 1766 A.D. We strongly believe that this list of Top Forts in India has already forced you to plan your next trip and explore one of these. Please tell us about your experience to these forts after coming back.
16- Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
The Chittorgarh Fort is regarded as the greatest and the largest fort in Rajasthan. The fort is located in the southern part of Rajasthan. The fort originally belonged to the Mewar rulers, and this was their capital till the fort was seized by the Mughal Emperor in the year 1568. You can attend the evening sound and light show to know more about the history of the fort.
Udayagiri Fort
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Visit Duration: Around 1 hour
- Timings: All days of the week 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Located on a massive granite rock base, the Udayagiri Fort, Kanyakumari was not just a fort but also a foundry that was used for the production of cannon balls, mortars and guns. Although no longer in use, an old chapel can be seen inside the fort. The tombs of a Dutch army man who served the king and his family are also housed within the ramparts of the Udayagiri Fort. Although mostly in ruins the fort is now preserved as not just a historical monument but also as a park.
The fort has now been declared a bio-diversity park and is protected. With over a hundred different varieties of trees and an equally large diversity of birds, the fort and its surroundings are worth a visit. The fort is definitely one of the few places that combine historical ruins with natural history
