Top 10 Best Forts in India to Discover
List of Forts in India
- 1. Mehrangarh Fort
- 2. Jaigarh Fort
- 3. Jaisalmer Fort
- 4. Chittorgarh Fort
- 5. Amber Fort
- 6. Red Fort
- 7. Agra Fort
- 8. Kangra Fort
- 9. Golconda Fort
- 10. Jhansi Fort
The magnificent forts in India not just showcase the artwork but also depict stories that will surely take you to the lands of Maharajas and Emperors. These forts also create a major portion of heritage tourism in India which is referred to as Rajasthan tourism. Believe it or not, these 10 forts pull throngs of travellers from all over the world.
Top Forts in India
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Perched on a Bahuchiriya cliff, Mehrangarh is a 15th-century royal fort in Jodhpur. It literally means “The Sun Fort”, Mehrangarh Fort is indeed one of the most enormous forts in India. Guarded by 7 enormous gates, Mehrangarh Fort was built primarily for military defense but inside the fort, one can find some of the most beautiful palaces. The palaces have ornately adorned ceilings and walls. Places within the fort are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Zenana Deodi, Chokelao Gardens, Mehrangarh Fort museum, etc.
2. Jaigarh Fort
Overlooking the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is one of the most stunning and majestic forts in India. It is located on a hill of the Aravalli range and was built by Raja Jai Singh II in 1726. Sprawling in an area of 3 km, Jaigarh Fort is a massive fort famed for its cannon foundry. Fortified with thick walls of red sandstone, Jaigarh Fort is extended to around 3 km and has a width of 1 km.
3. Jaisalmer Fort
Often dubbed as Golden Fort, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in India. This is a 12th-century must-visit fort that has been voted by visitors as a wondrous fort in Rajasthan. It is one of the huge desert forts in the world and is also known as the “Living Fort “, because of being home to a large population of Jaisalmer still living within the fort.
4. Chittorgarh Fort
The former seat of Mewar rulers, Chittorgarh Fort is a spectacular fortress perched on a hill of 591 ft. of elevation. The fort is built on 280 hectares of land and is one of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. Chittorgarh Fort is unique which was self-sufficient in water with 84 large water bodies in the form of wells, ponds, and stepwells with a storage capacity of 4 billion litres of water.
5. Amber Fort
Built-in the 10th century, Amber Fort can rightly be called the Gateway to Rajasthan. The imposing fort built on top of Aravalli hill has the record of never being conquered. Inside the fort are beautiful palaces and gardens, exquisitely designed and adorned rooms hammams, and terraces. The fort is enriched with frescoes, Jaaliwork, and mosaic work. The palace is divided into four main sections each one has its own entry gate and courtyard.
6. Red Fort
Built-in 1648 as the fortified palaces of Shahjahanabad, Red Fort is indeed one of the most popular historical forts in India. It is named after the massive enclosed walls of red sandstone; the architecture of the fort is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The fort has four accesses strategically made in each direction which is famous as the Lahori Gate.
7. Agra Fort
Also known as Red Fort in Agra it bears exceptional testimony to the history of the Mughal Empire. It was built in the year 1565 and during the reign of Akbar, the main part of the fort was made. This 94-acre semicircular fort is complemented by its lofty bastions, bastions at intervals, embrasures, machicolations, and string courses.
8. Kangra Fort
The Kangra Fort is located atop a hill is located at the confluence of Bangana and Patal Ganga Rivers (also known as the Majhi), in the southwestern outskirts of the old Kangra town. It is the most magnificent fort in India and the oldest fort in the country built around 400 BC after the Mahabharat War by the Katoch King Susharma Chandra.
9. Golconda Fort
Getting its name from Golla Konda or Golconda Fort is another popular heritage attraction in India. Something that makes Golkonda famous apart from this majestic fort was the fact that it was the diamond trade, the Kohinoor, and the Hope Diamond are some of the famous ones excavated from the mines here. Golconda Fort comprises 87 semicircular bastions, eight gateways, four drawbridges, many royal apartments, halls, etc.
10. Jhansi Fort
Once the stronghold of Chandela Kings, Jhansi Fort in Uttar Pradesh is one of its own kind. Perched on a hilltop, Jhansi Fort has sturdy granite walls that are 16-20 feet thick and on the south side meet the city walls. There are many places to see inside the fort, like Shiva Temple, Ganesh Temple, Kadak Bijili cannon, Rani Jhansi Garden, etc.
Conclusion
For history and architecture lovers, exploring these opulent forts in India is highly recommended. As you will get to learn about the cultural heritage, glorious past, and finesse in architectural style. So, plan your next India trip and include the famous Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan in your travel itinerary.