Remembering the days when people fought with muskets, swords, arrows and cannons is fascinating. India has royalty in its legacy from the great leaders and empires that make our history so beautiful. And what proof do we have of these times? The enormous forts and palaces that dot various parts of the country. Even though these famous forts in India were constructed during the Middle Ages, many still exist.
So, check out these six impressive famous forts in India to take a walk through history.
1. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
There are many historical forts in India, most of which are in Rajasthan. A place often called “Raja ka than”, Jodhpur has the biggest of all forts in India called the Mehrangarh Fort. This fort’s timeless splendour attracts tourists and film companies. Movies like Holiday, Hum Saath Saath Hai, The Dark Knight Rises, and many others have been filmed on the grounds of this India’s biggest fort. In contrast to other Rajput forts that were eventually abandoned, Mehrangarh Fort is still under the royal family’s control.
2. Mysore Palace, Mysore, Karnataka
How can the list of forts and palaces in India be complete without mentioning Mysore Palace? Henry Irwin, a British architect, created the design of this palace, which was built between 1897 and 1912. The Wadiyar monarchs, who initially constructed a palace in Mysore in the fourteenth century, are the owners of the current palace. A fire destroyed the former palace that was rebuilt in the Indo-Saracenic style, which combines Rajput, Hindu, Islamic and Gothic elements. The marble domes are the palace’s most notable feature making it one of the best palaces in India.
3. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana
The Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is one of India’s biggest forts. The Kakatiya Kings of Warangal erected the fort in the 13th century, however, it peaked in 1518 and 1687 during the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The fort’s region later became a famous source of diamonds in the 17th century. Numerous drawbridges, temples, mosques, royal rooms and halls, and stables are seen among the fort’s ruins. The fort’s architecture and unique acoustic design, though, are what make this one of the best forts in India.
4. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
If you’re already asking, “how many forts are in India”? Then you’re in for a big surprise. We present Chittorgarh Fort, one of the most historic forts in India. It covers over 700 acres! Mewar monarchs governed the fort for eight centuries before Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, stormed and took control of it in 1568. In the end, Jehangir, Akbar’s eldest son, returned the fort to the Mewars in 1616. The fort’s attractions include old palaces, temples, towers and a reservoir where visitors can feed fish.
5. City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Do you know which city is known as the city of palaces? Yes, Jaipur is known as the city of palaces in India, and for a good reason. There are many forts and palaces located in Jaipur that tell the old tale of victory and glory. One of the most famous ones is the City Palace. Situated in the heart of Jaipur’s Old City, it was constructed between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. When the Maharaja is in residence, their family flag is flown atop the Chandra Mahal portion of the palace, which still houses the royal family. You can take the Royal Grandeur tour of this famous palace in India. The tour costs INR 2,500 for international tourists and INR 2,000 for Indian tourists.
6. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Last but not least, we have Gwalior Fort on our list of forts in India. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, the majestic Gwalior Fort has a long and violent history. The story of this famous fort in India dates back to 525. It has experienced numerous attacks over the years and had countless different rulers. The fort wasn’t truly prominent or constructed to its present size and splendour until the Rajput Tomar dynasty’s rule. Between 1486 and 1516, Raja Man Singh Tomar, the monarch at the time, built Man Mandir Palace, one of the fort’s most notable features. Rows of yellow ducks and blue mosaic tiles embellish its exterior walls.
Visiting these forts and palaces of India is like diving into our history. Learn about the kings, alliances and grudges that shaped Indian history. Need more reasons to pack your bags and book your tickets to check out these famous forts in India?