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Gujarat is a state in western India known for its rich history and culture. Among the many iconic and remarkable monuments, one thing that sets apart this state from the others is its collection of forts. With a diverse range of forts in Gujarat, you get to immerse yourself in the rich history of the state, the succession of the rulers and the stories of the battles and valour. The next time you are planning your visit to Gujarat, ensure that you include some of the best forts to visit and learn about their history as well.
10 Forts In Gujarat
Since there are so many forts in Gujarat, a solid travel plan enables you to explore all of them without missing out on any.
1. Pavagadh Fort
Photo: Imsourabh1996 / Wikimedia Commons
The first spot that deserves the highlight is the Pavagadh Fort, which is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The fort itself is located in the Panchmahal district and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best forts in Gujarat, it is located on top of a hill and has a rich historical background. It is one of the most significant Gujarat forts, especially due to its strategic location, which one of the rulers wanted to capture. The fort’s architecture has a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and has numerous temples and mosques inside. One of the main attractions is the Kalika Mata Temple.
Location: Champaner, Gujarat 389360
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners
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2. Junagadh Fort
Photo: Gopikapadia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the most significant forts in Gujarat is the Uparkot Fort. It is one of the oldest forts in Gujarat and was constructed back in 319 BCE during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. It has been ruled by numerous dynasties as well, including the Chudasamas, the Gujarat Sultanate, and the Mughals. One of the main attractions of this fort is its large walls, some of which even go as high as 70 feet. There are numerous historical structures inside like the Neelam and Manek Guns, ancient step wells like the Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, and the Buddhist caves.
Location: Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children
3. Bhujia Fort
Photo: Fargone / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located on the outskirts of Bhuj in Gujarat, Bhujia Fort is one of the most historical forts in Gujarat. It is located on top of the Bhujia Hill and was built in the 18th century by the Jadeja rulers of Kutch. The fort’s strategic location offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding region, making it a vital military outpost during its time. Inside the fort, you will find all the staple structures, including the thick walls, bastions, and watchtowers, which add to the charm of the place further. Also, there is a temple inside the fort dedicated to Bhujang Nag.
Location: Bhujia Fort Rd, Bhujio Dungar, Bhuj, Gujarat 370020
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
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4. Lakhota Fort
Photo: mrr.sky / Wikimedia Commons
Lakhota Fort is one of the most popular forts in Gujarat and it is located in the bustling city of Jamnagar. What’s unique about this fort is that it is located on an island in the middle of the Lakhota Lake. Initially, it served as a military outpost and has eventually been transformed into a palace and museum, attracting thousands of tourists every year. One of the most important aspects of this fort is the museum that harbours important details about the rulers, and the past dynasties and has weapons, and sculptures depicting the region’s history.
Location: Government Colony, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361005
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM (Wednesday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person
5. Idar Fort
Photo: Fargone / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Alternatively known as Ilva Durga, Idar Fort is a favourably underrated fort in Gujarat. According to the historical evidence, the fort was reportedly built by the Rathore rulers and they date back to the mediaeval period. Also, since the fort is located on top of a hill, it is a great experience for trekking enthusiasts to embark on an adventure. The architecture itself features a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles and has palaces, temples, and step wells within its premises. You can also spot rock-cut structures around, adding to the charm.
Location: Idariyo Garh, Idar, Gujarat 383430
Timings: 24*7
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6. Roha Fort
Photo: Kutchimadu / Wikimedia Commons
Around 50 km from Bhuj, Roha Fort is one of the top forts in Gujarat. It is located around the outskirts of the Roha Village, around Nakhatrana Taluka. It is not an extensive fort and is spread across an area of 16 acres but has a lot of historical significance. It was constructed by Rao Khengarji I, who reigned in the area during the 1500s. It was later invaded by Alauddin Khilji. During that time, around 120 princesses from the Soomra clan sought shelter inside the fort and decided to commit suicide to protect their pride against the invaders.
Location: Roha, Gujarat 370030
Timings: 24*7
7. Kanthkot Fort
Photo: Prashant / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The origins of this Kanthkot Fort date back to 843 AD and during that time, it served as the capital of the Kathi empire. It was later succeeded by the Chavda dynasty. The fort has also offered shelter to many renowned kings of the time, including King Mularaja of the Chalukyas and Bhima I. The fort has been conquered by several rulers and dynasties following that. It is constructed using large stone boulders and it is located on top of a hill. Inside the fort, there are three temples, which are a popular place of worship too.
Location: Kanthkot, Gujarat 370135
Timings: 24*7
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8. Tera Fort
Photo: Rahul Soni / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kutch is renowned for its forts and among them, the Tera Fort deserves to be talked about. The fort’s name is derived from three different lakes in the area — Chattasar, Sumerasar and Chatasar. Also, the fort’s construction was done by the Jadeja dynasty. It was commissioned by Deshalji I in the 18th century. However, while things were peaceful in the area, it was later attacked by Maharaja Lakhpatji, further attacking the fort and destroying the area entirely. The majority of the fort was damaged by the cannons, so when you visit there now, most of what remains are the ruins.
Location: Kutch District, Tera, Gujarat 370660
Timings: 11 AM – 12:30 AM
9. Dhoraji Fort
Photo: Sikandar Ali / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in the middle of the city, Dhoraji Fort is another one of the famous forts in Gujarat. The fort is located near Rajkot, and due to its central location, it is surrounded by local markets too. It is said that the fort’s construction was completed by 1755 and it features a three-storey structure, which stands tall and resilient till date. Four large gates lead into the fort and there are three smaller gates available too. Some of the most important gates in the fort are Kathiyawadi Darwaja, Porbandar Darwaja, Halar Darwaja and Junagadh Darwaja.
Location: Dhoraji, Rajkot
Timings: 24*7
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10. Surat Fort
Photo: Aditya Kumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Last but not least is the Surat Fort, which is located in the Southern part of Gujarat. The fort was constructed between 1540 and 1546 by Khudawand Khan. Since Surat served as a major seaport during that time, the fort’s strategic location made it a target quite often. However, it aided in trade and commerce in the area. During that time, the Portuguese invaders were constantly attacking the city, trying to destroy it entirely. To combat that, the Sultan summoned Safi Agha, a Turkish soldier, who was the one that built the fort to protect the city.
Location: Rang Upvan Rd, Chowk Bazar, Varasa, Surat, Gujarat 395003
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children
All the forts in Gujarat have a story to tell and a history entwined with it. Getting to learn about the fort’s significance and its role back in Gujarat’s history further enriches your travel experience. So, next time plan your vacation to Gujarat with TripXL and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the popular forts for an idyllic getaway.
Cover Photo: Fargone / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
