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India’s rich history can be seen in the wide range of forts that are scattered across the country. Some are easily accessible in the middle of the city while a few demand a hectic trek due to remote location. Built by various dynasties over centuries, and serving as military strongholds, royal residences, and administrative centres, forts are truly a rich history of the civilisations, royal reign, and the colonial impacts that India had experienced over the years.
Top 10 Forts In India
Each one of the historical forts in India, with its unique design and strategic location, offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders. Here is a list of some popular forts in India.
1. Red Fort
Photo: Swapnil Deshpandey / Unsplash
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan left India with iconic monuments and forts, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Located in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, Red Fort truly reflects the grandeur and regalness of the Mughal Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 17th century. The highlight of this fort is the red sandstone walls and the intricate marble carvings throughout the fort. The iconic spots of Red Fort include Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, the octagonal tower, and Mumtaz Mahal.
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (except Monday)
Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians & ₹550 for Foreigners
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2. Agra Fort
Photo: Matthew Laird Acred / Wikimedia Commons
Another UNESCO World Heritage fort on the list of India’s forts is the Agra Fort which was built in 1573 and served as a residence for the Mughal rulers till 1638. Agra Fort features an imposing red sandstone structure, which glows in sunlight. It is one of the few forts in India that embody a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. The white marble Sheesh Mahal, the powerful Jahangiri Mahal palace, and the octagonal Machchi Bhavan can be explored in the fort. According to historians, this is where the Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned.
Location: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians & ₹650 for Foreigners
3. Amber Fort
Rajasthan boasts a wide range of historical forts in India and the Amber Fort, located on top of a man-made lake in Jaipur, is a true reflection of the Rajput architectural brilliance. Built in the 16th century, the fort is commonly known as Amer Fort due to its location. It was built under the reign of Raja Man Singh and features some key architectural elements of historical engineering marvels like Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-E-Aam & Ganesh Pol. A quick climb to the top of the fort offers panoramic views of the Marota Lake and the Aravalli hills that surround the area.
Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Timing: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians & ₹100 for Foreigners.
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4. Mehrangarh Fort
Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash
The Mehrangarh Fort, one of the best forts in India, is a sprawling fort that was built in Jodhpur, the blue city in Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India built by Rao Jodha in 1459. The fort served as the headquarters for the Rathores of the Rajput clan for five consecutive centuries. At present, the fort’s complex harbours several palaces, museums, and temples, including the Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the Chamunda Mataji Temple. From the top of the fort, getting a view of Jodhpur is truly a treat.
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians & ₹600 for Foreigners.
5. Jaisalmer Fort
Photo: Gérard Janot / Wikimedia Commons
There’s a reason why Rajasthan takes pride in being the state with the maximum forts in India. Another one on the list is the Jaisalmer Fort which is nicknamed ‘Golden Fort’ due to its golden-hued sandstone which looks stunning under the sunlight. It is located in the middle of the Thar desert, standing out as a stunning marvel. The fort’s construction dates back to the 12th century and features a captivating maze of narrow lanes, merchant havelis (mansions), and intricately carved Jain temples. During sunset, visitors can make their way to the top of the fort to catch breathtaking views.
Location: Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians & ₹250 for Foreigners.
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6. Gwalior Fort
Photo: Chirag Vashist / Unsplash
Gwalior Fort is among the top forts in India but is usually less visited by tourists. The top of the fort is what makes it such an iconic fort in India as visitors can get a glimpse of the old Gwalior town from here. The fort has stood through multiple Mughal invasions, battles, jauhars, and imprisonments. The way to the top of the fort is lined with statues of Jain Tirthankaras and the main attractions inside are Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal & Sas Bahu Temples.
Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹75 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners
7. Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort (Chittor Fort ) stands out as the largest fort in the country. The fort complex includes several historical structures, such as the Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, and Padmini Palace. It has 22 water bodies, temples, and different kinds of towers, all of which occupy an area of 600 sq. km. The siege of Chittorgarh by Mughal emperor Akbar against the Mewar kingdom is what led to the destruction of parts of the fort.
Location: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians and ₹ 200 for foreigners.
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8. Golconda Fort
Photo: Prasanth Dasari / Unsplash
Located in Hyderabad, the Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutub Shahi kings. It requires a steep hike to reach the main area of the fort where the ruins of the mosques and palaces lie. The fort is famous for its acoustic design, the royal palaces, the ingenious water supply system, and the majestic Fateh Darwaza. The fort fell into ruins during the invasion by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1687.
Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians & INR ₹200 for Foreigners.
9. Kangra Fort
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons
Regarded as the oldest dated fort in India, Kangra Fort is located in Himachal Pradesh on top of a hill in the old Kangra town. It’s located at the confluence of the Banganga and Patal Ganga Rivers and its origin dates back to 400 BC. It is also one of the first forts that Alexander the Great mentioned in his war records. Inside the fort lie a few temples and shrines which are open for the devotees.
Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indians and ₹300 for Foreigners
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10. Srirangapatnam Fort
Photo: Chitra Sivakumar / Wikimedia Commons
Commonly known as Tipu’s Fort, Srirangapatnam Fort is another popular fort that dates back to the 15th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagar empire. The majority of expansion and elaborate work on the fort was done during the time of Tipu Sultan, more commonly known as the “Tiger of Mysore”. The fort features a triangular shape and the perimeter has a 40 feet high wall all around.
Location: Srirangapatnam, Karnataka
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None
Forts in India take the visitors on an amazing ride of Indian history. The intricate carvings and architecture offer a glimpse of different dynasties of the bygone era over the past centuries. Every fort in India offers a unique perspective into the diverse heritage of the country. If you are planning to explore the popular forts in India, make the arrangements with TripXL for the best deals.
Cover Photo: 3G golecha10 / Wikimedia Commons
