Top 10 Forts in India

I do not have to state that India has plenty of wonderful forts that stand for the wonderful historical and architectural heritage at its best. These forts had been claimed by numerous civilizations and places of great war and royalty. From the massive Mehrangarh in Jodhpur to the renowned Amber in Jaipur to the lesser-known forts of Mandu and Gwalior and forts in many other places – each fort has tales to share. Visits to such forts educate an individual about the lifestyles of the ancient rulers and the evolution of culture in India. India is considered to be one of the most diverse countries in the world with many highlights, where one can make a trip by discovering the top 10 noted forts: Red Fort, Gwalior Fort and Chittorgarh Fort. The trip is an educational tour demonstrating the nation’s history and heritage.

1. Red Fort, Delhi

This is one of the world’s best-known fort and it symbolizes the level of greatness of the Mughal Empire as well as the Indian struggle for freedom. One such fort that is found in Delhi was built during the reign of an emperor of Shah Jahan in the year of 1648; this fort is among the gigantic red sandstone walled forts with Mughal architecture. this fort was planned by Ustad Ahmad Lahori four gates inscribed in this fort are but the most prominent gate is the ‘Lahori Gate’ as it is called. According to the pastoral history, UNESCO’s World Heritage stated in 2007 that it is of enormous historical significance; that is why this fort is one of the biggest attractions in the eyes of visitors. The Red Fort is the symbol and an indication of the glorious history of India as well as the peak of architectural mastery of the Mughal epoch.

• Opening Hours: 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM
• Height: 18–33 m (59–108 ft)
• Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori
  
• Build in: 1638

2. Agra Fort, Agra

• Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM
• Height: 70 feet (21 meters)
• Architect: Emperor Akbar
• Build in: 1565

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places To Visit Delhi

3. Amber Fort, Jaipur

One of the most representative icons of the emerged style fusion between Mughal and Indian architecture is Amber Fort which is located in the city of Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh I in the year 1592 and is a major fort in Rajasthan. The structure is built on a hill, which provides good visibility in the surrounding areas; one of which includes Lake Maota. The architectural beauty of this fort even attracts tourists during the scorching heat of May and June. It houses artistic archways, elaborate doors, mirror-adorned ceilings and walls, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, Sila Mata Temple, and many other attractions. The fort is a real piece of architectural grandeur with frescoes, Jaaliwork, and mosaic work.

• Opening Hours: 8.00 AM to 9.00 PM
• Height: 475 meters, 1560 feet.
• Architect: Raja Man Singh
• Build in: 1592

4. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

5. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Standing testimony to power and honor, Mehrangarh is more than 500 years old and situated in Jodhpur. It was founded by Rao Jodha back in 1460 and stands over the city at a height of more than 125 meters, encased by thick walls showing scars of cannonballs. Mehrangarh has seven gates in memory of victories, of diverse architecture, and beautiful palaces. The royal family maintains it and has a well-stocked museum with royal artifacts on the premises. One can notice superb detailed carving over the sandstone structures and enjoy food, museums, and folk performances. It is one attraction in India that has been conserved for a lifetime to testify to Rajput’s history.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Height: 400 feet (122 meters)
• Architect: Jodha of Mandore
• Build in:1459

6. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is the true Golden Fort of Rajasthani; it is one of the finest examples of architecture in the Rajput style. It was built in a classic Indian style in the very center of the Thar Desert by a Rajput ruler  Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. The gigantic fort is visible with magical looks, especially when the sun sets, on its yellow sandstone walls. Over 1,500 feet long and 750 feet wide, it rises loftily by 250 feet over the city. The beautiful place is integrated with numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants, along with temples, old Haveli mansions, and museums that visitors can go in and out of. Around one-fourth of the old city’s population still resides within its walls. UNESCO has acknowledged this impressive fort complex structure as a World Heritage Site because it represents an ideal example of a desert fort.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Height: 1,500 ft (460 meters)
• Architect: Rawal Jaisal
  
• Build in: 1155

7. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior

Gwalior Fort is not only one of the biggest but also one of the oldest in India. It is almost equipped with a very great history in itself; almost 110 rulers from different dynasties have ruled over it. This fort was constructed in the 8th century and has seen many events, including battles that engaged Tatya Tope and Rani Lakshmi Bai. Giant Jain sculptures are carved at the base of the cliffs within the fort. Man Singh Palace, a part of this fort, showcases a perfect blend of Mughal, Hindu, and Chinese architecture, with the facades profusely decorated with intricate latticework and ceramic glaze tiles. Gujari Mahal, another structure within the fort, currently houses an archaeological museum with a collection of very fine Hindu and Jain sculptures. Gwalior Fort is one of the dramatic sites with immense historic importance and a great statement of architectural grandeur in India.

• Opening Hours: 24 Hours
• Height: 11 metres (36 ft)
• Architect: Tomar Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar
  
• Build in: 1916

8. Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad

Description of the Region Surrounding Golconda Fort of Hyderabad. The historical evolution of this fort through the ages narrates that it was constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century and went on adding its structure during the Qutub Shahi reign. It later became the center of the diamond industry and diamonds like Kohinoor and Hope diamonds were smuggled to this fort during trading.  The fort consists of four forts, with an outer wall of 10 kilometers in length, including 87 semicircular bastions, eight gateways, royal apartments, temples, mosques, and stables. At Fateh Darwaza, a clap could be heard over a kilometer away due to a special acoustic effect. One can also find a story of the fort through a magical light show in the surroundings. It is one of the major tourist attractions in India that nobody must miss.

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• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed– Saturday, Sunday)
• Height:120 meters
• Architect:The Kakatiyas
• Build in: 1687

Also Read: Top 20 Most Visited Cities in The World

9.Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort Located 591 ft above sea level, it is a massive hill fort spread over 280 hectares. This fort has gained fame because of the water supply. In the beginning, the fort had 84 water bodies, in the form of ponds, wells, and step wells, holding 4 billion liters of water. Today, there are just 22 remaining. It has seven strong gates, or Saat Pols, for entering the fort. Visitors can visit the Chhatris, stambhas, reservoirs, palaces, and temples inside it. Several centuries back, Chittorgarh Fort was ruled by Mewar Rajputs; it was captured by Akbar the Great in 1567. Chittorgarh Fort is such a place where, having one full day in your hands, one can easily get mesmerized by its grandeur, history, and architecture.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Height: 180 m (590.6 ft)
• Architect: The fort was built based on Hindu architecture though ideas like vaulted substructures belong to Muslim architecture.
• Build in: 1568

10. Jhansi Fort, Jhansi