Famous Forts in India

The purpose of building forts was primarily a defence mechanism to keep the enemy at bay. Indian forts, however, have the majestic grandeur which will make you forget all about its prime motive and look around in awe.

While Rajasthan is filled with innumerable forts, the rest of the country too, has many such forts.

Here’s a list of the top forts in India that you must visit –

 

1. Red Fort, Delhi

 

The Lal Quila on the banks of river Yamuna was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639. It was to denote the shift to his new capital of Shahjahanabad at Delhi. This fort gets its name from the thick red sandstone structure. Today it is a war memorial museum and a powerful symbol of India’s sovereignty from where the flag is hoisted on Independence Day and Republic Day of India.

 

2. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

 

It is one of the largest forts in the entire world, and definitely a magnificent one to have survived the attacks of many enemies. It is also known as the ‘Sonar Quila’ or ‘Golden Fort’. 76m above the ground, it is the second oldest fort in the whole of Rajasthan in the Thar Desert. It was built in the 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal.

 

3. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittor, Rajasthan

 

The largest fort in India in the 7th century it is known for stories such as being the land of Meera Bai who drank poison rather than left her love for Lord Krishna to Rani Padmini’s performing Jauhar rather than being intruded by Allaudin Khilji.

The 7 massive gateways, 2 commemoration towers and the imperial palace is breathtaking. One must hire a two-wheeler or auto to be able to go around the 13km perimeter of the fort, which is best reached via rail.

 

4. Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 

 

Built in the 16th century by Man Singh I, the Amer Fort finds its place among the World Heritage Sites. He was a trusted general in the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s army, giving reason to the intermingling of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

It is located 11kms away from the heart of Jaipur and is accessible by air, rail and road. This hill fort on the Aravalli range overlooks the Maoti Lake, dressed in red stone and marble. The Sheesh Mahal and the light and sound show are major attractions on a visit here.

 

5. Panhala Fort, Kohlapur, Maharashtra

 

The most important fort in Maharastra, the Panhala fort is a representative of the Maratha Empire. It was built strategically over a pass in the Sahyadri mountain range, making it a perfect for trekking as are the other forts of Maharashtra as well. 

 

6. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

 

Built by Man Singh Tomar in the 6th century, the Gwalior fort spreads over 3 square kilometres area with concrete walls made of sandstone. It has three temples, six palaces and numerous water tanks within and used to be regarded as the invincible fort of the north and central India. 

 

7. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

 

On the outskirts of Hyderabad, the Golconda fort is simply majestic. It was built by Qutub Shahi rulers through the 12th to 16th century. Its fame lay in being studded with diamonds found on the south-east at Kollur Mine. It is one of the seven wonders of Hyderabad and has an excellent military architecture.