Skip to content
Top 8 Famous Historical Forts To Visit In India 2023

Top 8 Famous Historical Forts To Visit In India 2023

Forts have always been a part of India’s long past. These forts in India depict different eras and dynasties ruling the country with all its power.

The traces of many historical events and artifacts related to the past can be seen at these historic sites.

ADVERTISEMENT

They are excellently crafted, and you can witness the bygone eras here.

In this article, you will get to know about the following forts in India,

  1. Jaisalmer Fort
  2. Agra Fort
  3. Amber Fort
  4. Golkonda Fort
  5. Red Fort
  6. Daulatabad Fort
  7. Chittorgarh Fort
  8. Warangal Fort

Let’s see each of these in detail.

List of famous historical forts to visit in India

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Stands gloriously on the Trikuta hilltop in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, the fort was built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. It is the second oldest fort in the state and is among the very few “living forts” on the globe.

This 860-year-old historic fort is made of yellow sandstones, and the golden sunset hues make it shine like gold. Therefore, it is named “Sonar Quila” (or the Golden Fort).

Jaisalmer Fort is a piece of art and is mesmerizing to look at. The interior is filled with majestic architecture, a fusion of Rajput and Islamic styles.

ADVERTISEMENT

When you enter the fort through the massive gateways, you will cross the citadel and get a view of the Raj Mahal palace.

Every inch of the walls is covered with brilliant carvings and shows the royalty of the fort. Apart from the Raj Mahal, you can also witness the Tazia tower, Jain temples, Maharawal in Chauhata Square, Laxmikanth temple, and the charming Jawahar palace.

2. Agra Fort

Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

Built between 1565 and 1573 by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort displays an era of history and the time when it was in its full glory.

The fort has four gates- Khizri gate, Delhi gate, Amar Singh Gate, and the Hathi pol. Among all these, the Delhi gate is the most magnificent and was used by Akbar and his men. The intricate work on white marble is stunning.

You can enter the fort through the Amar Singh Gate, and then you can witness the inside of the lovely fort. Diwan-i-Aam, the lush green gardens, Nagina Masjid, Mina Masjid, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Macchi Bhawan, Zenana Mina Bazaar, and Shah Jahani Mahal are some of the attractions inside the fort.

The intricate works of architecture will leave you in awe. You will also get a view of the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal, standing from the balconies of the Agra Fort.

A few parts of the fort are under the Indian Army. Therefore those portions are prohibited from visiting. But the rest is all open to the tourist so you will enjoy it thoroughly.

3. Amber Fort

Amber Fort, Rajasthan

Also goes by the name Amer Fort, Amber fort is situated above the Cheel ka Teela in the town of Amer. It is located 11 kilometers from Jaipur and is a stunning portrayal of Rajput architecture.

Few of the designs you see are inspired by Mughal architecture. The views, carvings, and paintings are magical to look at.

Built of pink sandstones and marble, the fort has four levels, each with its courtyard. You will get the of the Maota Lake from the palace.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was the residing place of the Rajput maharajas, and when you enter the palace, there is the feeling of traveling back in time.

Entering through the Suraj Pol, near the Ganesh gate, there is the Shila Devi temple. Next up, you will see the Diwan-e- Khas, Diwan-e-Aam, Sukh Niwas, and the Jai Mandir or Sheesh Mahal.

Each of these sites has its significance and artwork. Here you will also get to look at the rooms of the queens and kings. There were also secret tunnels connected to Jaigarh. Now they are restored and open to the public.

It is a beautiful place and gives pleasure to the eyes.

4. Golkonda Fort

Golkonda Fort, Telangana

The notable fort is positioned in Hyderabad, Telangana. Constructed in the 11th century out of the mud by Prataparudra, it was fortified in 1518 by Quli Qutub Shah.

The outer walls of the fort stretch up to 11 kilometers. It displays the architecture of different dynasties. You can enter Golkonda Fort through a 15 to 18 feet tall spiked gate. Then you will find four separate forts, stables, mosques, temples, bulwarks, gardens, and royal apartments.

Near Golconda, diamond mines were present, and therefore diamond trading flourished. It is believed that the famous Koh-i-Noor, Daria-i-Noor, and Hope diamonds were exhumed from the mines at Golconda.

Light and sound shows are held at the fort daily that speaks of the illustrious history and the rulers of that time.

5. Red Fort

Red Fort, Delhi

Also known as Lal Qila, Red fort is located in Old Delhi, Delhi. It was built in 1638 by the then Emperor Shah Jahan when he decided to shift the capital of his empire from Agra to Delhi.

The fort stands with grandeur, and the brilliance of work is reflected from every corner, although it was exploited a lot during the invasion of Nadir Shah.

Red Fort represents “the zenith of Mughal creativity.” It holds a mesmerizing amalgamation of Timurid, Persian, and Hindu forms of architecture. Different parts of the fort were embellished with gems, diamonds, and gold, along with the Koh-i- Noor, which had a very significant value in furnishing.

ADVERTISEMENT

When you reach the Qila through the Lahori gate, you will see the Naubat Khana, Chhata Chowk, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e Aam, Nahr-i-Bihisht, and Rang Mahal. Further walking inside, you will witness the stunning Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal, Baoli, Hammam, Hira Mahal, Moti Masjid, Princes’ Quarters, and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh.

It is a lovely site to take a peek at Mughal history.

6. Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fort, Maharashtra

Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, it was the capital of the Delhi Sultanate and the Yadava Dynasty.

It was constructed around 1187 AD by the Yadava king Bhillama V, and later on, in the year 1308, it was taken over by Sultan Alauddin Khilji during his ruling period.

There are so many attractions to look into at the fort. These include Chand Minar, Baradari, Bharat Mata Temple, Andheri, and Aam Khas building.

Some more sites that cannot be missed are the Chini Mahal, Cannons, Kacheri, Saraswati Bawri, beautiful rock-cut caves, Hathi Haud, and Rang Mahal.

As you walk deeper into the fort’s history, you will get to disclose the lesser-known and more interesting facts about it.

7. Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort is a historical landmark located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

Chitrangada Mori, a regional Mori Rajput, originally built this fort in 1468 and was later captured by Bappa Rawal, a Guhila King. Later on, during the rule of Ratna Simha, it was attacked by Allauddin Khilji.

Built across 5 kilometers, it is brimming with a rich history associated with conquers and defeats, happiness and deaths.

ADVERTISEMENT

There are a total of seven gates, and all of them are massive stone structures with beautiful carvings on them. All the gateways are connected by a circular road and give access to various monuments.

While you are at the fort, you will see the Vijaya Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini’s Palace, and Gaumukh Reservoir,

The other famous spots include Meera Temple, Varaha temple, Kalika Mata temple, and Goddess Tulja Mata Temple.

At the Chittorgarh fort, Jauhar Mela is celebrated annually on one of the anniversaries of Jauhar.

8. Warangal Fort

Warangal fort is a 12th-century old fort situated in Warangal, Telangana. It used to be the capital of the Kakatiya Dynasty.

There were multiple conquerors and rulers until it was taken over in the 15th century AD by the Bahmani Sultanate.

The sculpted arches and pillars are the main attractions of this fort.

There is also the famous Kirti Toranas, Shambhulingeshwara Temple, an open-air museum containing the architectural ruins of the Kakatitas, kush Mahal, and three granaries in the fort.

The atmosphere and the views are enchanting amongst the ruins of the fort.

These are some of the famous forts of historical importance in India.

Each of these magnificent regal forts is the pride of the Indian subcontinent, displaying the diversity of religion, culture, tradition, and, most importantly, people.

Add them to your visiting list if you are from India or traveling to the country. Get on your way and explore the depth of each fort, holding years of the past in them.


Some more articles you can check out:


Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article are affiliate links. This means when you buy or book anything using those links, you help support this website at no extra cost.

The images used in the article are for representation purposes only.