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The Best Forts in India to travel to in 2024

Fascinating history, breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails – yes, we are talking about forts again. This time it is about the best forts of India.

With a thousand years of history of invasion and internal conflicts, it is no wonder that India is home to many formidable fortresses that are both beautiful and intriguing.  this article is not just a list, it is a tour of the country from North to the west to south to central and east India, as we hop on from one fort to another.

Thanks to all the amazing travel bloggers who wrote about their favorite Indian fort and the history associated with it. So without further delay, let’s embark on this unique virtual tour of Indian Forts that would help you rediscover India! Use the table of contents to navigate to your area of interest.

Best forts of India - A virtual tour of the history, geography and architecture of India through the most significant citadels in the country. The formidable fortresses stand testimony to the tales of bravery, tragedy of wars, dreams cherished by kings and much more. They also offer incredible panoramic views and scenic trekking trails. #travel #India #Heritage

Forts of  India – North Zone

Kamru Fort – Perched atop the Hills

Forts of India North - Kamru Fort

Contributed by Shivani from The Wandering Core

Thinking about Himachal takes our imagination to the dense forests and snow-capped mountains. But the state surprised me with an unknown historic fort in the lush green Sangla. The 15th-century wooden fort is dedicated to Lord Badrinath, an avatar of Lord Krishna & is oldest in the state, making it a must-see when in Sangla.

Kamru Fort is located approximately 2 km from the Sangla village and fortunately, cars don’t go till the fort. The hike starts from the parking area, amid the wooden houses of the village. Hike to the fort is quite easy, and anyone with a normal walking schedule can complete in almost 20-30 minutes.

Halfway through the hike, we encountered Shree Badri Vishal Ji temple, a nice place to take a break from the hike. Also, a great place to gel with friendly locals of Sangla as they’re soaking in the sun here even during the summer months. The temple is usually closed in the noon so you will have to plan accordingly if you would like to visit.

From the Badri temple, another short 10-minute hike brings us to the wooden ornate Kamru Fort. The Fort is known to be the home of 360 million gods and only the main priests are allowed to go inside the fort.

The Fort premises also has a Kamakshi Devi Temple, where we offered our prayers. The pre-requisite to enter the temple is to wear a red belt and the traditional kinauri cap. The Fort presents some of the best views of the valley, which ultimately makes up for the hike.

Agra Fort – The jewel of Agra

Agra Fort

Contributed by Jill From Reading The book Travel

Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, has so much more to recommend it than just its most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. And one of its crowning glories is beautiful Agra Fort. Established in the mid-16th century, the fort was the home of the Mughal emperors for nearly 100 years, including the legendary Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal for the love of his life. In the centuries that followed, the fort changed hands many times; today it is a magnificent museum.

Agra Fort is easy to access, standing in the heart of the city, but that doesn’t make it any less imposing. Entering through a monumental archway, taking the sharp left turn that prevented ancient invaders from charging in on horseback, you enter a fort complex which is a stunning combination of carved red sandstone and marble.

The fort is more of a palace. Scattered throughout the grounds are throne rooms and living quarters for the ruling family. The marble rooms are particularly magnificent; the white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones which are stunning from a distance, but even more incredible close-up. It’s easy to imagine yourself as a Maharajah or Maharani, living a life of luxury within these walls.

The fort has a stunning view over the city towards the Taj Mahal, which appears to get closer and farther away from different perspectives in a clever trick of the light. But Agra Fort is so much more than its view; it is a magical monument which truly shouldn’t be missed on a visit to this part of India.

Red Fort – Symbol of Independent India

Contributed by Elizabeth, the Digital Travel Guru

Red Fort is a majestic historical monument located in the capital city of India, Delhi. The monument which holds immense history or pride and heritage was the prime residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty up until the year of 1856.

The Red Fort was constructed back in 1639 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The monument derives its name because of the massive red walls that encompass the entire structure.

The fort lost all of its precious and expensive artwork and a wide range of jewels during the invasion led by Nadir Shah on the Mughal dynasty during the year of 1747. Following that, the majority of the marble artifacts and architecture were destroyed by the British empire during the Revolt of 1857.

Red Fort holds its important and historic imprints that date back to the early Mughal era. The intricate caricature and mesmerizing construction hold its own majesty. Visiting this place helps to get a peek into the life the Mughals lived back in the days.

Majority of the tourists consider the trek to the top of the Red fort ranging from low to medium in terms of difficulty. The stairs are steep which can be pretty difficult if you have mobility problems. Wear a good pair of walking shoes as it is a magnificent place to walk around and explore to take in the sights.

Tughlaqabad Fort – Ruins of the erstwhile Delhi Sultanate

travel_melodies_tughlaqabad_fort_delhi

Contributed by Anjali from Travel Melodies

Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, built the fortified city of Tughlaqabad (presently, Delhi) in 1320 AD on the rocky altitude so that it can be defended easily. The fort was built in 4 years but was abandoned just after a few years later. The curse of a Sufi saint, Nizam-al-Din forbids the fort from being inhabited.

The fortress is massive. The fort’s colossal ramparts and bastions echo the glory and might of Tughlaq Empire. Out of 52 gates, 13 are left now. We climbed the flight of stairs and then a steep slope to reach the gate of Tughlaqabad Fort. The otherwise deserted, dusty and rugged fort still looks imposing in all its ruins.

There are jagged stairs that take you to the different levels of the fort, mostly in ruins. A quiet walk amid the crumbling ruins of history feels like a walk back in time. I loved the quietness and nostalgic aura of the fort.

The views from the top of Tughlaqabad fort are mesmerizing. “It’d be lovely to witness a sunset from here”. I thought to myself but instantly shrugged the idea given the completely haunted and abandoned character of the fort at night. The same nature of the fort has become a boon for lovers who are on a lookout for such secluded places. You will find many in the hush corners of the fort.

The entire loop is almost 2 km and can take anywhere around 2 to 3 hours to explore on foot. I’d suggest visiting during winter to immerse in its fascinating historical past.

Forts of India – The West (Read Fort) Zone

Amer Fort – Royal Architecture of Rajasthan

Amer Fort, best forts in India

Contributed by Daisy Li, Beyond My Border

Amer Fort is situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was originally built by Meendas and later governed by Raja Man Singh. The drive up the mountain was filled with monkey encounters and beautiful greenery.

With cars attempting to come in and out of the entrance, we decided to line our car on the side of the mountain and walk up the hill towards the palace fort. Since the fort was very well maintained, the trek on the fort was very easy. We ran around the trails and snapped pictures of gorgeous mountain ranges and splendid blue skies. It was an hour well spent.

With ‘artistic Hindu style elements’, the fort was built with red sandstone and marble. Having weathered 5 centuries of rain and sun, the palace remains formidable. It overlooks the Maota Lake and offers a great view of the green space under. Amer Fort is definitely one of my favorite destinations in Jaipur. It is peaceful, beautiful, and a great place to better understand India’s vibrant history.

Jaisalmer Fort – A “Living” Fort of the world

Rajasthan's Jaisalmer Fort - Best Forts in India

Contributed by Claire from Epic Road Rides (Facebook)

Jaisalmer Fort is the dominant feature on the skyline of the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. For most of its 800-year history, the fort was the city and even today several thousand people live within its yellow walls.

Due to this history, the fort is easy to get to from the town. However, you’ll need to be good on your feet once inside the fort, since there are lots of stairs.

If you choose to visit Jaisalmer Fort, you won’t regret it. The fact that it’s still lived in makes it feel very special and alive. As soon as you step through the thick, turreted walls, you realize this is no historic ruin, it’s a living, breathing home. There are hustle and bustle along the twisting, maze-like lanes, colorful shops selling exquisite textiles and restaurants selling delicious food. Moments later you can be admiring ornate Jain temples. There are also panoramic views of the city from the ramparts.

The juxtaposition of the extraordinary splendor of the historical past with every day has to be seen to be believed. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on where you’re walking; there are lots of motorbikes and cows inside the Fort, as well as humans!

 

Kumbalgarh Fort – The Great Wall of India

Great Wall of India

Contributed by Supriya from Traxplorers
Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha on a hilltop at 3600 ft above sea level on a western range of Aravalli hills. This Mewar Fort is the birthplace of Legendary King Maharana Pratap. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site included in the hill forts of Rajasthan.
The interesting thing about Kumbhalgarh Fort is its perimeter wall extending up to 36 km, making it the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. That is why it is also known as ‘The Great Wall of India’. This is a full day trek and is not very difficult. One can easily climb.
Apart from the most popular places of Rajasthan (i.e. Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer), Kumbhalgarh truly touched us with its rugged beauty even more beautiful than the famous ‘Chittorgarh Fort’ of Rajasthan. We are totally captivated by the beauty of the fort and quite impressed with the 20-foot thick encircling wall which snakes over the hills for around 36 km with seven gates.
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Nahargarh Fort – The Abode of Tigers in Jaipur

Nahargarh fort

Contributed by Cat Smith from Walk My World

The forts of Rajasthan are some of the best you’ll see anywhere in the world, but there’s one that we found particularly enchanting. In the heart of the pink city Jaipur, sits a fort that dominates the skyline, with walls that seem to go on for miles: Nahargarh Fort.

When translated to English, Nahargarh Fort means “the abode of tigers”, a name that is fitting for a fort that was designed to intimidate any enemy even thinking of getting close to the fortress.

Nahargarh was built in the 18th Century to protect the ruler (the Raja of Jaipur) from invaders. It was intended to be a refuge or sanctuary alongside the neighboring forts of Amber and Jaigarh, though it never came under attack.

Nowadays much of it is open to the public offering incredible views and a slightly bizarre wax museum. We loved that you could explore the walls for one of the best views in Rajasthan: looking down at the pink city as the sun sets. For the most magical experience, you can sit on the walls themselves, although there is nothing to stop you falling if it was a windy day. For a more sedate experience, you can grab a drink from the restaurant and sit out on the terrace.

If you’re looking for an incredible structure with one of our favorite views in India, then ensure you head to Nahargarh Fort for sunset.

 

Mehrangarh Fort – the pride of Jodhpur

Best forts of India | Merangarh Fort

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting
Mehrangarh fort sits atop a hill in the middle of Jodhpur, 125 m above the city.  It dates from the 15th Century and has two small stepped lakes at its base, also dating from the 15th Century, designed as reservoirs for the city’s water.  Jodhpur is often called the Blue City and the old town that gives it this name is spread out around the base of the fort.
From the Clock Tower in the main market area, it is a fairly short (about 20 minutes) walk up the street and some stairs through an area that has a mix of homes, hotels, shops and handicraft workshops.  The fort has seven gates, including the second gate which still has dents from cannonballs fired by the Jaipur army.  It’s possible to enter/ exit through another gate at the back of the fort directly into the Blue City.
Mehrangarh, one of the best-preserved forts in all of India, is beautiful and imposing.  There are delicate latticed windows, carved panels, painted walls and crenelated battlements.  The fort is also a museum with interesting displays of elephant howdahs (saddles), royal palanquins, miniature weapons and decorative items, and a fascinating turban gallery.
There are even turban tying demonstrations held regularly in a courtyard.  Even better – for a fun adventure you can take a zip line from the fort.  The flying fox in Jodhpur starts and ends at Mehrangarh and has incredible views of the blue city and the fort.

Bhangarh Fort – The Haunted One!

Contributed by Rahat from Travel with Rahat (Facebook)

Bhangarh Fort is one of the popular medieval forts in India not just because it’s a tourist attraction, but also because it is one of the most haunted places in India. This 17th-century fort is located about 90 Km from Alwar, in Rajasthan.

You will easily get taxis and buses are available from Alwar. I traveled to Bhangarh fort from Delhi which is at a distance about 242 Km. Since Bhangarh fort is believed to be haunted, the gates of the fort open at 6 am and close at 6 pm. So, we started our journey from Alwar to Bhangarh fort at 7 am and reached at 9 am.

This fort itself is in ruins but the view you experience from the top of the fort is amazing. Along with this, you will see some temples which are adjacent to the fort and nice to spend some time at. You can relax near the temple outside and enjoy the views around and click pictures.

The only tip I would like to suggest is to spend 3-4 hours at the fort in the afternoon but yes you will definitely feel something while exploring the fort in the afternoon. Even Archaeological survey of India put up a signboard at the fort advising tourists not to enter the premises of the fort during the dark hours so.

Tikona Fort – Nestled in the Forests

Tikona_priya

Contributed by Priyadarshini from Glorious Sunrise

Tikona Fort, also called Vitandgad fort is in Maval region of the Indian state of Maharastra. It is close to another majestic fort and a vast water reservoir namely Lohagad fort and Pawna dam. These two forts are linked to the historic reign of Tipu Sultan and are located just 60 km away from Pune, a major city in Maharastra.

Tikona means triangular and the hill is in a pyramid shape making it one of the most unique bases for a fort. You will have to drive to Tikona Peth from Pune. It is the base of the Tikona hill and then takes one of the two trekking paths up the hill to reach Tikona Fort.

One trekking path is for beginners and you would easily trek up this majestic hill and reach the fort in about one and a half hours including the rest time and photo stops. You can trek down in less than 45 minutes. I have seen even small children do this trek. The second path is a bit trickier, but you can do it within an hour and a half if you are an experienced trekker.

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery all around. If you do this trek in monsoon season, around August and September, you will simply fall in love with this place. I did not want to go back home once I reached the top. It was a magical experience trekking up the path with a slight drizzle and absolutely gorgeous greenery all around you.

Sinhagad Fort – Recording history for 2000 years

Contributed by Jyoti from Story At Every Corner

What’s known as Sinhagad fort, was Orping-Pongedilt about two thousand years ago. The fort ping-ponged between the Maratha and Mughals or Muslims for centuries.

They fought many battles for supremacy over the region by annexing the fort. It has a very strategic location atop mountains with views for miles, hence the historic importance. For the last several decades, the fort is very popular among youth and nature enthusiasts in Pune and Mumbai region. It’s the perfect college or school trip – inexpensive, beautiful and easily reachable.

Sinhagad Fort is a paradise for trekkers. Many groups take 2-day trips up the mountains, through the villages and into the fort for its grand views.

Many tour operators offer a full package including transportation, overnight stay, food, and village experience. We were short on time, so didn’t take the tour. But, I’ve heard from friends that it’s not very difficult. The best time to visit is during or just after the monsoon season. With good rains, thousands of waterfalls spring up in the entire region and the mountains offer breathtaking views.

In and around Sinhagad fort, villagers cook nutritious, vegetarian Marathi foods to the visitors’ delight. My most memorable part of our trip was the simple and authentic meal a family cooked for as we from scratch as we watched.

Raigad Fort – Testimony to the Maratha empire

Raigad1

Contributed by Kimaya

Raigad fort, located in the district of Raigad, Maharashtra, India, offers an enchanting mountainous view of the Western Ghats peninsula. It is situated at a distance of 166km from Mumbai and 131 Km from Pune, via road. The best time to visit is monsoon (Mid June to September) when the surrounding mountains and valleys are engulfed by the region’s lush green flora.

It was built by Hiroji Indulkar under the reign of King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was made capital of the Maratha Empire in 1674 with the coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj happening at the same place. Because of the steep hill, it was built on, the fort was of strategic importance to the Marathas in defying enemies.

Raigad fort has approximately 1800 steps and with its steep inclination, it takes around 3.5 hours to climb and 1.5 hours to descend depending on individual speed. There is also a Rope-way service at the foot of the hill for those who want to avoid all the hard work. The round trip costs you Rs.300.

Tip: I would recommend a middle option which is to take a one-way trip to the top by ropeway and use steps to come back while enjoying the amazing view the return journey offers, of the surrounding valley, one rocky step at a time.

I visited in Monsoon to watch the fort in its full glory and the part of the fort was covered in mist giving it a bit of a magical appearance. If you take a look from the foothill, half of it and the fort walls are covered in fog, making it more tempting to conquer. Raigad Fort is more than just a tourist spot. It is sacred ground and it had played a crucial role in shaping the history of the Maratha Empire.

Murud Janjira Fort – The Island Fort

Contributed by Anwesha from Going Places with Anwesha

Safely tucked away from the eyes of the mainlanders, there is an oval-shaped fort of Murud Janjira on an island off the coastal village of Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The Murud Janjira fort is the only one of its kind. Janjira Jal-Durg (“sea fort”) was constructed by Malik Ambar, an Abyssinian minister in the service of the Sultan of Ahmednagar, who belonged to the Nizamshahi dynasty.

Built at the end of the 17th century, the fort is almost entirely intact today. The fort is now approached by sailboats from the Rajapuri jetty. During its heyday, the island fort boasted having 572 cannons, which has not yet rusted.

The main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri, a small village on the coast and can be seen only when one is about 40 feet (12 m) away from it. This architectural marvel was the strongest point for this fort to remain unconquered by the Marathas until it became part of Indian Territory after independence from the British in 1947. The fort has 2 doors, one for the king and another one for the common people to enter.

Our boat ride from Rajapuri jetty to the fort was exciting as well as a little scary. However, on reaching the fort, we were amazed by the enormous fort which has more than what meets the eye. Some of the boats don’t have enough safety measures, especially while entering the fort at the steps. And if you give Rs 100 per person, then the boat drivers will act as your guide telling you interesting stories about the fort.

Karnala Fort – Nestled in a Bird Sanctuary

Karnala Fort - Best Forts of India

Contributed by Khushboo – Munni of All Trades

The Karnala fort has a long and rich history but the most notable mention is the fact that when Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort, it is widely believed, a goddess gave him a sword to conquer rest of Maharashtra. After Shivaji’s death, the Mughals and eventually the British East India Company took over the Karnala fort.

The fort is in ruins today and is located inside the Karnala bird sanctuary.

The trek is fairly simple for a beginner and will take you about three hours to reach the top. Towards the end, it is a little precarious with a steep climb. The journey up to the Karnala fort takes you through some of the most splendid views of the Western Ghats that one can get in the region. From the Karnala fort, one can see the river Patalganga to the East and a lush cover of greenery enveloping the hill below.

My visit to Karnala Fort was the much needed weekend break I was looking for to get away from the noisy urban jungle. I loved that the government officials supported women entrepreneurship by allowing local women to set up a small canteen serving delicious Maharashtrian food.

Shaniwar Wada – Another haunted fort

Forts of India- shaniwar wada , pune

Contributed by Richa from Light Travel Action

Shaniwar Wada is a small fortress in Pune in the Maharashtra State of India. Established in 1732, by the Peshwas (Prime Ministers) of the Maratha King (Chhatrapati), Shaniwar Wada has been ruined by a combination of military attacks and fires through the centuries. The massive walls and heavy ramparts that remain today tell the tale of tragic love, treachery, rich history, and haunting spirits.

The foundation of this building was laid on a Saturday by Peshwa Bajirao on the banks of River Mutha, in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. Saturday in Marathi (Language Spoken in the Maharashtra state of India) is called “Shaniwar” and “Wada” is a settlement. This is how this Palace cum fortress came to be called “Shaniwar Wada”. It was the place of residence of the Peshwas (Prime Minister in the Maratha Empire) until 1818 when the latter lost its control to East India Company.

What was once a majestic seven-storied structure is mostly in ruins now. The heavy ramparts, majestic entrance gates and the ruins of the foundation stand as evidence of the bygone golden years.

Travel Tip: Try to catch the ‘Light & Sound Show’. The story of Bajirao and Shaniwar Wada is projected through light and sound over water fountains. The light, narration, music, and the ambiance all add to give an enriching experience.

Forts of India – South Zone

Bekal Fort- Standing against the time and tide

 

Bekal Fort Kasargod Kerala - roadtrip from Bangalore

Located in Kerala, the scenic abode of God, as they say, Bekal fort is just a shadow of its former glory. It is in a decapitated state although there have been some renovation initiatives in recent times. It was erected by one of the Nayakas of the Keladi after the fall of the great Vijayanagara empire in the 16th century.

Located right across the Arabian sea in North Kerala, the fort offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean with waves splashing across its walls. It is easy to realize the strategic importance of the location of the military stronghold to defend the kingdom.

It’s just a flight of steps that lead you into the top of the decapitated fort where you can stroll in the garden and watch the panoramic views. Then you can descend to the other side of the fort which faces the sea, an excellent location for photographers. On a fine weather day, you can take some great photographs of peafowls all around. This also gives you an opportunity to hike around the fortified walls.

Read the full story of our trip from Bangalore to Bekal the beach, fort, and everything around.

Gandikota Fort – at the Grand Canyon of India

gandikota fort

Located in Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota fort is named after the huge gorge that is often touted as the Grand Canyon of India. Although smaller in the area, the Gandikota is no less beautiful a landscape than the Grand Canyon of USA and offers a plethora of adventure opportunities- kayaking in the river, trekking, rock climbing, and zip-lining.

The region of Gandikota was first discovered by Kapa Raja in 1123 where he raised a sand fort. The Gandikota fort was formed in14th-century fort by the powerful Pemmasani Nayaks. The fort, in turn, got its name from the peculiar landscape formed by the Pennar river cutting through the Erramala Hills forming a giant gorge.

Although the fort itself is not in a great condition right now the structures inside the fortified village can be a fulfilling experience. You will see two temples with exemplary architecture, a picturesque mosque called Jama Masjid, a pigeon house named Charminar and a prison. There is no entry fee to the fort and apparently no maintenance efforts as well. That is why you’ll be able to see a lot of signatures of people who made sure to leave their footprints across the fort in the form of an eyesore.

Yes, a lot of people have vandalized the beautiful historical structure to satisfy their urge to inscribe their names on the stones. Gandikota Fort is so majestic that you can easily see the monumental structure from a long distance away before you have reached and makes you wonder what it could have been with a little bit of maintenance and renovation efforts.

Gandikota is an excellent destination for a one-day trip from Bangalore.

Kavaledurga Fort – Remains of the forgotten empire

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Kavaledurga also called Bhuvanagiri is one of the oldest forts in Karnataka established in 9th Century Fort by the Nayakas of Keladi when they were under the great Vijayanagara empire. It is located in the beautiful hilly station called Shimoga, in North Karnataka.
There are 5 massive stone gates leading to the main fort area. Current excavations at the site have uncovered some massive structures like the palace, courtroom, swimming pools and temples. The hike uphill is of moderate difficulty for non-trekkers – it took us almost an hour with multiple stops for photographs.
The 360-degree panoramic view of the valley below, with lakes and green fields, is a sight to behold and makes it totally worth the effort.

Gingee Fort – the impregnable fortress

Gingee-fort-ruins

Contributed by Penny from GlobeTrove

Not many people have heard about Gingee fort. It isn’t something that pops up in conversations too often and I hadn’t heard about it until I was scouring the net for pit stops on a road trip.

This fort stuck out and we decided to visit it. Ironically for such a spontaneous decision, we had just one regret: We did not have enough time! For those of you who have never heard of Gingee fort, it is a rather impressive fort that spans across three hills in Tamil Nadu. We had time to climb up just one of the hills and were rewarded with a spectacular view. The steps that lead up to the part of the fort that we climbed were dotted with monkeys that followed us.

At the top of the fort, you will find very little information but a lot to look at. The guardhouses with views, the granary, and the throne room. The fort was once considered impenetrable and you can see why when you survey the land from the top. If you have time, you can also explore the parts of the fort on the other two hills.

 

Since ours was just a pit stop on the way, we didn’t have the opportunity to do so and yet it still part of my fondest memories on a road trip. Whether it is just a pit stop or a day trip, Gingee fort is definitely worth adding to your list.

Forts of India – Central and East Zone

Gwalior Fort – The Architectural Excellence

Gwalior Fort

Contributed by Sarah Carter, ASocialNomad

Gwalior Fort was aptly described by the Mughal emperor Babur as the Pearl of India’s Fortresses.  There was a fortification here as early as 525A.D., but this fort is thought to have been built in the 8th century when a local chief on a hunting trip received water that healed leprosy and in thanks founded Gwalior, which means “saint” in Hindi.

The hike to Gwalior is best done from the east gate, as this is the more impressive approach to the fort.  It’s not a long hike – if you go straight without stopping it will take you 15 minutes, from the bottom gate – and there are 5 to hike through, no traffic is allowed on this road.  You’ll be best taking an auto-rickshaw to the bottom gate.

En-route there are, as I said, the 5 gates to walk through – the first, the Gwalior Gate is stunning and close to that the Badalgarh Gate, where the State Archeological Museum is located.  The Ganesh Gate, the Lakshman Gate and finally the Hathi Gate, is a stunning entrance to the fort proper.

You’ll also find if you look carefully, the first-ever recorded ZERO – Indian mathematicians were the first to invent the circle that we know as zero!  For the geeks amongst us, this is a wow moment!

There are stunning views as you move closer to the walls of the fort, it becomes more and more impressive, and you’ll be glad it’s just a short, but impressive hike, as the fort itself, is 3 kilometers long and there is no better way to experience it, than to hike all of it!

Orchha Fort- The Hidden Gem of Madhya Pradesh

Orchha Fort Complex - long weekend
Contributed by Inma from A World To Travel

The Fort Complex is one of the most important places to visit in Orchha and an Indian architecture masterpiece. This complex can be divided into three parts: the Raj Mahal, the Jehangir Mahal and the Rai Parveen Mahal.

Raj Mahal of Orchha
This palace is located to the right of the central patio. Its exteriors are quite flat. They are decorated with chhatris – small domed pavilions. On the other hand, its interiors are replete with exquisite murals that offer scenes of religious themes.
Jehangir Mahal in Orchha
The Jahangir Palace was built by Bir Singh Deo in honor of the Mughal emperor of India Jahangir, who visited the city in 1606. The strong lines of the building contrast with the delicate chhatris and latticework that offer a rich detail effect.
Rai Parveen Mahal in Orchha
This palace is especially attractive to the devotees of Rai Parveen, a very popular poet and lover of Raja Indramani. This third palace was built in 1670.

Two hours should suffice to have a good first impression of the Orchha Fort. However, up to one day can be spent wandering around its premises as this fort complex is huge.

I particularly enjoyed all the photo ops this place offers to its visitors. And how uncrowded it was! Like the rest of Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, Orchha is a gem still to be discovered by the masses.

Chanderi Fort – Wrapped in Silky Folklore

chanderi fort

Contributed by Mohit from Jaunting Journeys (Instagram)
Chanderi, a small village in Madhya Pradesh holds a very strategic location from the safety point of view. Encircled by the Vindhyachal ranges made it be the safest base for any force.
The town of Chanderi was ruled by many emperors one after the other, from Ghiyas ud din Balban in 1251 to Rana Sanga in 1520 and so on. Dominating the 360-degree skyline of this strategic town in the fort of Chanderi. Situated on a 71m high hill the main entrance gate to the fort is titled as Khooni Darwaza. Many lores circle around in the air of Chanderi regarding this and many other historical dialects.
Talking about the difficulty of the hike I would say if you in your own vehicle then you can park your car at the back gate and make an entry through the entrance made for Kila Kothi guests without making any efforts. Otherwise the entry through the main gate or call it the Khooni Darwaza will make it a 5-10 minutes of an easy hike. But it is suitable only if you don’t have a vehicle to park. Besides the so many lores revolving in the air of Chanderi about its heritage and the weavers, what touched me the most was the spectacular views as the sun descends into the skyline.

Buxa Fort – A shadow of Colonial Bengal

Buxa , West Bengal - Where to go in December
Photo by Trijit, Budget Travel Buff

Buxa fort is located in the scenic Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal near the border of Bhutan. The date of its foundation is not certain but sometime in the 7th century AD.

It was occupied by Cooch kings for many years before it came under the Bhutanese kings and finally, it came under the East India Company in 1873. The British used it for the purpose of defense as well as deportation. Located at an altitude of 2600 feet in the dense forests, it was considered to be one of the most dreadful prisons of colonial India, second only to the cells of Andamans.

It is located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, only 30 km from Alipurduar town. The uphill trek to Buxa fort is approximately 4kms. The scenic trails in the forests are as beautiful as the view of the mountain peaks from the fort.

So here ends our journey of some of the most significant forts in India. Which of these have you explored? Which of these you would want to go to? Do tell me in the comments. If you like it, why not pin it using the image below?

Best forts in India - A virtual tour of India through the country's History, Georgraphy and Architecture. From the Red Fort of the North to the Bekal Fort in the South, the exquisite citadels of Rajasthan and the ruins in the forests of WestBengal. Get ready to know about the most significant #fort trails of #India #travel #oldmonuments

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Sinjana Ghosh

Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

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31 Comments

  1. Supriya Bhardwaj November 18, 2018

    Wonderful collaborative piece of work. Thanks for including The Great of India- Kumbhalgarh Fort, contribution of 'Traxplorers'

    Reply
  2. kristy b November 21, 2018

    Wow! I never realized there were so many amazing forts in India. They all sound amazing but I would really like to see the Chanderi Fort. I would probably drive instead of hike to get there.

    Reply
  3. Sierra November 21, 2018

    What an informative collaboration! I had no idea that there were so many amazing forts in India. Tughlaqabad Fort looks exceptionally impressive with its stunning ruins and I would love to see it someday. It looks as though as you explore the fortress you are walking through the pages of a history book. Lovely! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. LaVale November 21, 2018

    This post is bringing back some fantastic memories of my trip to India! Indian forts are fantastic places to explore. The Agra Fort is really impressive and the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur has those stunning views over the blue city that really stole my heart!

    Reply
  5. Leah November 21, 2018

    Amazing post! I am hoping to visit India soon, and this post is incredibly helpful. These forts all look stunning. I am saving it for the future when I plan my travels there. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Annick Lenoir-Peek November 22, 2018

    What a great collaboration covering so many wonderful forts in India. I’ve always loved seeing the Red Fort but most on the list were new to me. Jaisalmer having both historic value and still being part of the town and in use. Thank you for dividing it into zones, so helpful for planning.

    Reply
  7. Arnav Mathur November 22, 2018

    Simply love this post. Its always an amazing experience exploring the forts of India. Despite being in the same regions, each fort is unique in its own way. Have been to a couple of forts specially in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and have been awestruck every single time.

    Reply
  8. Jen November 22, 2018

    I had no idea that India has lots of beautiful forts! The Agra Fort particularly looks magical with its red sandstone and marble as walls. Amer Fort is also one of my favorites from this list. It has a magnificent design and size! The Tikona Fort is also breathtaking because it is surrounded by nature.

    Reply
  9. Daniel Kiteski November 22, 2018

    What an amazing list – seems like you really covered the most fascinating forts in India. I'm proud to say I visited all of these except Tikona, Sinhagad, Chanderi, and Orchha Fort but I guess I'm on a good truck 🙂 I would love to visit the rest when I come back to India

    Reply
  10. Sinjana .Ghosh November 22, 2018

    Wow! You really travelled extensively in India it seems. I have seen all in South India and 2 in North. Rest remain unexplored and I am so much motivated to visit them myself after receiving these entries!

    Reply
  11. Kavita Favelle November 22, 2018

    Wow, what a comprehensive post on the amazing forts of India. I love how you have organised them by region and then share the history and what to expect for each one. I have been to only a few of these during my trips to India, but am keen to visit many more, especially Mehrangarh Fort and Gandikota Fort.

    Reply
  12. Navita November 22, 2018

    I loved the post on fascinating forts and castles of the world and happy to find your picks on the best forts in India. Have been to a few of them and glad to see them listed here. Kamru Fort looks mesmerizing and would love to visit here. Its well timed as we are slow traveling in Himachal itself! Tikona Fort in Maharashtra sounds very unique. Wish I had known about it when was in Pune! Orchha Fort and Buxa Fort are new discoveries as hearing about them for the first time. A very comprehensive guide indeed!

    Reply
  13. Amar Singh November 23, 2018

    Its truly inspirational and certainly a reason to travel to India when there is so much on offer The number of forts you have mentioned is an eye opener I must say. I have only seen 2 but I'm looking forward to visiting the Amer Fort on my next trip to India soon. The other one which I would like to visit is the Gwalior fort . Hopefully on my next trip. I'm a lover of architecture and these forts have such stories to tell

    Reply
  14. Paul Healy November 23, 2018

    This is a fantastic list. I was actually just going through some old photos the other day and came across some photos I took at the Fort in Agra. Such an impressive place, the details and craftsmanship is extraordinary. I'll definitely like to check out some of the other places on your list some time. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  15. diana chen November 24, 2018

    Honestly I didn't even realize there were so many forts in India! I've read about the Agra Fort before and it looks so grand and impressive. The photo above of Amer Fort looks like something straight out of a fairytale. I can't even imagine seeing that in real life. What a sight!

    Reply
  16. Aisha Sylvester November 25, 2018

    Wow! Just wow! I've only been to Agra Fort and had no idea India has so many forts, although, considering its history it makes sense! I love visiting forts around the world and India's are clearly among the most dramatic, this post sure put me in the mood to return to India for a longer time so I'm able to visit all of these!

    Reply
  17. Medha Verma November 25, 2018

    What a fantastic selection of some of the best historical masterpieces in our country! Pity that I have only been to Agra Fort & Red Fort out of all of these. My parents live in Delhi and I still haven't had the chance to explore Rajasthan in detail. Amer Fort looks fantastic by the way!

    Reply
  18. Soumya November 26, 2018

    A truly comprehensive list of forts in India. And I haven't even been to 50% of them. They all look so beautiful especially the Amer fort and the Orchha Fort. Can help but start planning to visit all of them.

    Reply
  19. Blair villanueva November 27, 2018

    India is a country that is so diverse and intrigues me most. Imagine all these beautiful forts, you can see how glorious life in the past. I wonder what happen that leads to India being this today.
    Thank you for making me wonder and I am eager to learn more.

    Reply
  20. Manjulika Pramod November 27, 2018

    This is a very insightful post. Well our forts are examples of our magnificent architecture and our history. This is indeed a lovely collaboration to put together some of the most fascinating forts of India. I am very fond of Mehrangarh fort. And I think you missed out on Kangra fort, which is also very beautiful.

    Reply
  21. Ami Bhat November 29, 2018

    Nice collab on the forts. A few that I can share for this list are Golconda fort for its amazing acoustics, Jaigarh fort for its secret, Junagarh fort for its beauty and Kannur fort for its Portuguese origins. In the current list, Mehrangarh fort is my favorite. Loved every bit of it.

    Reply
  22. Elena December 6, 2018

    What an amazing list! These are some really fascinating forts in India. I’m proud to say I visited all of these except Sinhagad, Tikona, Chanderi, and Kavaledurga Fort but I guess there’s always next time

    Reply
  23. Abhijit December 18, 2018

    This is an exhaustive post. I love forts. Some of them were living hardly two hundred years before. Walls of these forts are witness to so many experiences of happiness, joy, victory, defeat, treachery. If one visits these places with right mindset, one may be able to pick up vibes. I had a feeling in Agra fort in an area restricted for queens. I loved the Jingira fort opening into the river.

    Reply
    1. Sinjana Ghosh December 18, 2018

      Thank you so much. Yes, forts are my favorite kind of monuments and adventure destinations

      Reply
  24. North Bengal Tourism May 5, 2020

    A great post! Didn’t knew there are so many forts in India. This post will definitely help me in planning the next visit.

    Reply
  25. Himalayan Wheels June 8, 2020

    Nice Information. Would love to visit all of them.

    Reply
  26. Rasi June 30, 2020

    Great list of forts thanks for sharing all this

    Reply
    1. Sinjana Ghosh July 2, 2020

      Thanks !

      Reply
  27. Avishake Gazmer January 5, 2021

    Wow! You really traveled extensively in India it seems.

    Reply
  28. Holiday Travel Diaries July 29, 2022

    Beautifully written and detailed. Learned about many places for the first time. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  29. Dipankar January 30, 2023

    Happy to see the Buxa fort in the list , it represent the history of our Bengal . There there are lot of history hidden in our Bengal through your article people will get to know the history of Bengal and it encourage them to visit there .

    Reply

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