List of Famous 15 Forts in India by Region

By - November 22, 2022 - India
15 Famous Forts in India

India, the mystic land of magnificent traditions and rich heritage are famous not only for its diversity in cultural vitality but also for its historical background. India owes its architectural brilliance to the numerous dynasties that had ruled India over the years. Foreign invasions of famous dynasties like the Mughal, the Mamluk, and the Turkish, etc. resulted in some famous architectural styles like Indo-Islamic, Sultanate, Arabic, and Persian.

Some features of these historical forts are the extensive use of sandstones, splendid domes, and arches, and liberal uses of wonderful floral, geometric, or Arabic patterns. This land of Kings, Sultans, and emperors is bestowed with some of the best architectural forts and each one of them tells us a fascinating story of its own.

List of Most Popular Forts in North India:

Let us discover some of the famous forts in India and know their stories:

1. Red Fort in Delhi

Red Fort in Delhi is famously known as ‘Laal Qila’ and attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year. This remarkable piece of architectural excellence was built on the banks of the river Yamuna by the famous emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal Dynasty when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi.

This fort was named Red Fort due to its well-defended wall made of red sandstone. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. The fort was built following Islamic, Indian, and Persian architectural styles.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Indian war memorial museum, Diwan-i-Aam, Archaeological museum, Lahori Gate, Moti Masjid, Ajmeri Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Turkman Gate

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2. Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh

This is a famous Agra Fort of the Mughal Dynasty which is located by the river Yamuna in Agra. The present structure was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar to make it a primary hub for the defense of the country.

Another famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was captured in a prison in this fort by his son Aurangzeb. This fort holds a number of palaces, mosques, and halls. The whole fort reflects various Mughal styles and patterns of art. The famous Taj Mahal can be seen from this fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Amar Singh Gate, Jehangir Mahal, Delhi Gate

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3. Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan

This fort which is famously known as ‘Sonar Qila’ survived several battles in Indian history. The fort has an interesting historical background which says that the fort was built by a king named Krishna Jaisul as instructed by a prophet called Eesul who made the king believe that he was Lord Krisha and thus was capable of re-establishing a Yaduvanshi descendant on Trikuta Hills.

The three layers of the wall. This Golden Fort made of yellow sandstones is more than just a fort as it houses residences, temples, restaurants, and handicraft shops. One can get an amazing panoramic view of the golden desert from this fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Royal Palace, Jain temples, Lakshmi Temple, Hawa Pol, Jawahar Pol, Maharawal Palace, Tazia Tower, Jawahar Palace

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4. Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan

This impressive fort which stands on a cliff named Bahuchiriya was constructed by Rathore King Rao Jodha as protection from invasions and went through many reformations by various other Maharajas or kings of Jodhpur over time. The royal seven gates at the entrance of this fort are very famous.

Shootings of many famous Hollywood and Bollywood movies such as Thugs of Hindustan, The Dark Knight Rises, and many more have taken place in this famous fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Dedh Kamagra Gate, Bhairon Gate, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Loha Gate, Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, World Sacred Spirit Festival (held in October), Rajasthan International Folk Festival( held in February)

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5. Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan

This is also another famous UNESCO World Heritage Site that is believed to be constructed by the Maurya rulers of Chittorgarh. This grand fort attracts people all around the world due to its interesting historical background and impressive architectural works. This fort tells stories about sacrifices, bravery, and battles.

The most famous incident associated with this fort is the story of the beautiful queen Rani Padmini of Chittor who chose self-immolation along with other Rajput women over the surrender to Allauddin Khilji who attacked Chittor with the intention to possess the queen.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Rana Kumbha Mahal, Ratan Singh Palace, Fateh Prakash, Vijay Stambha, Padmini’s Palace, Meera Temple, ShringarChauri Temple, KirtiStambha, Light and sound show, Saat Pols(seven gates), Jauhar Mela procession(held in February)    

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6. Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan

This is one of the most famous forts in Rajasthan. The great Maharana Pratap was born inside this fort. The fort was named after Rana Kumbha who constructed the fort on the hilltop to prevent the attacks of his enemies. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, the fort offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of the Thar Desert and its surroundings.

Kumbhalgarh fort wall made of stone bricks is considered to be the world’s second-highest wall. This wall is popularly known as ‘The Great Wall of India’.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Kumbha Palace, Badal Mahal, water reservoirs, Jhaliaka Malia, and Jain Temples. giant Shivalinga, Ram Gate, Lakhola Tank, Bad ShahiBavdi, Parsvanatha Temple, Bawan Devi Temple

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7. Junagarh Fort in Rajasthan

This magnificent fort made of red sandstone and marble was initially built by Rao Bika in Bikaner but, later on, was constructed fully by Maharaja Rai Singh.

A number of palaces, courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and temples inside the fort reflect the breathtaking architectural excellence of the Rajasthani style. However, the influence of Mughal and British styles can be clearly seen as the fort had gone through reformation over the years.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Bikanerihavelis, Buddhist monuments, temples, Karan Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Ganga Mahal Museum, Phool Mahal, the Karan pole, the Suraj pole, Daulat pol, Har Narayan temple

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8. Amber Fort in Rajasthan

This glorious fort which is situated in the Pink City of Jaipur holds great significance in Indian history due to its interesting background and unique architectural construction. This fort is believed to be built by Maharaja Man Singh I who was a general during the kingdom of the Mughal emperor Akbar. This is also known as Amer Fort.

This fort built with marble and red sandstone reflects the Rajputana style of architecture. Several gates, courtyards, palaces, and temples can be found here. The fort is adorned with beautiful motifs of flowers, mosaic glassworks, and glass paintings.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Diwan-e-Aam, Sukh Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Magic Flower, the Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk courtyard, Siladevi Temple, the Suraj Pol, Light and sound show, Elephant ride

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9. Jaigarh Fort in Rajasthan

Jaigarh Fort is another famous fort in the Pink City of Jaipur. This remarkable fort which is known as the ‘Fort of Victory’ is perched on a cliff on the Cheelka Teela hilltop. Sawai Jai Singh II built this fort to protect the Amer fort with the help of the famous architect named Vidhyadhar.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Kal Bhairav temple, Vilas Mandir, Jaivana Cannon, armory, Aram Mandir, Awani Darwaza

10. Taragarh Fort in Rajasthan

This famous hill fort which was built by Rao Deva had survived many battles over the years. Miran Syed Hussain Asghar Khangswar who was the governor of Ajmer during the reign of Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori was killed in this fort by the Rajput and Chauhan rulers.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Lakshmi Pol,  Bhim Burj, Garbh Gunjan canon, Chauhan bastion, Rani Mahal, Miran Saheb ki Dargah, Phuta Darwaza, Gagudi ki Phatak  

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List of Most Popular Forts in West India:

1. Murud Janjira Fort in Maharashtra

This fort is one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists. This mighty piece of ancient architectural work is located on an island off the coastal village called Murud.

According to history, some fishermen first built a fort with wood to protect themselves from pirate attacks, and later on, this fort was captured by Piram Khan who was a general of Nizam Shahi Sultan to fully construct the fort. It was then named Jazeere Mahroob Jazeera and later on Jazeera, which is an Arabic word which means island.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Kalal Bangadi canon, Chavri canon, Landa Kasam canon, Durbar Hall, ‘Darya Darwaz

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2. Panhala Fort in Maharashtra

This famous fort in the famous city of Kolhapur is one of the largest forts in southern India. Raja Bhoja constructed this fort initially and later on it was restructured by the Maratha rulers.

This fort was once a residence of the famous Maratha warrior Shivaji. Many historical tales of Shivaji are associated with this grand fort of Indo-Islamic style. Various patterns and motifs of a number of dynasties adorn various areas of the fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Rajdindi Bastion, Andhar Bavadi, Ambar khana, Ambabai temple, Sambhaji temple, Someshwar tank, Nayakini Sajja, Kalavanticha Mahal, The Teen Darwaza, Char Darwaza, Wagh Darwaza

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3. Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh

This famous fort in Gwalior is believed to be built by a king named Suraj Sen and named after a sage called Gwalipa who cured the king of Leprosy with some holy water. This fort has a history of being handed over to many famous dynasties like the Mughals, Tomars, Marathas, etc.

One of the most important features of this fort is its three layers of walls each one of them built for a particular purpose. The first wall was built to strengthen the foundation, the second to act as a protective barrier, and the third one to throw boulders and pour boiling oils on the intruders stuck in the second or third wall.

This glorious piece of history has several temples, palaces, and water tanks inside it which give a glimpse of the life of the people in different historical periods. Some amazing architectural styles like North Indian motifs, Dravidian style, and South Indian temple architecture are prominent in this fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: The Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal Museum, Man Mandir, Sas-Bahu temple, Elephant Gate, Urvai Gate, the Jahangir, Show of Light and Sound in the amphitheater.

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List of Most Popular Forts in South India:

1. Golconda Fort in Hyderabad

This is one of the most famous forts in India which is believed to have preserved the famous Koh- I- Noor diamond once upon a time. This holds a large number of temples, stables, magazines, halls, and gates. This majestic piece of architecture has an incredible historical background.

It was initially built by a Kakatiyan king in order to protect an idol discovered by a shepherd in that region and was named Golla Konda. Later on, this fort was restructured and expanded during the period of Qutub Shahi and the Mughal Dynasty.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Fateh Darwaza, Bala Hissar Gate, Light and sound show, the ruins of Rani Mahal

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2. Chitradurga Fort in Karnataka

Chitradurga Fort is one of the most famous forts in South India. This fort which was popularly known as Chitaldoorg is a major tourist destination.

It is said that several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Nayakas, Vijaynagars, Hoysalas, etc. have done some construction works to get it to the current form. The history of famous Tipu Sultan and his troops were defeated by the British in this fort.

Major Attractions inside the Fort: Hidimbeshwara temple, water tanks, artillery units

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There are many other forts that can be found in different parts of the country.

Some of the not-so-famous forts are:

  • Palakkad Fort in Kerala
  • Barabati Fort in Odisha
  • Visapur Fort in Maharashtra
  • Asirgarh Fort in Madhya Pradesh
  • Khandar Fort in Rajasthan
  • Dhandidhar Fort in Jammu and Kashmir
  • Prabalgad Fort in Madhya Pradesh

The kings and emperors of the ancient period took great pride to build forts which did not only serve the purpose of protecting one’s kingdom from the attacks of their enemies but it also helped the rulers to flaunt their wealth and power. Whatever the reasons might be behind the construction of these forts, no one can deny the magnitude of the excellent architectural skills and colorful cultural influence of these masterpieces.

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