39 Results found for Search: forts
1. Agra Fort, Agra.
Nestled on the west banks of River Yamuna, this crescent shaped fort was commissioned by Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal Emperors, in 1565. Since then, his descendants Jehangir, Shah Jahan and even Aurangzeb have added extensions to the fort. Surrounded by mighty ramparts, the complex has within the fort has several palaces, gardens, halls, and other historical structures. A visit to the Agra Fort complements visits to the Taj Mahal, as the fort itself offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna
2. Ajaigarh Fort , Khajuraho.
Located nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Khajuraho, the Ajaigarh Fort is another example of the architectural and sculptural accomplishments of the Chandela dynasty. Historians believe this impressive fortress was built by them towards the latter part of their reign. That makes this a later development than Kalinjar Fort. It was the capital of the Chandelas during their decline. Chhatrasal, a popular king of the region, gave it to his son Shri Jagat Raj in 1731.
3. Elephant Ride And Visit Amer fort, Jaipur.
Amer, or Amber Fort was the capital of the Kachchwaha Rajput rulers of Rajasthan, before water scarcity forced them to moved down from the mountains and establish the city of Jaipur. Sited atop the Aravalli hills, this majestic Rajput fortress stands guard over the newer city below. Built by Raja Man Singh Ji, the fort has rough, craggy walls and the glistening Maotha Lake in front. Later extensions and embellishments to the fort include traditional Rajput architecture and striking Mughal décor.
4. Chapora Fort and surrounds, Goa.
An unlikely beach resort, Chapora is tucked under a canopy of trees on the muddy southern shore of an estuary. Built by Adil Shah, the king of Bijapur, on the southern headland of the Chapora River, Chapora Fort has a commanding view of the Vagator Beach and the nearby Anjuna Beach.
5. Evening at Mehran Terrace , Jodhpur.
Don't think food here, think great views. Once you've calibrated your expectation, rest assured you'll step out with an experience to cherish. The view of the city by night from this vantage point, high on the fort, is simply SPECTACULAR. Sip a chilled beer after a tour of the fort to set up the evening. The ambient and decor lighting add to the overall experience. This is probably the most romantic experience in town. Small wonder, Mehrangarh Fort is said to be the best managed fort in India.
6. First Fort Gate, Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer Fort has four majestic gates. All four gates - Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol - are attractions in themselves. Each of these is an architectural marvel, noted for its fine craftsmanship. Of the four, First Fort Gate is the most impressive. Also known as Akhai Pol, this gate was constructed in 1156 and has always been the main entrance. It was once the entrance for royal members and important guests in the days gone by.
7. Fort Aguada, Goa.
About 18 kilometers (11.25 miles) from Panaji in Old Goa, along Candolim Chogm Road stands the 17th century Portuguese bastion, Fort Aguada overlooking the Sinquerim Beach and Arabian Sea stretching into distance. Built in 1612, this old Portuguese fort sprawls on the beach south of Candolim at the shore of the Mandovi River. Fort Aguada was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas, and was a reference point for ships coming from Europe at that time. Interestingly, the fort got its name (Aguada meaning water) from the freshwater spring within the premises providing water supply to the ships that used to stop by. Crews of passing vessels would halt here to replenish their fresh water stores before continuing on their voyage.
8. Fort St. George, Museum, Chennai.
Built as a trading post in 1640, and later developed into garrison fortress, the St. George Fort was probably the first British establishment in India. An architectural marvel, the structure houses a museum, and the magnificent St. Mary’s Church. A must-visit for all history and architecture lovers!
9. Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort is an archetypical Rajput fortress - moated, built on the top of a scraggy hill, with might walls that stretch for miles across the Aravalli hills. Built by successive generations of Rajput rulers between the 15th to 18th centuries, Jaigarh is especially remarkable as most of the original structure is still intact. The fort first served as an armory and many of its products are on display, such as the canon Jaivan - the world’s largest canon on wheels. The engineering and design of the fort is an impressive reminder of Rajasthani skills. The fort has a unique water harvesting system and a network of canals to ensure water supply to Amer Fort.
10. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer.
To catch the first glimpse of Jaisalmer Fort, is to start an enduring romance with this town. Sitting pretty atop Trikuta Hill, the fort rises above the surrounding desert floor. It is visible from a distance, and instantly captures the imagination. Add a dash of history to its picturesque setting, and there's no escaping the charm of the fort, and by extension the town. For the fort forms the heart and soul of Jaisalmer!
Also known as the 'Golden Fort' or 'Sonar Kila', it is built with the local sandstone of the region - one that has a distinct yellow tone. It was built in 1156 CE by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom the fort derives its name.
11. Kalinjar Fort, Khajuraho.
Located 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Khajuraho in Uttar Pradesh, it is one of the most imposing forts in India. A tad smaller than India's largest fort at Gwalior, Kalinjar stands on an 800-feet (244 meter) high hill. The height combined with size gives it an aura or invincibility. It makes for an awe-inspiring view.
Although the exact date on of its construction is shrouded in mystery, historians believe that this fort was built by the Chandela king Kedar Burman in the 9th century CE. It was ruled by various Hindu dynasties and later on went into the hands of Muslim rulers briefly.
12. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.
This 15th-century fort is one of the most imposing in India. As Rajasthan’s largest fort, Mehrangarh forms a looming presence over Jodhpur with walls that soar 120 meters (400 feet) high above the surrounding cityscape. Visible from miles around, it is a grand statement of Rajput valor. Visitors have the option of approaching it by foot from the busy lanes around the Clock Tower/Ghanta Ghar area, or by taxi or rickshaw from the longer (5 kilometer/ 3 mile) road through Nagauri Gate to the north of the city.
The foundation of the fort was laid by Rao Jodha in 1459 on the advice of a hermit.
13. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur.
Situated atop the rugged Aravalli hills, Nahargarh Fort is the third important fort of Jaipur and it was the first fort to be built for the defense of the old Rajput capital at Amer. The first structure of the fort was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, many other sections were added by successive rulers. These latter additions have survived and are in remarkably good condition. The entire complex houses many palaces and halls, the most impressive amongst which is Madhavendra Bhawan. This is a set of nine identical suites built by the king for his nine wives. These nine apartments open into a common courtyard and are connected by a network of corridors. Many of the frescos and other original decorations are well preserved.
14. Old Fort, New Delhi.
Jutting out of wild greenery, the Old Fort or Purana Qila is somewhat rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers (1.25 miles). Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor who set his new capital Dinpanah in 1534, built the gigantic gateway and walls of Purana Qila. The ramparts have three gateways with bastions on either sides. Like most Mughal monuments, this one too is surrounded by a now dried, wide moat connected that once to the river Yamuna. You will see a quintessential Islamic pointed arch with Hindu chhatris (umbrella-like structures) and brackets, at the northern gateway ‘Talaqui Darwaza’ (meaning the forbidden gateway).
15. Ramnagar Fort and Museum, Varanasi.
This is the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi, popularly known as ‘Kashi Naresh’. The Ramnagar Fort lies about 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Varanasi along the eastern bank of Ganga. Its picturesque location by the river makes it popular with visitors. A pontoon bridge connects the fort to the city. During monsoon months the bridge is dismantled and replaced by a ferry. By road it can be approached from the long main road that crosses the Malaviya Bridge up north near Raj Ghat. You then drive down the eastern bank of the river. Chartering a boat from Dashaswamedh Ghat or Asi Ghat are other options.
16. Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore.
Standing majestically on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the National Park, the Ranthambhore Fort is a massive 10th century structure built by Chauhan rulers from the invasions of Alaudin Khilji and Qutub-ud-din-Aibak among others. Once impregnable, the Ranthambhore Fort is now in ruins though retains traces of its exquisite architectural design. Temples including the Ganesha Temple, a mosque and Hammir Court popular for its acoustics, are some attractions within its ancient ramparts. The fort affords grand sweeping views of the Ranthambhore National Park.
17. Red Fort, New Delhi.
A regal sandstone entrance ‘Lahore Gate’ leads you into the three sq. kilometer stretch of the Red Fort, a veritable treasure trove of buildings, courtyards, bazaar and a lovely flowering garden. Rising 33 meters (110 feet) above the clamor of Old Delhi, the red stonewalls are a testimony to the power and flamboyance of the Mughal Empire. Built in 1639 by Emperor Shah Jahan when Mughal creativity and aesthetics were at its zenith, the fort showcases delicate ornamental work and a marvelous architectural design. From Lahore Gate, walk straight into a stretch of bazaar arcade, Chatta Chowk, whose walls are lined with shops selling a great variety of antique silver trinkets, silk scarves, and traditional jewelry.
18. Sajjangarh Fort, Udaipur.
Sajjangarh Fort, a 19th century summer resort built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, is perched atop Banswara Hill overlooking the emerald waters of Fateh Sagar Lake. Popularly known as Monsoon Palace, the fort lies about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the west of Udaipur city. Surrounded by thickly wooded hills, Sajjangarh can be reached both by car and boat. The tall turrets of this white palace with guards regulating each of its towers are perceptible from a distance. The fort is best visited during the rainy season when it offers a glorious view of the city’s lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside. Later, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary was built near the palace.
19. Teracol Fort, Goa.
To the north of Arambol, a sinuous coast road winds around the top of a rocky, undulating plateau, and then through a dense woodland to join the river Arondem, which it then trails for 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through a pretty landscape of paddy fields, lush coconut palms and temple towers jutting out from quaint red-bricked villages. This little enclave of Teracol, the northernmost tip of Goa can be reached by ferry from the hamlet of Querim, about 42 kilometers (26.25 miles) from Panjim. In its heyday, Teracol was a key Portuguese bastion for the defense of Goa, with the estuary of Teracol River on its north side.
20. Anchuthengu Fort, Kovalam.
About 36 kilometers (22.5 miles) from Trivandrum city and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Varkala, Anchuthengu is a place of historical relevance amid gorgeous coastal scenery. Crowning the bluff is the 17th century Anchuthengu Fort standing testimony to the architectural elegance of the British. This fort on the outskirts of Kovalam is believed to be one of the oldest trading posts set up during the colonial era in India. It was built in 1800s as an impregnable bastion of the British East India Company and till today retains a palpable English aura.
21. Anjengo Fort, Varkala.
An important trading station of the British, Anjengo Fort is about 36 kilometers (22.5 miles) north of Trivandrum city and some 18 kilometers (11.25 miles) from Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala. This is a lovely seaside drive from the mutt and opens up innumerable photo opportunities. On a sightseeing excursion around Varkala, it is worth popping into this fort set up by the English East India Company as a strategic garrison in 1684. The structure was raised in 1695 as a signal station or lighthouse for ships coming in from England. Anjengo literally stands for ‘Anju Thengu’ meaning five coconut trees in Malayalam.
22. Deeg Fort and Palace, Bharatpur.
Deeg occupies an important place in Jat history of Rajasthan for this is where Suraj Mal defeated an 80,000 strong combined army of Marathas and Mughals. It was established the capital of the Jat kingdom under Badan Singh, before the base shifted to Bharatpur. Raja Suraj Mal, Badan’s successor was an enthusiastic builder, and this structure stands testimony to this fact. The Deeg Fort and Palace complex is impressive even in its ruins. The palace set in a small lake has an interesting fountain system with a huge tank on top of Kishan Bhawan feeding the fountains.
23. Haripur-Guler, McLeodganj.
Haripur is 55 km from Dharamsala via Ranital. This was the capital of the princely state of Haripur Guler - an offshoot of Kangra. Haripur fort has been ravaged by time and is not as well known or as large as the Kangra fort but it is strategically built. The location is picturesque and the Banganga rivulet gives it natural protection. Inside, there are a few carvings but they are blurred and difficult to reach – though eighteenth century travellers who visited the fort recorded that the Guler palace of Haripur fort had exquisite paintings and carvings. A major school of miniature paintings was also based here. After the construction of the Pong Dam and the flooding of the area by the waters of the Maharana Pratap Sagar, many people in Haripur had their lands submerged. Haripur yet holds several old temples and remarkable city gates with large stone carvings of deities from the Hindu pantheon that testify to a long gone creative impulse.
24. Kangra Fort, McLeodganj.
Kangra Fort was the largest fort in India north of Delhi. This was the arbiter of much of Kangra's history for a millennium. The earliest definitive reference of the fort is in 1009 AD in the chroniclers of the invader, Mahmud of Ghazni. Built on a rocky hill over the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivulets, its high ramparts and walls have a circumference of approximately four kilometres. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 4 April 1905, but several gates, the shrines of Ambika Devi, Adinath and Lakshminarayan, and the remains of its palaces are still there. A small cemetery outside the fort has some seventeen graves that date to the time when it was under British control. There is a small museum near the entrance gate that has been established by the Archaeological Survey of India.
25. Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur.
Built by the daredevil ruler of the region Suraj Mal in the 18th century, it draws its name from loha or iron. It was designed to be impregnable with high bastions and a moat surrounding it. The sandy battlements around the ramparts neutralized the enemy gunfire making it difficult conquer. True to character none could capture it till the British came along. They too managed to win it after repeated attempts and incurring heavy causalities. Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas are some monuments to look out for. Others like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were made to commemorate victories.
26. Nurpur, McLeodganj.
The remains of the fort at Nurpur hold a rare treasure in the Brij Raj Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Krishna is enshrined as a black marble image alongwith his devotee, Mira Bai - whose image is in white marble. The statues are regarded to have brought to Nurpur from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh in the early seventeenth century. The structure of the temple is unpretentious but this Spartan building has been endowed with a rare and lavish treasure in its verandah which is covered with magnificent wall paintings. Many of these paintings have lost their lustre over the passage of time, but are yet remarkable. Nurpur is also well known for its fine shawls of pashmina and silk.
27. Shaniwarwada Palace, Pune.
Overlooking the oldest section of Pune stands tall the walls of the Shaniwarwada Palace. Constructed by Baji Rao I, the Peshwa ruler in 1732, the fort served as the political capital till the arrival of the British in 1817. However, in 1828, the fort-palace was majorly scalded by a mysterious fire. Today, all that remains of this once majestic building are old walls, a park with lotus pools and pillars made of wood and lattice work. The daily Light and Sound Show by the Pune Municipal Corporation within the premises acts as a tourist attraction.
28. Sinhagad Fort, Pune.
Deriving its name from a lion-hearted general of Shivaji, Tanaji, Sinhagad Fort (Lion Fort), centering around which many a battle was waged—chief among them being one led by Tanaji himself in 1670 to recapture the fort (then known as Kondana)—has lost its sheen and significance over time. It is now known more as a picnic spot and a popular destination for trekkers. Within the premises are located a memorial of Tanaji and Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger son ; while on top of the fort are bungalows once inhabited by Lokmanya Tilak, and G D Madgulkarm, a renowned Marathi poet.
29. Manora Fort, Thanjavur.
About 65 kilometers (40.6 miles) from Thanjavur in the tiny Sethubaba Chattiram hamlet lies the Manora Fort, an eight-tiered hexagonal tower standing 230-meter tall (766 foot) over the Bay of Bengal. Manora – a derivative of the word ‘minaret’ – is the work of Maratha king Serfoji II in 1814-15 to immortalize British Victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo. Owing to the fragile condition of the structure, it is no longer possible to scale up the tower for an uninterrupted panoramic view of the palm-fringed Bay of Bengal.
30. Rock Fort Temple, Tiruchirappalli.
Synonymous with Trichy, the Rock Fort Temple is nestled on a rocky outcrop with the Cauvery River at its foot. This 83-meter (277 foot) high rock stands out as an exception in the otherwise flat landscape of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world, dating over 3 billion years – almost as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. Tourists scale up this great rock to not just browse the ramshackle fort, but also to look up the temple perched on the summit.
31. Tipu's Fort, Bangalore.
Tipu’s Fort is in the heart of the City Market area – Kalasipalyam. Now called Tipu’s Fort, the structure traces its origin to the rule of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, who first constructed a small mud fort in 1537 around which the city eventually came up. This was converted into a stone fort by Haider Ali in 1761. A number of battles with the British were fought here. It was in this fort that Hyder imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers
32. Udaigiri Fort, Kanyakumari.
Udaigiri Fort is about 34 kilometers (21.25 miles) from Kanyakumari on the Nagerkoil-Trivandrum highway at Pullioorkurichi. Its popularity as a historical landmark is somewhat overshadowed by the presence of the Padmanabhapuram Palace only a few miles from here. And at any point if you can’t find your way and consult a villager, in all likelihood he will redirect you to the famed Padmanabhapuram Palace. But the Udaigiri Fort in Kanyakumari district is not to be confused with the fort by the same name in the Udaigiri village in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
33. Vattakottai Fort, Kanyakumari.
About 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) to the northeast of Kanyakumari is the granite Vattakottai Fort, an 18th century coastal defense fortification and barrack of the Travancore kingdom. The structure is circular and spreads across three and half acres of lush lawns. Its ramparts are about 26 feet high (7.8 meters) including the parapet which is some 29-foot thick (8.7 meters) from the front. Ex-Dutch Captain De Lennoy – who after the Battle of Colachel became the General of Travancore army – commissioned the construction of this ‘circular fort’ as a part of the defense fortifications he undertook across Travancore.
34. Vijayanagara Fort, Thanjavur.
About 2 kilometer (1.25 miles) to the northeast of the Brihadeeswara temple is the erstwhile stronghold of the Nayak kings, the Vijayanagara Fort dating back to early 1550 AD. Built partly by the Madurai Nayaks and the Maratha rulers, the great fort houses the Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal Library, Shiv Ganga garden, and an art gallery that has an array of ancient sculptures and paintings. The structure was conceived by Nayak ruler, Vijay Raghav to protect the Tanjore Palace from enemy attacks. Today, a section of the fort is open to visitors, though most of it is in a dilapidated state.
35. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner.
Constructed between 1588 and 1593 CE by Rai Singh, Bikaner’s ruler and Akbar’s general, the Junagarh Fort is one of the most imposing, intricate and impressive architectural edifices in Rajasthan. One of the very few Rajasthani forts not located on the top of a hill, it still bears the distinction of being a structure that has never fallen in to enemy hands, thanks to its 3235 feet 9986 meter) long red sandstone wall, replete with 37 bastions and a moat to boot. The Fort houses as many as 37 ornately decorated palaces, alongside temples, pavilions and a museum.
36. Kamru, Sangla Valley.
The village of Kamru lies at a height above the valley floor and is a kilometer or so from Sangla village. Here stands its famous tower-like fort. This wood and stone structure was the original seat of the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Bushair - they later moved to Sarahan and then to Rampur which lie downstream of the Satluj. With a population of about a thousand people, Kamru is a dense cluster of houses and is surrounded by fields and orchards.
37. Sadras, Mahabalipuram.
About 13-kilometer (8.12 miles) from Mahabalipuram towards Kalpakkam, there is an idyllic beach resort, Sadras, known for the ruins of a Dutch Fort. Take a stroll in the Dutch cemetery and look up the finely carved headstones and the inscriptions on them. Actually, Sadras is an anglicized version of the ancient town of Chadhuranga Pattinam. Sadras was set up in the 17th century as a Dutch colony, and an important centre for weaving fine muslin cloth for export. This little village was a flourishing weaver settlement until the Dutch conquered the domains from the Carnatic rulers in 1612.
38. Madikeri Fort, Coorg.
Originally made in mud, the 110 feet long Madikeri Fort was re-built in stone (with secret underground passages) by Tipu Sultan. Much later Lingarajendra Wodeyar II reconstructed this two-storied fort with brick and mortar between 1812 - 1817. Now the District Collector’s Office, this palace has a stone formation of a tortoise with the initials of King Vijayarajendra and two life size stone replicas of the royal elephants killed by King Veera Raja. In 1855, the British built a Gothic styled Anglican St. Mark's Church which has now been converted into a museum. After a couple of facelifts a Clock Tower and a portico were added by the British in 1933.
39. Pratapgadh Fort, Mahabaleshwar.
A trip to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete without taking the detour to the gigantic Pratapgadh Fort, the pride of the Maratha reign. The fort actually comprises two ancient forts: an upper fort built on the top of the hill and the lower one immediately below on the South and the East. The fort is a colossal labyrinth of ponds, chambers and long serpentine walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a steep 100-meter fall. The Bhavani Temple and the tomb of Afzal Khan are other tourist attractions located near the fort. Legend has it that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a shining sword here at the Bhavani Temple.