Chittorgarh Fort

Constructed By: Bhim, a Pandava (As per the legend)

Highlights: Numerous palaces and towers inside the fort.

In the pages of history Chittorgarh holds a proud place and regarded as the symbol of Rajput chivalry, resistance and bravery. The Chittorgarh fort is situated 175 km to the east of Udaipur and is named after Chitrangad Maurya. Chittorgarh covers an area seven mile covering 700 acres of land with its fortifications, palaces, temples and towers. The fortress of Chittorgarh epitomizes the romance and chivalry of the Rajput tradition.

The famous Chittorgarh fort is situated on a 180 m high hill that rises swiftly from the plains. The road leads through seven gates namely Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol, to the main gate, Rampol. In between the second and the third gate there are two Chhatris or cenotaphs, built in honor of Jaimull and Patta, the heroes of 1568 AD siege by Emperor Akbar. The main gate of the fort is called the Surajpol (the Gate of Sun). Inside the Chittorgarh fort there are many palaces like the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory and Rani Padmini's Palace. All these structures are significant for their Rajput architectural features.

The most imposing structures inside the Chittorgarh fort are the "Kirti Stambh" and the "Vijay Stambh". The "Kirti Stambh" was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440 AD to celebrate his victory over Mohammad Khalji. The pedestal of the tower is 10 ft high and the tower stands at a height of 122 ft and is 30 ft wide at the base. The tower is nine storeyed and is adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities and stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The tower provides a breathtaking view of the city. There is a huge complex of Jain temples within the fort.

Red Fort

Constructed By: Shah Jahan

Year of Construction: 1638-1648

Location: Old Delhi

The Red fort (Lal Qila) at Delhi was built by Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna. The Red fort at Delhi is one of the massive forts in India and is a witness to the heyday of the Mughal Empire. Shah Jahan built the Red fort as the citadel of Shahjahanabad, his new capital at Delhi. The Lal Quila or the Red fort rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the city of Shahjahanabad. Red fort's walls extend from two kilometers and differ in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan started the construction of the Red fort in 1638 and it was completed by 1648. The Red fort contains all the paraphernalia of the Mughal government- halls of public and private audience (Diwan-i-am and Diwan-i-khas), domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque (Moti Masjid) and richly designed gardens. Though the Red fort had to face the wrath of Nadir Shah in 1739 and the British soldiers during the revolt of 1857, it still remains an impressive testimony to the Mughal splendor and might.

The main entrance of the Red fort opens at the Chatta Chowk, a covered street bordered with arched cells that used to house Delhi's most talented jewellers, carpet makers, weavers and goldsmiths. This covered passage was also known as the Meena Bazaar, the shopping centre for the ladies of the court. The Naubat Khana or the Drum House is situated a little away from the Chatta Chowk. The musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.

The Red Fort also has the Diwan-i-Am (the Hall of Public Audiences). It was the place where the Emperor would hear complaints of his subjects. In the Diwan-i-Khas (the hall of private audiences) the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble. The Peacock Throne adorned this hall. It was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.

Some other attractions of the Red fort are the Royal Bath or the hammam, the Shahi Burj (Shah Jahan's private working area) and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. In the Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colors" lived the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The Rang Mahal was crowned with gild turrets, skillfully painted and ornamented with a complex assortment of mirrors and a ceiling overlaid with gold and silver.

The Red fort of Delhi is an important link between the past and the present i.e. in the past it was a witness to the might and splendor of the great Mughals and in modern times the Prime Minister

Gwalior Fort

Built In : Goapchal in Gwalior

Renowned As : 15th Century AD

Popular As : 'Pearl among the Fortresses in India'

Famous Palaces : Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal.

Most Famous Temple : Teli ka Mandir – Inside the Fort.

Don't Miss : Visiting the Suraj Kund Inside the Palace that is Considered to have Healing Properties.

When To Visit : July to March

The Gwalior fort spreads out over an area of 3 square km, surrounded by concrete walls of sandstone. The Gwalior fort encloses three temples, six palaces and numerous water tanks. At a point of time Gwalior fort was regarded as North and Central India's most invincible fortress. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. The fort of Gwalior has seen many ups and downs of history. In the course of almost five hundred years, the Gwalior fort went from one ruler to another.

From the Tomars it passed to the Mughals, Marathas and the British. The Gwalior fort finally went to the Scindias from the British. The Teli-ka-Mandir is the most famous of all the temples of the Gwalior fort. This temple was built in the Dravidian style shrine and is notable for its generously sculpted exterior. The Saas-Bahu Temples (two pillared temples which stand next to each other, one larger than the other) are also fascinating.

The Man Singh Palace is one of the most amazing palaces of the Gwalior fort. It was built by Man Singh in the 15th century. It was in the same palace the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned and later murdered his brother Murad. Then there is gruesome Jauhar Kund, where the women of the harem burnt themselves to death after the defeat of the king of Gwalior in 1232. Other significant palaces within the Gwalior Fort include the Karan Palace, the Jahangir Mahal, the Shah Jahan Mahal and the Gujri Mahal (built by Man Singh for his favorite queen, Mrignayani).

Getting There :

Air - India Airlines Flights Connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.

Rail - Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other Major Trains, the Shatabdi and the Taj Express Connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra daily.

Road - Gwalior is Connected by Regular Bus Service with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Shivpuri.

Jaigarh Fort

Year of construction: Between 15th and 18th Century

Highlights: Palaces, granary, cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower, etc. The fort also houses a collection of weapons, puppets and ancient coins and the largest cannon in the world.

The magnificent Jaigarh fort is located near Jaipur. Jaigarh fort or the fort of victory was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1726. The Fort stands in the middle of thorn and scrub hills, which impart it a stout look. The Jaigarh fort gives an amazing view of the city below. The purpose of building the Jaigarh fort was to strengthen the defense of Amber. It is the main reason why the Jaigarh fort is quite plain and simple. The fort is surrounded by a moat and all other arrangements seen in big citadels. Jaigarh Fort was also used as the treasury of the royal family of Jaipur.

The water supply of Jaigarh fort and its storage reservoirs are a marvel of engineering. The Jaigarh Fort has a number of water channels, constructed with the aim of harvesting rainwater. Besides the water channels, there are underground tanks at the fort. The fort could withstand long sieges without much difficulty as a result of the ingenious water supply arrangements. Inside the Jaigarh fort there is an armory and a museum. The armory has an assortment of swords, shields, guns, muskets and cannon balls. Inside the museum are photographs of Maharajas, royalty, buildings and processions and even a rounded pack of cards besides many other remnants of the past. The most fascinating thing inside the fort is large cannon on wheels, Jaivana. It was manufactured in Jaigarh's foundry in the year 1720.

Apart from the abovementioned features, there are other fascinating things to look out for in the Jaigarh fort. Of all the open halls the most interesting one is the Shubhat Niwas (the Meeting hall of Warriors). It houses numerous remnants of old times. The imposing ramparts of the Jaigarh Fort have walkways on its inner side. From the Diwa Burj or the watchtower one can have an excellent view of the town and the Amber Fort, which is located at a short distance.

Jaisalmer Fort

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Highlights: A palace, havelis of rich merchants, several temples and residential complexes of the armies and traders.

One of the oldest and massive forts of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer fort is located in the remote Thar Desert. In the medieval times, the location of Jaisalmer on the trade route made it a prosperous town. Jaisalmer came to be celebrated for the chivalry and bravery of its rulers and also for the aesthetic sense represented by its palaces and Havelis. The rulers and merchants of Jaisalmer engaged craftsmen to work on the sandstone mansions, buildings and palaces, filling up the front with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. The Jaisalmer fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall of 30 feet height. The fort has 99 bastions.

Jaisalmer fort crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within the walls of Jaisalmer fort lays the old city, which is nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer fort stands almost 30 meters over the Jaisalmer city and houses an entire living area within massive battlements. Jaisalmer fort is approached through many gates. The Akshya Pol is the entrance gate of the fort. Across the road is the Suraj-Pol. The Suraj Pol is embellished with a figure of Sun. The Hawa Pol (Wind Pol) is an enormous Gateway, girdled by palaces and courtyard and was constructed during the 17th century AD.

The steep cobbled pathways leading to the royal palace pass through four gates. The fort was made invincible by pathways having sharp and twisting turns. Jaisalmer Fort is a five story architectural monument embroidered with balconies and windows, exhibiting fine craftsmanship of Rajput style. Jaisalmer fort has five interconnected palaces. All the palaces have amazing "Jali" and 'jharokha' work.

Outside the Jaisalmer fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From the walls of the Jaisalmer fort one can have a marvelous view of the Old City and the adjoining desert.

At present, merchants and shop owners, living within the walls of the fort, crowd the fort. Small lanes inside the fort are surrounded with houses, temples and shops. Being part of the Desert Triangle and the venue of the Desert Festival, Jaisalmer is accessible by rail, road and air. Jaisalmer is also covered by the "Palace on Wheels".

Junagarh Fort

Constructed By: Raja Rai Singh

Highlights: A number of palaces with carved courtyards, balconies, kiosks, windows and towers. A rich collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewelry, carpets, arms, weapons, treaties and royal farmans (messages), etc.

Located in Bikaner, the Junagarh fort is one of the most impressive fort complexes in India. Junagarh fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1588 AD. Junagarh fort is one of those few forts that are not built on a hilltop. The fort complex consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies. The walls palaces etc. are ornamented with carved stones, marbles, paintings and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each palace in the Junagarh fort complex was built by a different ruler over the centuries.

One of the most impressive structures in the Junagarh fort complex is the Anup Mahal. Its elaborately decorated walls are covered in red and gold with colored glass inlay. The Anup Mahal is a multi-storied palace and was the governance chambers for the rulers. Its beautifully decorated rooms display the valuables of the royal family. In the Badal Mahal or the clouds palace White plaster pillars are decorated in delicate patterns and covered with gold leaves. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace's walls are painted with a fresco of rain clouds. In the rain fresco photograph there is a painting of Krishna and Radha surrounded by the blue cloud motifs.

Junagarh fort is surrounded by high walls and deep moats. There are 37 bastions that guard the fort and the fort is accessible through two Gates. The Suraj Pol or the Sun gate is the main entrance to the Junagarh fort. It is interesting to note that the Junagarh fort remained almost unconquered throughout its history. Inside the Junagarh fort there are 37 palaces, temples and pavilions. All these structures are marvels in red sandstone. The palaces inside the fort have elegantly carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon palace are worth having a look. Another fascinating palace inside the fort, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace was decorated with glasses and mirrors. Other interesting places to watch in the Junagarh fort are the Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijay Mahal and Rang Mahal. Junagarh fort has a museum, which has an extensive collection of various things belonging of the past.

Agra Fort

Location: Near the Agra Cantonment Station area

Ideal Time to Visit: Anytime round the year, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Attraction: Jahangir Mahal, Divan-e-Aam

How to Reach: Hire a cab or Auto from the hotel

The majestic Agra fort was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1565-75. The Agra fort contains numerous impressive structures like the Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. The Agra fort is enclosed by a double battlemented massive wall of red sandstone. This wall is about 2 km in perimeter and is interrupted by graceful curves and lofty bastions. Many of the buildings inside the Taj Mahal were pulled down by Shah Jahan, who erected some new ones. The Agra fort has four gates, of which the Delhi Gate is the most impressive.

The fort of Agra stands about 2 km from the Taj Mahal on the same bank of River Yamuna. The Agra fort stretches for almost 2.5 km. At present the visitors are allowed to enter the Agra fort from the Amar Singh Gate. The Amar Singh Gate leads to the courtyard. The magnificent Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audience) is on the right side. A little further lay the royal pavilions (containing Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid), palaces (Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal) and the Zenana Mina Bazaar. It is interesting to note that to rooms cool, the walls were made hollow and filled with running water. A very nice view of the Taj Mahal can be had from the balconies in the pavilions.

Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra fort by his son Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan spent his last days in the Musamman Burj of the Agra fort. The Musamman Burj is located on the left of the Khaas Mahal. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation and the benefit of cool evening breezes flowing in off the Yamuna River. From the Musamman Burj one has the best view of the Taj Mahal.

Amber Fort

Constructed by: Raja Man Singh

Completed by: Sawai Jai Singh

Year of construction: 1592

Highlights: It is a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, having interiors adorned with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings.

The Amber fort is set in a picturesque location a little away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. The Amber Fort presents a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Raja Man Singh built the Amber fort in the sixteenth century (the construction of the Amber Fort was started in 1592). The Amber Fort is built in red sandstone and white marble. The palace complex of the Amber fort has very attractive apartments. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries.

The front courtyard of the fort complex is adorned with the splendid, pillared hall of the Diwan-i-Am, and the two-tiered painted gateway, Ganesh Pol. The palace of mirrors (the Sheesh Mahal) is also of special interest. The Sheesh Mahal has walls inlaid with exquisite mirrors. The Jas Mandir, hanging on the upper floor, is a superb blend of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture, as is evident from the elegantly carved Jali screens and fine mirror and stucco work.

The entrance of the Amber fort is through the 'Dil-e-Aaram' Garden, which is laid out in the traditional Mughal style. An impressive flight of stairs leads to the 'Diwan-e-Am' (hall of public audience) which has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the small Kali Temple. The Kali temple has massive doors made of silver.

The walls of Amber fort are adorned with paintings of hunting and war along with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. The Maota Lake in the forefront of Amber fort gives spectacular and beautiful reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. The most fascinating way to reach the Amber fort is on elephant back. This is truly a royal experience.

Purana Quila

Constructed By: Sher Shah Suri and Humayun

Year of Construction: 1538-1545

Location: Near Pragati Maidan, Delhi

Attractions: Beautiful Architecture and the Sound and Light show held in the evening.

The Purana Quila or the old fort was constructed by Humayun and Sher Shah. The old fort complex covers an area of about a mile. The walls of Purana Quila have three gates (the Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza) and are surrounded by a moat, which was fed by river Yamuna. The double-storied gates of the Purana Quila are quite massive and are built with red sandstone. The walls of the old fort are said to be built by Humayun while the buildings in the old fort are attributed to Sher Shar, the Sur ruler. Of all the surviving buildings in the old fort complex, the Sher Mandal and the Quila-i-kunha Mosque are notable.

The Sher Mandal was built by Humayun. It is a two storied octagonal tower, used by Humayun as his library. The Quila-I-kunha Mosque is an example of Indo Islamic architecture. The unique features of Indo-Islamic architecture like molding, bracketed openings, marble inlay, carving etc are very prominent in the structure. The prayer hall of the Quila-i-Kunha mosque measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five doorways with the 'true' horseshoe-shaped arches. The mehrabs (prayer niches) inside the Quila-i-Kunha mosque are richly ornamented with concentric arches. The mosque has an inscription which says 'As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented, and people be happy in it.'

Excavations have revealed that the Purana Quila or the old fort stands at the site of Indraprasta, the capital of the Pandavas. Excavations near the eastern wall of the fort show that the site had been occupied since 1000 B.C. The PGW (Painted Gray Pottery) recovered from the site date back to the Mahabharata period.

Tughlaqabad Fort

Constructed By: Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq

Year of Construction: 1321-25

Location: Near Qutab Minar Complex, on the Qutab-Badarpur Road

In a state of total ruin, the Tughlaqabad fort was once a symbolic of the might of the Tughlaq dynasty. The Tughlaqabad fort was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is spread over an extensive area and a piece of architectural marvel. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq built the Tughlaqabad fort as part of Tughlaqabad, the third city of Delhi. This was the period of political unrest and there was continuous danger of Mongol attack from the North western borders of the Empire. To save the Empire and his subjects from the marauding Mongols, Ghiyas-ud-din built the Tughlaqabad fort.

Even though the fort is in a state of ruins, it bears testimony to past glory and might of the Delhi Sultanate. The massive ramparts, battlements and the mammoth stonework of Tughlaqabad fort speak highly of the architectural skills and advancement of the craftsmen. The Tughlaqabad fort served twin purpose of a defensive structure as well as the imperial capital of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. There are a number of monuments within the precincts of this massive fort.

The Tughlaqabad fort was completed in a short period of four years (1321-25). The fort's massive ramparts and bastions (as high as 15-30 m, built of enormous blocks of stone and walls 10 m thick in places) speak volumes about the might of the Sultanate. Within fort's high walls, double-storied bastions and massive towers were housed magnificent palaces, grand mosques and audience halls. The city lay on the eastern outskirts of the massive fort. On the southern side of the fort is the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, which was built by the ruler himself. The tomb is enclosed in a courtyard with fortified walls and a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Golconda Fort

Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Built In: 12th- 16th Century

Built By: Different Qutub Shahi Rulers

Highlights: Light and sound show

How to Reach: Hyderabad can be reached easily via air, rail and road from any major metro city of India.

A majestic fortress on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is one of the grandest forts of India. Built around 12th and 16th Century by various Qutub Shahi rulers, this fort has a rich history that is almost 400 years old. It is definitely a place worth visiting in case you are traveling to the south of India. One can see the elegance and grandeur of the Nawabi culture on visiting the famous Golkunda Fort of Andhra Pradesh. A tour around the fort would leave you absolutely mesmerized and you would be completely bowled over by the sheer magnitude of the fort.

The Golconda fort is a fine example of magnificent architecture. The fort was renowned for its diamond trade and it is said that the world famous "Kohinoor" diamond was found here. The architecture of the fort is such that a mere clap at the entrance could be used as a distress signal thus alerting others of any unseen dangers. The technique that was used was of advanced acoustics. The clever architectural plan also allowed uninterrupted supply of water throughout the year. The fort had sprawling gardens and dancing fountains, which are now in ruins.

The fort is built on a granite hill at a height of around 120 meters and is bordered by thick walls. The stone blocks used for constructing these massive walls weigh several tons. The structure is such that though closed, it allows much space for all over ventilation, thus allowing circulation of cool breeze that provides respite from the summer heat.

The entrance gates of the fort are colossal and are fitted with iron spikes to thwart elephants from damaging them. The entire township of Golconda is surrounded by an outer wall, which is about 11 kilometers long. This long road used to be a busy market in the by gone where one could get stuff like jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems.

Srirangapatna Fort

Location: Mysore, Karnataka

Built In: 1537

Built By: A Feudal lord called Kempe Gowda

How to Reach: Karnataka is easily reachable from any major city in India as it is well connected by flights, trains and roads.

One of the prime attractions in Mysore, Karnataka is the famous Srirangapatnam fort. Built in the year 1537 by a feudal lord, this magnificent fort is considered to be the second toughest fort of India. The Srirangapatna Fort has four main entrances known by the names of Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore and Water and Elephant gates. The fort has a double wall defense system, which is what makes it impenetrable. The legendary Tipu Sultan's residence was inside this fort. Hence, it is also known as Tipu Sultan Fort.

Tipu Sultan was known as the Mysore Tiger since he fought the British forces here with true courage and valor. It is here that he breathed his last while fighting the British forces in Mysore during the 18th century. The credit of keeping the British away from southern India truly goes to Tipu Sultan and his father who was another courageous leader, Hyder Ali. The fort is located on an island in midst of River Cauvery. The landscape surrounding the fort is very serene and beautiful and is a must visit if you are traveling to Karnataka.

The architectural style of the fort is supposed to be Indo-Islamic and there is a Persian inscription on the gateway that announces its date of construction. There are two dungeons in the lower chambers of the fort that were used to imprison captured British officers. It is also said that Buddha visited and stayed on one of the islands near Srirangapatnam. A temple dedicated to Lord Sriranganatha is also situated over here that is yet another important landmark and tourist attraction.