India Highlight

Top 14 Famous Forts in India You Must Explore

Here is a list of the top 14 famous forts you must explore in India.

  • Jaisalmer Fort
    Fort in Jaisalmer
    Jaisalmer Fort is a historic monument that's still alive. This massive sandstone fort rises above the city, its golden walls glowing under the desert sun. Unlike most forts that stand quiet and empty, Jaisalmer Fort is bustling with life. Narrow lanes wind through centuries-old houses, temples, and shops, where locals and travellers move through history without even realising it. It's a mix of the past and present, where every corner carries the scent of spices, old stone, and som...
  • Nahargarh Fort
    Fort in Jaipur
    Perched precariously atop Aravalli Hills, this ancient fortress stands as stunning architecture and a testament to Rajasthan's regal heritage. The fascinating narrative of Nahargarh Fort—believed to be haunted by the Rathore lord Nahar Singh Bhomia—is what sets it apart. The narrative goes that until a temple was erected on the fort's grounds to placate the ghost, the building of the fort encountered enigmatic challenges. This lingering mystery only deepens the fort’s intrigue, drawing...
  • Red Fort
    Fort in Central Delhi
    With a size of over 250 acres, the Red Fort in Old Delhi is a national treasure. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort captivates both tourists and locals alike. Because of its large size, taking a full day to explore the grounds is highly recommended. Learn more about the Red Fort and how to make the most of your upcoming visit right now. A Brief History When the fifth emperor of India came into power, he wanted a grand palace and capital built in Delhi. Ultimately, Emp...
  • Agra Fort
    Fort in Agra
    Located in Uttar Pradesh, the Agra Fort was built in the late 16th century as a military stronghold and royal household. After eight years of construction along the Yamuna River, this Mughal structure was used for government work when Agra was the capital. Today, you can visit the Agra Fort because it's preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Revealing the History This historic site began as a humble structure named Badalgarh Fort several decades before it was christened the...
  • Amber Fort
    Fort in Jaipur
    As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber or Amer Fort is a striking example of a royal complex. Constructed of pink and yellow sandstone, this fort was first commissioned in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I. Many royal families inhabited the fort in the 1600s and beyond. As a popular landmark outside Jaipur, visiting the Amber Fort should be on any traveler's bucket list. Looking at the History Singh and his family lived at the Amber Fort after its initial construction. Reflecting...
  • Bahu Fort
    Fort in Jammu
    With a history dating back 3,000 years, the Bahu Fort is a testament to the founder's respect for this region. Remarkably, the city of Jammu and the Bahu Fort are forever linked in time because they were constructed almost simultaneously. During your Northern India vacation, stroll through the Bahu Fort as you immerse yourself in the local legends and history. Learning About the Legend Long ago, Raja Jambu Lochan visited this area on a hunting journey. Along the Tawi River, this...
  • Jaigarh Fort
    Fort in Jaipur
    Rajasthan, the "Land of Kings," is packed with stories of valour, royalty, and architectural brilliance. Among its many marvels, Jaigarh Fort stands tall, literally and historically, as a fortress built for power, strategy, and defence. Sitting high on the Aravalli Hills, it offers views of Jaipur and Amer Fort. But what truly makes Jaigarh Fort special is its engineering genius, from its intricate water system to the legendary Jaivana Cannon, the largest wheeled cannon ever made. <h...
  • Kangra Fort
    Fort in Kangra
    Covering more than 450 acres, Kangra Fort is an ancient landmark located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. With a combination of ruins and steadfast structures, this historical highlight dates back to the 4th century. Learn more about this Indian treasure as you walk the grounds and marvel at the remaining architecture. History of Kangra Fort The Katoch royal family was the original owner of the fort in the 4th century. Over the centuries, many different groups attacked t...
  • Khaba Fort
    Fort in Jaisalmer
    At the gateway of Jaisalmer lies Khaba Fort, a haunting relic of a once-thriving Paliwal Brahmin settlement. Abandoned for over 200 years, its crumbling homes and eerie silence fuel the legend of a cursed village. Dating back to the 13th century, this Sarai Fort once stood as a crucial stop on the Silk Route, where merchants rested and paid taxes before continuing their journey. Today, its ruins whisper forgotten tales of prosperity and mystery. The Historical Background A...
  • Mehrangarh Fort
    Fort in Jodhpur
    Towering over the Blue City of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is more than just an ancient stronghold; it’s a bold statement of Rajput pride and precision. Built in the 15th century, this fort wasn't just designed to defend, but to impress. Every wall, gate, and palace inside speaks of skilled craftsmanship, strategic thinking, and a deep-rooted legacy. It’s where engineering met artistry, and history continues to echo through its sandstone corridors. Mehrangarh Fort: A Legacy Carved i...
  • Phool Mahal
    Fort in Jodhpur
    Phool Mahal, also known as the Flower Palace, is situated within Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Known for its rich decoration and historical importance, it stands out as one of the most luxurious halls in the fort. The room is famous for its gold-covered ceiling, which was made using gold brought from Ahmedabad as a war prize. It served as a private chamber for the kings of Jodhpur, used mainly for entertainment and gatherings. The Blooming Heart of Mehrangarh Fort <p...
  • Pokhran Fort
    Fort in Jaisalmer
    Nestled in the arid expanse of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, Pokhran Fort stands out like a crimson sandstone island amidst endless dunes. It has stood there for hundreds of years, strong and proud, guarding the secrets of the past. What makes Pokhran truly special is its place in both ancient and modern history. This is not only a fort built by kings but also the land near where India tested its first nuclear weapons. A Desert Fortress with a Story That Shaped a Nation Pokhran...
  • Purana Qila
    Fort in South Delhi
    In the bustling heart of Delhi, surrounded by traffic and modern architecture, there stands Purana Qila, or “Old Fort.” Although it's famously linked to the Mughal period, archaeologists suggest that humans were settled here as early as 1000 BCE. This fort has seen emperors rise and fall, wars break out, and refugees take shelter, and today, people come in search of calm or maybe just a place to click the perfect sunset photo. From Myth to Mughal to Modern India Long befor...
  • Tughlaqabad Fort
    Fort in South Delhi
    In the heart of Delhi’s wild, rocky ridges lies a forgotten kingdom of stone — the Tughlaqabad Fort. Spread across massive acres of land, this ruined fortress’ high, slanting walls, silent chambers, and grand gateways speak of a time when power, pride, and a mysterious curse ruled Delhi. Unlike the more polished Mughal structures, Tughlaqabad Fort feels raw and ancient. Walking through its broken paths feels like walking through the pages of a lost chapter in Delhi’s story. Echoe...