Majestic Forts In India,Top Forts & Palaces in India,Indian Palaces

Having survived the tide of time, the forts in India stand proof to the glorious history and excellent craftsmanship that the country has witnessed. The walkways of the forts speak volumes of the legacy that the prosperous emperors left behind. In fact, each bastion, courtyard, porch, stairway, window and even the defensive walls of these majestic forts recount the historic tales of India's splendid past. While the kingly Rajasthan is studded with a number of magnificent forts and palaces, the capital Delhi stands witness to some of the most strategically planned edifices in the country. The other parts of India also have their fair share of forts reflecting the royalty and grandiose of the golden era.

Today, the enchanting allure of these forts' architectural grandeur pulls tourists towards itself like an ant is pulled by sugar. Let's have a walk through the majestic forts of India that have passed the test of time.

The Pink City houses one of the most magnificent palaces in India called the City Palace. The construction of the palace complex was initiated by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. The Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Maharani Palace are some of the historic buildings included within the precincts of the walled palace. The complex reflects the architectural brilliance of Rajputana, Mughal and European style, which makes the structure unique and beautiful. You can witness the royal life led by the Maharajas of Jaipur from the magnificent display of clothes, armory, weapons and other lifestyle items on display in the City Palace.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 190 for Indians & INR 500 for foreigners

Located in the Blue City of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Built by Rao Jodha in the 15th century, this impregnable fort rises perpendicular from a hilly rock around 120 m above the Jodhpur soil. The 6m to 26 m high battlements, chiseled rocks, thick boundary walls, and the seven gates with one of the telling the stories of the battles it won with the cannonball imprint will take you on a trip to the regal Rathore era. The museum has been built inside the fort which reflects the rich history of the 'Rathores' elaborate lifestyle in the form of attires, paintings, arms, etc.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 60 without audio guide and INR 150 with audio guide for Indians & INR 500 for foreigners with audio guide

Serving as the official residence of the rulers of Mysore from the 14th century to the 20th century, the Maharaja's Palace, popularly known as Mysore Palace, is one of the biggest palatial complexes in South India. Built by the then ruler of Mysore Yaduraya Wodeyar, this palace is a must visit to witness the beauty of the Indo-Saracenic style architecture. The grey granite palace with deep pink marble stones atop looks splendid standing majestically facing the Chamundi Hills. The museum in the palace with richly ornate rooms is a must-visit to see the royal dresses, musical instruments, souvenirs, and weapons used by the Wodeyars.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indian adults, INR 20 for Indian students & INR 200 for foreigners

The Red Fort is Delhi stands as a stellar example of Mughal architecture fused with Hindu, Persian, and Timurid architectural styles. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fort boasts as the most well-preserved historical forts of India. Constructed in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, this historical fortification can be called a city within a city owing to its well-planned structure. It has an Indian War Memorial Museum, a small bazaar, Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas along with many other beautiful buildings that will take you back to the opulent Mughal era. Don't miss out on the light and sound show when you visit here.

Visiting Hours: 9:30 am 4:30 pm, Monday Closed
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians & INR 250 for foreigners

This strong and military-style-architecture fort within the precincts of aesthetically painted and blue color carved walls will grasp everyone's fancy in Gwalior. Rising atop man-made sheer cliff is the Gwalior Fort that was built by Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. The fort has a defensive structure, two palaces, Man Mandir and Gujari Mahal. It also houses various monuments like temples, palaces, and water tanks that will transpose you back to history. The sound and light show at this fort in the evening must be attended.

Visiting Hours: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners

Golconda Fort will help you uncover the rich heritage of South India. The fort is surrounded by a 10km long boundary wall that protects one of the richest Indian forts. The entrances, domes, pillars, battalions, mosques, and temples are intricately carved to bring out the brilliant engineering and magical architecture of the time. Built in the 12th Century by the Kakatiya Kings, this fort will enchant you will its magnificence, grandeur and unparalleled beauty. The sound and light show in the fort are done in English, Hindi, and Telugu and should be experienced to understand the history of the fort.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners

Fatehpur Sikri, a fortress town built by Mughal emperor Akbar, was the first planned city boasting of the beautiful Persian architecture infused with Indian embellishments. This was the city of victory for Akbar who put his best minds at work to create this marvel. It houses one of the largest mosques of India, i.e., Jama Masjid, along with various other palatial buildings that will grasp your attention with the amazing work done on red sandstone.

Visiting Hours: 9 am 5 pm, Friday Closed
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 485 for foreigners

Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century, the Hawa Mahal was used by the royal women to experience the festivities, celebration and other events in the Pink City. The magnificent monument beautifully reflects the Hindu Rajput architecture with a blend of the Islamic Mughal architecture style. Translated as the 'Palace of Winds' it won't be wrong to call this beautiful structure a high screen wall built with red and pink sandstone. Visit the Hawa Mahal to witness the hustle bustle of Jaipur's city life from one of the 953 jharokhas or windows.

Visiting Hours: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners

Spread across a massive area of 94 acres, the Agra Fort is appropriately called a walled city for its magnanimous size. The splendid Taj Mahal overshadows this splendid fort that is one of the finest pieces of Mughal architecture in the country. The palatial marble and red sandstone fortress have different courtyards that would completely amaze you. Mughal emperor Akbar initiated the construction of the fort as a military structure which was transformed into this splendid palace by Shah Jahan. Amar Singh Gate, Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Shish Mahal, Khas Mahal and Muhammam Burj should be visited to see the true brilliance of Mughal architecture.

Visiting Hours: Dawn-Dusk
Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians & INR 550 for foreigners

Standing majestically atop the Trikuta Hills, the Jaisalmer Fort grasps the fancy of anyone visiting Jaisalmer with its splendid presence. The walls are built using yellow sandstone, which gives it the name of Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort. Don't get bluffed by the yellow hue of the fort that camouflages it in the Thar Desert. It has survived the tide of time and the rampant of various battles. The Raj Mahal, seven Jain temples, Laxminath temple, and merchant havelis will be a true sight to behold.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 250 for foreigners

Crowned with the title of the biggest fort in India, Chittorgarh Fort is spread across an area of 2.8 km and 400 acres. It rises around 1075 meters above Rajasthan's skyline at its highest elevation. The fort comprises of four palace complexes, various gates, twenty water tank, and nineteen temples along with the historical Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh. The Padmini Palace is an extravagant palace from where Alauddin Khilji saw the reflection of Rani Padmini in a mirror. The ruins of the magnificent fort will enchant all the history lovers, photography buffs, and architecture enthusiasts.

Visiting Hours: 9:45 am - 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners

Built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, the Warangal Fort has existed in the country from the 12th century. While a majority of the fort complex is in ruins now, whatever's left of the city does amaze all the history buffs. The ruins reflect the rise and fall of the Kakatiya bloodline. The major attraction for all the visitors is the thousand pillar temple that is located within the precincts of this fort. The unidentified black stone that is used to carve the small sculptures throughout the fort also captures many people's attention.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners

Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal

Also known as the Victor Jubilee Palace, the Cooch Behar Palace in West Bengal is an architectural marvel that can attract everyone towards it. Maharaja Nripendra Narayan ordered the construction of this palace in the 19th century and wanted it to be a replica of the Buckingham Palace in London. With its renaissance style architecture, regal color coordination, amazing structure, the influence of the Bengali culture and not to forget the astonishing museum make it a must visit in the state.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians

Using the marbles and pink and yellow sandstone, the Meenas and Raja Man Singh governed the construction of the magnificent fort in Amber called the Amber Fort. The fort is divided into four sections and each one tells a different story through its intricately carved and aesthetically pleasing walls. The private quarters of the kings & queens, zenana, Sheesh Mahal, Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Siladevi Temple, stairways, courtyards and the lattice galleries etc., will take you back in time. You can take an elephant ride to enjoy the amazing views that the fort offers.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 100 for Indians & INR 550 for foreigners

Located around 5 miles outside the Pink City, the grand Rambagh Palace was the residence of the first family or Maharajas of Jaipur. Sawai Man Singh II took the initiative in the 20th century to convert the royal hunting lodge, that Rambagh Palace was before, into a palatial residential area with a number of suites. It has now been transformed into a hotel which is flocked by tourists all year round. You can either book a room in this palace cum hotel or opt for general visitations to witness the royal lifestyle of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: As per the hotelier policy

The Umaid Bhavan Palace is another royal residential site that has been converted into a hotel for people to spend their time in a plush and royal manner. It is owned by Gaj Singh and partially managed by the Taj Hotels. Apart from the private residence of the owner and the hotel chains, a third of the section is given to the museum. The beautiful structure along with its vintage car collection and other things on display attracts many history and photography buffs.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians & INR 50 for foreigners

Another World Heritage Site on the list is the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan. This majestic fortress was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and reflects the life of many Mewar rulers that it served. The impregnable fort houses a number of beautiful temples built by the Mauryans. A visit to the Badal Palace is a must when you travel to this fort compound. Take a walk around the ruins of the fort to find interesting stories about the lives of the Mewar rulers.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners

With double and even triple layers of massive walls, the impregnable Daulatabad Fort was built for defensive purposes by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. It was one of the most powerful forts in India but lies in ruins now. This fort is a paradise for all the history and architecture lovers owing to its brilliance structure. There are a number of mazes, deep-cut trenches and moats, complexly arranged entryways, and an unbelievable rock-cut subterranean passage.

Visiting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners

Representing Bikaner in the list of magnificent forts in India is Junagarh Fort which has gained populace among the Bikaner visitors with time. Originally called the Chintamani Mahal until the 20th century, the fort got its present name not more than a century back. It is an impregnable fortress that has successfully faced the invasion of many enemies. It has now been converted into a grand museum which displays the artifacts, armory and other things that have been preserved over time.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 300 for foreigners

City Palace in Udaipur cannot be omitted when talking about the most opulent forts and palaces in India. The magnificence of this palace is a result of 400 years of construction under the reign of different Mewar rulers. It is flamboyant and the largest palace of its kind in the Blue City. The palace complex houses various historic monuments like Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Palace, and Neemach Mata temple that will be a treat for all the photography and architecture lovers. There are a number of photogenic locations in the palace complex that will look enchanting as a backdrop to your pictures. A visit to the City Palace museum is recommended to witness the royal legacy.

Visiting Hours: 7:00 am 11:00 pm for palace complex & 9.30 am - 5.30 pm for museum
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians for general palace visits & INR 250 for Indians for museum visits (concession for student groups and children)

Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the Maratha reign, the Sindhudurg Fort is now in a dilapidated condition due to the ramparts of humans and the Arabian Sea. What makes this fortress unique is not only its location but also its use of 4000 pounds of lead and iron for its foundation work. The place can be visited to treat the eyes with the picturesque view of a fort ashore a sea. Moreover, people love visiting Sindhudurg Fort because of the adventurous water sports activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians & INR 200 for foreigners

Honestly speaking, there is no place in India that is not tinted in the shades of the golden era that is left behind. Anywhere you go, you will stumble upon the ruins of a fallen empire. The beauty, grandeur, and magnificence of these forts, looks as good as it sounds. So take some time out and plan a walk through these architectural marvels.