15 of the very best forts and palaces to go to in India

As a subcontinent endowed with riches and numerous pure blessings, India has traditionally been a coveted land for conquerors and invaders. From the traditional Aryan hordes, Alexander the Nice, and Turko-Afghans to the Mughals and trendy European Empires, India has seen a justifiable share of struggle and conquest.

Formidable forts and opulent palaces of India—which draw tens of thousands and thousands of holiday makers yearly—dot the panorama of this magnificent nation.

Here’s a checklist of the highest 15 forts and palaces in India that you should go to.

Crimson Fort, Delhi

The magnificent fort residence of the Mughal Emperor of India, Delhi’s Lal Qila (Crimson Fort) is among the capital’s proudest historic points of interest. 

This towering crimson stone fort that stands 76 toes excessive was constructed by Emperor Shahjahan (the person who additionally commissioned the Taj Mahal) within the mid-Seventeenth century. UNESCO declared the Crimson Fort a World Heritage Web site in 2007. The Crimson Fort of Delhi changed the Crimson Fort of Agra because the headquarters of the empire within the 1650s. 

Inside this grand fort are a number of palaces, leisure halls, geometric gardens, a mosque, the 60-pillored Diwan-i-Aam (Corridor of Public Viewers), and the Diwan-i-Khaas (Corridor of Personal Viewers). 

Delhi’s Lal Qila is one place you can not miss in India. 

Metropolis Palace, Jaipur

The Metropolis Palace is to Jaipur what the Lal Qila (Crimson Fort) is to Delhi—the headquarters and residence of the Maharaja of the erstwhile Kingdom of Jaipur.

Thought of the best exhibit of a mix of Indo-Saracenic and Rajasthani types of structure, the opulent palace was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II within the 1720s. It remained the executive headquarters of the dominion till the independence of India in 1947.

Now, one of many high vacationer points of interest within the metropolis, the Metropolis Palace advanced homes the Sawai Man Singh II Museum, a number of different mini palaces (Chandra Mahal, Pritam Niwas, Mubarak Mahal, and Maharani Palace), a number of galleries and eating places. The royal household nonetheless lives in a portion of the advanced. 

The Metropolis Palace is an absolute must-visit vacation spot within the “Pink Metropolis.”

Amber Fort, Jaipur

The small metropolis of Amber (additionally Amer) was the capital of the Kingdom of Kachhwaha Rajputs (later identified popularly because the Kingdom of Jaipur). Positioned some 11 kilometers from Jaipur, Amer was deserted by the Maharaja as a consequence of a quickly rising inhabitants and water shortage.

The Amber Fort which is positioned on high of the Amber Hill and overlooks the Maota Lake is an impressive remnant of a as soon as wonderful heart of the dominion. Not like the Metropolis Palace, the Amber Fort is a spectacle of pristine Rajasthani structure with grand courtyards, pavilions, mini-palaces, viewers halls, and ornate temples positioned throughout the premises. 

Agra Fort, Agra

Should you thought Agra was simply concerning the Taj Mahal, you might be in for a nice shock. Agra’s Lal Qila (Crimson Fort) dates again to the Lodhi Dynasty (1504-1526) which was changed by the Mughals in India.

The Crimson Fort was renovated and expanded by Mughal Emperors Babur, Humayun, and Akbar. Mendacity a mile and a half from the Taj Mahal, the Crimson Fort sprawls over 94 acres lengthy at Yamuna River and stands seventy toes excessive. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Web site in 1984.

A mix of Central Asian, Persian, and Indian architectural influences, the fort homes the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Diwan-i-Khas (Corridor of Personal Viewers), and presents a splendid vantage level to view the Taj Mahal.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, Telangana

Taj Falaknuma (“Just like the Sky” or “Mirror of Sky”) was constructed within the Nineties by the ruling household, the Nizams of Hyderabad.

Not like the opposite historic palaces of India, the Taj Falaknuma makes use of many architectural influences from Tudor Britain, and Italy. Designed by the British architect William Ward Marret, the all-white Falaknuma is made fully of Italian marble. It’s positioned on a hillock which provides you glorious views of the town of Hyderabad. 

Now operated by the Taj Group of luxurious lodges, the Taj Falaknuma presents a splendid heritage keep as a 5-star lodging with 60 rooms and fits. It additionally boasts work, antiques, manuscripts, furnishings, and Venetian chandeliers from Nizam’s private assortment. 

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The Gwalior Fort, which was initially constructed within the tenth century, is one in all India’s best forts. Positioned on a hill within the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the fort was renovated and rehabilitated to its present form by the Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar (1486-1516 AD).

The Fort Complicated has a number of palaces constructed throughout numerous eras over the past 1,000 years: the Man Mandir Palace, Karn Mahal and Hathi Pol, and Vikram Mahal.

Different points of interest contained in the fort embody the Siddhachal Jain Temple Caves, the Gopachal Complicated (with 1500 idols), the Teli Ka Mandir (temple), and the Gujari Mahal Museum. 

Together with the traditional Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and the tiger safari of Kanha and Panna Nationwide Parks, the Gwalior Fort is among the many key must-see locations in Madhya Pradesh.

Mysore Palace, Karnataka

The Metropolis of Mysore (Mysuru) in Karnataka is called the “Metropolis of Palaces” and is among the most elegant locations in Southern India. This palace is the grandest of the seven nice palaces of the town.

Also referred to as the Amba Vilas, the Mysore Palace was the seat of energy of the Kingdom of Mysore (1799-1947 AD). Nestled within the coronary heart of the town, the regal Mysore Palace faces Chamundi Hills.

The three-story grey granite construction of the Palace is a mix of Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic types. Accomplished in 1913, the Palace was designed by the British architect Henry Irwin.

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is called the “Golden Metropolis” of Rajasthan. The moniker comes from the golden-colored stones of its legendary Jaisalmer Fort. Throughout the day time when the solar shines brilliant, the partitions of the fort are lion shade. Within the twilight daylight, the colour fades to a darkish honey-gold. 

What makes this fort so exceptional is that one-fourth of the town nonetheless lives inside its premises, and it is among the only a few “residing forts” left on the earth. 

The development of Jaisalmer is attributed to the Rajput Rule Jaisal in 1156 AD. 

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Thought of one of many largest non-public residences on the earth, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the ruler of Jodhpur. Now a luxurious heritage lodge, the Umaid Bhawan boasts 347 rooms and suites. Building started in 1929 and the palace was accomplished in 1943. The advanced additionally homes a museum.

The structure of the Palace is a fusion of Indo-Saracenic, Classical Revival, and Western Artwork Deco types. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is among the most interesting luxurious lodging to remain in India. 

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Positioned within the coronary heart of the town of Bikaner, the “Outdated Fort” of Junagarh was initially in-built 1590s AD. Over the centuries, the town of Bikaner has expanded round it. 

The Junagarh Fort is a fantastic mix of Rajput and Mughal architectural types with ornate balconies, large courtyards, and complicated carvings. Remarkably, this fort has by no means been conquered. 

Contained in the advanced, there are a number of palaces like Chandra Mahal, Ganga Mahal, and Anup Mahal. It additionally homes a superb museum that showcases the historical past of the fort and the Bikaner area.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

The Rambagh Palace is positioned 8km outdoors of the walled metropolis of Jaipur. The constructing was initially constructed in 1835 AD as a house of the Queen’s favourite handmaiden and later a royal visitor home and looking lodge. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh repurposed it as a residential advanced and made it his official residence in 1931.

Now transformed right into a luxurious lodge operated by the Taj Group, the Rambagh Palace has been rated on TripAdvisor because the world’s most interesting luxurious lodging. Comprising 78 luxurious rooms and suites, this Palace additionally options a number of specialty eating places, a world-class spa, bars, cafés, a health heart, an out of doors swimming pool, and a bunch of different 5-star facilities. 

Rambagh has had the excellence of internet hosting Prince Charles, Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten, and Jacqueline Kennedy. 

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

Town of Chittorgarh was the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar earlier than it was changed by “the Metropolis of Lakes” Udaipur. The Chittorgarh Fort—thought-about the biggest in India and Asia— was the principal headquarters of the dominion and the residence of the Maharaja. 

Sprawling over a mammoth space of 690 acres, this iconic fort (UNESCO World Heritage Web site) is perched atop the Chittor hill 180 meters above floor stage, towering over the plains and the Berach River under. The earliest constructions on the location are traced again to the seventh century to the Mauryan Empire.

Contained in the advanced are the Kalika Mata Temple (constructed within the eighth century), the nine-story Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower) constructed by Maharana Kumbha within the fifteenth century, the Kirti Stambh (constructed within the twelfth century), and Rana Kumbha’s Palace (the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh—founding father of the town of Udaipur). 

Golconda Fort, Telangana

Initially constructed by the Kakatiya Dynasty within the eleventh century, the Golconda Fort positioned in Hyderabad is the oldest fort in southern India. The area flourished within the Seventeenth century as a result of diamond mines positioned close by.

It’s believed that the Koh-i-Noor (the largest diamond on the earth) and Hope Diamonds (extracted from close by Kollur mines) have been stored in a wall contained in the fort.

The Golconda Fort advanced contains a palace, mosques, temples, tombs, and residential areas. You will get splendid views of the town of Hyderabad from its partitions. 

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh Fort is the principal vacationer attraction within the “Blue Metropolis” of Jaipur. The phrase “Mehran” means the solar, and “Garh” means a fort. 

Positioned on a hilltop that appears down on the town from a peak of 122 meters, this well-known “Fort of the Solar” was constructed by the well-known Rajput ruler Rao Jodha within the fifteenth century. The fort additionally has two lakes, Ranisar and Padamsar. 

The revered Chamunda Mataji Temple can also be positioned contained in the temple. It honors the goddess Kuldevi (patron goddess) of the Rathore Rajputs. Additionally it is the location of the Rajasthan Worldwide People Pageant and the World Sacred Spirit Pageant. 

Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Lake Palace is positioned on a small man-made island in the midst of the gorgeous Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Initially referred to as Jag Niwas, this palace was constructed as a summer season retreat for the royal household of Mewar Kingdom in 1746. Its shining white shade and Indo-Saracenic structure typically draw parallels to the Taj Mahal as it’s constructed from the identical white marble because the Taj Mahal. It was the location for the hit James Bond film Octopussy in 1983. The Lake Palace is now a luxurious lodge the place you get pleasure from a 5-star hospitality expertise. 

Sunil Gupta

Sunil Gupta is Co-Founding father of Resplendent Journey LLP. Resplendent Journey is a bespoke India journey company providing tailored luxurious excursions to all the very best vacationer locations in India. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with a view to increase your profile, please contact us.