India’s history is not made up of just myths and stories, it is also held up by the physical markers that speak of millenia of civilization. India’s political history is replete with wars, dynasty rules and kingdoms, dotting the landscape of India with grand architectural marvels. India, the land of diversity, houses hundreds of forts and palaces that keep within them the stories of bravery and mirror the beauty of the queens and princesses through their magnificent aura! No wonder, India has quite a share in UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. This week, BlogAdda moves over its cursor over India’s most majestic forts that gleam on the history of our pages, standing tall with pride and grandeur.
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Perched on hills, this sandstone structure has been silently guarding the city of Gwalior since the 8th century. The fort boasts of intricately done architecture with the famous Sas-Bahu Temple and Man Mandir. Pay a visit to the famous museum inside the Gurjari Mahal palace and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the aesthetic artistry that has been passed through the ages. The beauty and charisma of the fort also found its place on Indian postage stamps recently.
One of the best maintained forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort hasn’t aged a bit. A photographer’s bliss, the fort seems to have come alive from a royal journal, waiting for its ruler to address his courtroom! With its beautiful engravings and paintings on the wall, the fort harks back to its rich past and colourful days that haven’t faded a bit. For travel bugs with an eye for heritage, here’s a gem waiting to be explored in the blue city of Jodhpur.
This fort is on the outskirts of Hyderabad, unmoved by the passage of time. The Golkonda Fort is living proof of history and pride through its every brick and stone! The simple yet majestic man made creation takes you for an awe inspiring tour through historic times, that silently weave stories of wars and royalty. Ignore the modern lover’s graffiti on the walls, and get swept away by old tales!
Keeping a safe eye on the walled city of Jaipur is the famous Amer Fort, an architectural beauty that syncs beauty, design and functionality into one wondrous creation. The fort stands tall as a stunning reminder of Rajput glory and valour. Rajasthan is a state overflowing with royal culture and heritage, and Amer Fort surely tops the list of wonders in this state’s treasure chest. Climb a little for a quick detour to Jaigarh Fort, looking upon Amer Fort like an elder brother.
One of the finest specimens of defensive fortifications in India, Kumbhalgarh Fort spans a length of 22 kilometres, and is often known as the ‘Great Wall of India’. Built in the 15th Century by Rana Kumbha, the now vacant structure still gives us a glimpse of the strength it had in its heydays. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is a must visit place on the map of Rajasthan many tourist attractions.
Built over 400 years ago in the middle of the city of Jhansi, this fort holds within its mammoth design the eventful history of the Bundelkhand. A silent spectator to Indian history and the First War of Independence, the mutiny of 1857, the fort has tolerated myriad blasts and blisters. Yet, most of it still remains intact, allowing modern tourists to rewind history with a peek into the era of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.
Dating back to 12th century, Raigad Fort held the prestige of being the âGibraltar of the Eastâ. The hill fort, now mostly in ruins, boasted of sprawling courtyards and villas in its days of glory. Built with careful precision, the architects of the bygone era still have an upper hand over modern builders with their planning and execution. Standing at the Raj Bhavan, one is sure to encounter dĂ©jĂ vu, bringing the the vast courtroom filled with Shivaji Maharaj and his noblemen back to life.
Facing a breathtaking panoramic view of Jaisalmer , the fort sits silently on Trikuta hill, with red sandstone standing out and lending the area exquisite beauty! The fort displays its varied shades from yellow to orange to gold ( hence, Sonar Killa) following the sunlight through the day. Built cleverly with double layered walls to trap the invaders, this one is an architect’s dream! Mirrored windows, hanging verandahs and exquisite havelis, this historical miracle is a live example of the architectural wonders our country is blessed with.
9. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Built by the Mauryas, Chittorgarh Fort is famous for its unmatched beauty and grandeur. Built on the walls of river Berach, both water and light sync together for a picture perfect illustration of the fort’s majestic beauty. Known for the jauhar mela, the fort often finds mention whenever Rani Padmini’s name is taken, as the fort stands testimony to her supreme sacrifice for her kingdom.
A place for those who love a rendezvous with ghosts, this one’s a magnet for the paranormal. Bhangarh Fort is where history takes a spooky turn. Despite being perfectly maintained, the fort carries on its cursed legend within the walls that are as famous for their beauty as they are for the eerie feeling they give. The Archaeological Survey Of India has a special message for thrill seekers – do not stay in the premises after sunset. The engraved walls appear to hold a thousand unspoken secrets and the place is surely bound to send some chills down your spine, even in broad daylight.
History carries within itself a thousand untold stories that won’t be narrated by any guide. One can only get a glimpse of them by strolling through the quiet verandahs and having a conversation with the walls that wish to tell you their story. Aren’t these forts enough of a time travel machine to take us through the eras that we’ve known only through our history books? Which fort found a place in your heart through the lens of these bloggers? Do let us know about your next trip to one of these and we’ll surely read them!
I Must say Amer is the best. I visited In the july and the fort was looking awesome especially the lakefront surrounded by greeneries are mesmerizing view.
I loved the Golconda fort,hyderabad.It is famous for ancient sculptures,arts,scenaries, vedic stories as a whole it contributes a major part to educate this technical world about the histories and stories of our fore fathers
wow, all these forts are now going to be on my list đ