9 Ancient Forts Across India That’ll Leave You Awestruck & Make You Pack Your Bags ASAP

There are many forts, magnificent and huge, with a long history, that have survived for centuries and decades, in India. These forts reflect not just the history, but also the architectural brilliance of those times. And if, you too, have a fascination for these marvels that still attract a beeline of tourists, then here are 9 old and famous forts across India, that you need to check out for their sheer beauty and opulence!  

1. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Standing 400 ft above the skyline of Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most famous and hauntingly splendid forts in India. With thick walls, 7 entry gates, a museum with all the history of the fort and its rulers, this place is a must visit. And for those who didn’t know, we’ll share with you an exciting niblet, a major scene from The Dark Knight Rises was shot here! So head here, and witness the grandeur of this place for yourself! 

Where | Mehrangarh Fort - The Jodhpur Fort, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings | 9 AM - 5 PM
Call Them | +91 291 2548 790
Distance From Delhi | 606.7 Kms (10 Hrs 38 Mins)
Browse Through Their Website To Know More | http://www.mehrangarh.org/

2. Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Built way back in the 6th century, the Gwalior Fort reflects the cultural heritage of the country and was popularly called ‘the pearl in the necklace of the forts’ of this country. The architecture of this huge fortress is heavily influenced by the Mughal and Rajput designs, and various other dynasties that have ruled this place over the centuries. If you love historic places, then this is just where you need to head to!

Where | Gwalior Fort - Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 
Timings | 6 AM - 5:30 PM
Distance From Delhi | 362 Kms (6 Hrs 27 Mins)
Call Them | +91 7512 234 557

3. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

With strong fortification, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in India and if you haven’t been here yet, then we’d say go right away, ‘cause it’s beautiful and majestic is every sense of the word! The fort is also known as the Golden Fort as it looks almost gold in colour during sunset. Located over the Trikuta Hill, this 800-year-old fort is something you need to check out, while in Jaisalmer. 

Where | Jaisalmer Fort - Fort Road, Near Gopa Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timings | 7 AM - 6 PM
Distance From Delhi | 782.6 Kms (13 Hrs 52 Mins)

4. Amer Fort, Rajasthan

There’s no way that you can come to Jaipur, and NOT visit the spectacular Amber Fort. The fun elephant rides, the helpful tour guides, and not to forget, the sheer beauty of this fort is what draws a lot of tourists here. The exquisite Ganesh Pol entrance of this fort is surely the USP of this place. So, head to Jaipur on the next long weekend, and visit this amazing place! 

Where | Amer Fort - Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Timings | 8 AM - 9:15 PM
Call Them | +91 141 253 0293
Distance From Delhi | 260.9 Kms (4 Hrs 52 Mins)

5. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, for him to defend himself against his enemies, as this fort was quite difficult to break into. This place has been declared a World Heritage Site, has walls that run for 38 long kms and is built 1,100 m above the sea level, sounds pretty cool, right? There are Hindu and Jain temples inside this fort as well. So, the next time you plan to visit Rajasthan, add this fort in your itinerary, as well!  

Where | Kumbhalgarh Fort - Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 
Distance From Delhi | 615 Kms (11 Hrs 7 Mins)
Timings | 9 AM - 5 PM
Call Them | +91 294 2411 535 

6. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Known as Chintamani earlier, the Junagarh Fort was built in the 15th century and is one of the few forts in Rajasthan that’s not constructed on a hill. The fort also has a museum that documents the history of the rulers and the fort. You can make out the Rajasthani architecture in the fort designs, that are so amazing that you won’t be able to help but click some (read - TONS) of images!  

Where | Junagarh Fort Road - Bikaner, Rajasthan 
Distance From Delhi | 462.4 Kms (8 Hrs 23 Mins)
Timings | 10 AM - 4:30 PM
Call Them | +91 151 2202 297

7. Chittor Fort, Rajasthan

One of the largest forts in the country, the Chittor Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 7th century! It is located about 590 ft above the ground level and is famous for the Padmini’s Palace, that resides in this fort. The huge fort also has some beautiful temples inside, and you’ve gotta visit this place for its brilliant architecture and history! 

Where | Chittor Fort Road, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Timings | 4 AM - 10 PM
Distance From Delhi | 584.7 Kms (10 Hrs 31 Mins)

8. Agra Fort, Agra

The beautiful Agra Fort is often called a walled city, due to the fact that it’s spread across 94 acres of land! This fort was the main residence of the Mughals till 1638, and boasts of a long glorious history. The Khas Mahal, the Shish Mahal and the tower of Muhammad Burj are some of the most recommended places to visit inside this fort. So take a road trip to Agra, ‘cause there’s much more to this city, than just the Taj Mahal.   

Where | Agra Fort - Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Call Them | +91 562 2226 431
Distance From Delhi | 230.7 Kms (3 Hrs 48 Mins)

9. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad 

Tucked 11 km from the city of Hyderabad, the Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and was built by Kakatiya kings. The grand structure of this fort is not just beautiful to look at, but it also has a lot of history behind it. The fort has mosques, royal apartments, drawbridges and even cannons inside it. The Fateh Darwaza here is studded with giant iron spikes and you can experience an acoustic effect there, as well! Basically, if you make a sound below the dome at the entrance, you can hear the echoes at the Bala Hisar, that’s almost a kilometer above!  

Where | Golconda Fort - Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings | 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Call Them | +91 40 2351 2401
Distance From Delhi | 1,618 Kms (26 Hrs)

Fascinated? ‘Cause we sure are! So, pack your bags and head there, PRONTO!