10 Incredible Indian Forts You Must Visit

India’s forts are famous for their construction, defenses, and intimate archaeological and design detail and there are many of them to see.  We’ve put together the definitive list of the top 10 incredible Indian Forts you must visit in your lifetime. Most Indian forts are castles or fortified palaces, several are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.  The name fort came into popular use following the British cataloging of defenses during British rule in India.  The word fort was used to collectively describe many of the monuments and it stuck.

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Indian Fort names in local language

You’ll often find the fort name in the local language, or forts with multiple names, here are just a few examples of what you might see.  We’ve also noted the popular local names for these most famous forts in India in each section.

• Durga – Sanskrit
• Qila or Kila – Hindi
• Garh or Gad – Rajasthan, Assam, and Maharastra

Where are the most famous forts in India?

Rajasthan has the most forts, but there are forts to be found throughout India, marking where previous kingdoms were situated.  Each Raja or chief of an area built a fort and a township around it, and so areas developed.  The names that we see on forts and surrounding towns and cities originate in the main from their founder.

For example, Rao Jodha founded Mehrangarh Fort above the city of Jodphur, Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer Fort and the city of Jaisalmer and Maharana Kumbh founded Kumblagarh

Top 10 Incredible Indian Forts to See in Your Lifetime

Here’s what we think are the top 10 incredible Indian Forts that you should see.

1. Delhi Red Fort – Lal Quila

Located in Old Delhi and constructed in 1638 by Shah Jahan, the 5^th Mughal Emperor, the Red Fort is named for the walls of red sandstone that enclose it.  Delhi Red Fort is one of our things to do on our 3 days in Delhi Itinerary. The Red Fort, or Lal Quila, is one of the most important historical buildings in India.    Built on the Yamuna River, one of India’s holy rivers the fort contains many buildings, palaces, and holy places within its walls.

Most Forts in India are actually palaces (or contain palaces within them) and this is no exception.   It was the Mughal dynasty’s main residence for around 200 years.  Inside the walls of Lal Quila are an archaeological museum, an Indian War Memorial, a mosque, and palaces. Be sure to try and also visit Humayun’s Tomb while you’re in Delhi, it is quite spectacular.

It is here at the Red Fort that India’s Prime Minister raises the flag on Independence and Indian Republic Day as well as where he addresses the nation.

Key Facts and Information about Delhi Red Fort

• Where is Delhi Red Fort? Chandni Chowk, New Delhi.
• Who Built Delhi Red Fort? Shah Jahan
• Delhi Red Fort Entrance Fee: 500 INR (Foreigners) and 35 INR (Indians)
• Delhi Red Fort Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday Sunrise to Sunset.  Closed Monday
• Sound & Light Shows at Delhi Red Fort:  18:00 80 INR (Adults) and 30 INR (Children)
• Guide Services at Delhi Red Fort:  Audio Guides and Human Guides Available
• Highlights of Delhi Red Fort:  Red sandstone walls, Lahore Gate, Independence Day celebrations.

2. Agra Fort – Lal Quila Agra

Often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, this is a stunning fort that is well worth a visit. The ticket to enter both is included in the foreigner’s ticket if you visit on the same day.  We covered Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal in our guide to Agra here. Built of the same red sandstone found at Delhi’s Red Fort, much of the fort is occupied by the Indian Army, but there is still plenty to see.  There are views to the distance of the Taj Mahal.

The fort is semi-circular and surrounded by a 21-meter high wall, covering around 94 acres.  Just 30 Mughal buildings survive from around 5,000.   Shah Jahan was imprisoned here for 8 years until his death when he was buried in the Taj Mahal.

Key Facts and Information about Agra Fort

• Where is Agra Fort?  Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• Who Built Agra Fort? 3^rd Mughal Emperor, Akbar
• Agra Fort Entrance Fee: 550 INR* (Foreigners) 40 INR (Indians), Children U15 = Free (Note includes entrance to Taj Mahal on the same day)
• Agra Fort Opening Times: Sunrise to Sunset
• Sound & Light Shows Agra Fort: 30 mins after sunset (Hindi), followed by English.  200 INR Foreigner , 70 INR Indian.
• Guide Services Agra Fort: Human & Audio Guides Available
• Highlights of Agra Fort :  Stunning palaces, and views of the Taj Mahal.

3. Amer Fort, Jaipur

The stunning Amer (sometimes Amber) fort, is 11 km from Jaipur.  Originally built around 967 AD many expansions took place later.  The fort is well known for the Amber Palace and the Sheesh Mahal, the mirror palace. The fort is built of yellow sandstone and marble.  It is part of the same complex as the Jaigarh Fort, which is included within the same ticket price.   It is well worth visiting the Jaigarh Fort, it gets significantly fewer visitors. We covered how to visit Jaipur’s three forts in one day in our guide here.

The detail of architecture and decoration is stunning at Amer.  Marble, Mirrors, and Glass adorn many of the areas of the palace.  Views are spectacular from the Jai Mandir and the corridors between the Maharaja and the zenana are stunning.

You’d be advised to take an auto-rickshaw on from Jaigarh Fort to the spectacular Nahargarh Fort.

Key Facts and Information about Amer Fort

• Where is Amer Fort?  Amer, 11km from Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Who Built Amer Fort?  Man Singh I
• Entrance Fee to Amer Fort:  500 INR (Foreigner) 100 INR (Indian).  Different fees apply for an evening ticket
• Opening Times of Amer Fort: 8am – 5:30pm, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Amer Fort: 7:30pm (English) 8:30pm (Hindi) 200 INR Foreigner 100 INR Indian
• Guide Services at Amer Fort: Human Guides & Audio Guides Available – recommended
• Highlights of Amer Fort:  Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private  Audience” and the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace).

4. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort sits on a ridge above the city of Jaipur.  The name means the “abode of tigers”, and the fort was built in 1734 by Jai Singh II.   It’s easy to visit by walking up from Jaipur (there is a footpath) or by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw from either Jaipur by the longer road route, or from Jaigarh or Amer Fort.  It’s a popular spot for a picnic or a sunset drink.

You’d be advised to take an auto-rickshaw on from Amer and Jaigarh forts to the spectacular Nahargarh Fort and then return to Jaipur either by autorickshaw or on foot.

Key Facts and Information about Nahargarh Fort

• Where is Nahargarh Fort?  Amer, 11km from Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Who Built Nahargarh Fort?  Jai Singh II
• Entrance Fee to Nahargarh Fort:  200 INR (Foreigner)
• Opening Times of Nahargarh Fort:  10am – 5:30pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Nahargarh Fort:  No
• Guide Services at Nahargarh Fort:  Human Guides & Audio Guides Available – recommended
• Highlights of Nahargarh Fort:  Stunning views over Jaipur

5. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodphur

One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort is located in the blue city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  Built in 1460 by Rao Jodha the fort is 125 meters above the city and is known for the palaces within its thick walls.

The fort is entered by 7 gates, each built by successive Maharajahs to celebrate victories.  The fort contains the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).  The fort’s position over the city of Jodphur affords superb views.

Key Facts and Information about Mehrangarh Fort

• Where is Mehrangarh Fort?  Jodphur, Rajasthan
• Who Built Mehrangarh Fort?  Rao Jodha
• Entrance Fee to Mehrangarh Fort:  600 INR Foreigners 100 INR Indians
• Opening Times of Mehrangarh Fort: 9 am to 5 pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Mehrangarh Fort:   No
• Guide Services at Mehrangarh Fort:  Audio Guide is included in the fee.  Human Guide fees are extra.
• Highlights of Mehrangarh Fort:  Views, the museum, and the Moti Mahal.

6. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan was built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 in the Great Thar Desert.  It’s also known as the Golden Fort on account of the sandstone that it’s built from.  It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and one of the Indian Hill Forts on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  A whole city lives inside the fort – hotels, palaces, temples, homes, and restaurants, it’s known as a living fort as more than 25% of the city’s population live inside the walls.

The fort stands well above the surrounding countryside and incorporates 99 bastions and 4 gates from the town.  Inside you’ll find the Raj Mahal Palace, 7 Jain temples, and many elaborately carved merchant houses, or Havelis.

Key Facts and Information about Jaisalmer Fort

• Where is Jaisalmer Fort?  Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
• Who Built Jaisalmer Fort?  Rawal Jaisal
• Entrance Fee to Jaisalmer Fort:  Free to enter.  There are fees to enter the palace and Jain temples.
• Opening Times of Jaisalmer Fort:  24 hours, the Raj Mahal Palace has specific opening times.
• Sound & Light Shows at Jaisalmer Fort:  No
• Guide Services at Jaisalmer Fort:  Audio Guides are available to the Raj Mahal.
• Highlights of Jaisalmer Fort:  Winding alleyways, views from the walls, the Raj Mahal

7. Chittaurgarh Fort –  Chittor Ka Kila

A stunning location overlooking the city of Chittaurgarh, this fort is best visited by an autorickshaw.   Chittaurgarh Fort is the largest of the Rajasthan Hill Forts and was built in the 7^th century.  Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur was born here and the fort was mentioned in the Mahabharat and can be found in many Indian legends.  Over the course of the fort’s history, when the fort was sacked, the women and children of the fort committed suicide (Jauhar). I wrote about visiting Chittaurgarh Fort here.

It’s necessary to pass through 7 gates to enter the fort, which covers 700 acres and contains many temples and structures.  This fort is one of the largest in India.  Chittaurgarh Fort contained as many as 84 water tanks in her history, the most picturesque of which is the Gaumukha Kund.  It’s a deep tank filled by a spring coming from what’s described as a ‘cow mouth’.

Key Facts and Information about Chittaurgarh Fort

• Where is Chittaurgarh Fort?  Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan
• Who Built Chittaurgarh Fort?  Chitrangad
• Entrance Fee to Chittaurgarh Fort:  200 INR (Foreigners) 15 INR (Indians), Children U15 = Free
• Opening Times of Chittaurgarh Fort:  9:45am – 6:30pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Chittaurgarh Fort: 7 pm 50 INR  (Adults) 25 INR (Children)
• Guide Services at Chittaurgarh Fort:  None
• Highlights of Chittaurgarh Fort:  Gaumukha Kund, Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower), and the stunning Padmini Palace Ruins.

8. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Built at 1900 metres above sea level Kumbhlagarh Fort is encircled by the 36-kilometre-long “Great Wall of India”, the second longest wall in the world, behind the Great Wall of China.  There are 7 huge gates, watchtowers, and 360 temples inside the Great Wall. My guide to Kumbhalgarh Fort is here.

The Palace of the Clouds, the Badal Mahal, is well worth the hike to the top of the structures, where you’ll find glorious colours inside and stunning views as far as the Thar desert outside.

Key Facts and Information about Kumbhalgarh Fort

• Where is Kumbhalgarh Fort?  Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand district, 64km from Udaipur, Rajasthan
• Who Built Kumbhalgarh Fort?  Maharana Kumbha
• Entrance Fee to Kumbhalgarh Fort:  200 INR (Foreigners) 15 INR (Indians), Children U15 = Free
• Opening Times of Kumbhalgarh Fort:  9am – 5pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Kumbhalgarh Fort:  6:45pm 100 INR (Note show only in Hindi)
• Guide Services at Kumbhalgarh Fort:  Human Guides Available but good signage.
• Highlights of Kumbhalgarh Fort:  Badal Mahal, 36 km Great Wall of India, Views of the Thar Desert.

9. Ranthambore Fort

The fort is in Ranthambore National Park, once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur until Indian independence.  It is on the Indian Hill Forts on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Inside the fort are Jain and Hindu temples and as the fort is within the National Park, wildlife roams freely. My guide to Ranthambore Fort is here.

The National Park is known for the Tigers who make it their home and here’s how to see Tigers in the Wild at Ranthambore.

Key Facts and Information about Ranthambore Fort

• Where is Ranthambore Fort?  Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
• Who Built Ranthambore Fort?  Chauhan ruler, name unknown
• Entrance Fee to Ranthambore Fort:  Take a Tour, to include a guide and jeep. Not possible to visit without transport as the Fort is within the National park.
• Opening Times of Ranthambore Fort:  Sunrise to Sunset
• Sound & Light Shows at Ranthambore Fort:  No
• Guide Services at Ranthambore Fort:  Human Guides & Drivers Available from Sawai Madhopur.
• Highlights of Ranthambore Fort:  Incredible views, Temples & Wildlife

10. Gwalior Fort

One of the most stunning and largest forts in India, Gwalior Fort is located in Madhya Pradesh.   The fort is known as the Pearl of Indian Fortresses and holds a stunning position over the city of Gwalior on a 3km long rocky outcrop. Here’s my guide to Gwalior Fort

Walking up from the Eastern Entrance, the Gwalior Gate gives a sense of the vastness of the fort.  The painted tiles of the Man Singh Palace are spectacular to see in person.  Further palaces and temples throughout the complex are stunning, as are the Jain sculptures as you exit via the Urvai (West) Gate.

Key Facts and Information about Gwalior Fort

• Where is Gwalior Fort?  Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
• Who Built Gwalior Fort?  Rana Man Singh Tomar
• Entrance Fee to Gwalior Fort:  250 INR (Foreigners) 10 INR (Indians)
• Opening Times of Gwalior Fort:  6am – 5:30pm
• Sound & Light Shows at Gwalior Fort:  6:30pm- 8:30pm Start times vary depending on the season. 250 INR (Foreigner) 100 INR (Indian)
• Guide Services at Gwalior Fort:  Human Guides Available
• Highlights of Gwalior Fort: Hiking up to the Eastern Gate, Man Singh Palace, Jain Sculptures below the Urvai Gate.

How Many Indian Forts Are There?

India is full of forts.  There are more than 1,000 forts in India, in varying states of repair.  As dynasties fell, many were dismantled, with materials used to build new properties.  The Archaeological Society of India maintains a list of heritage monuments by state and is well worth checking out if you’re planning a trip around the forts of India.

UNESCO Sites to Visit in India

If you like visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then you’ll love our guides to India’s best World Heritage sites

• Champaner Pavagadh, in Gujarat
• The Taj Mahal in Agra
• The Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Khajuraho’s Temples
• Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
• Sanchi
• The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
• The Darjeeling Hill Railway
• Qutub Minar in Delhi
• The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya
• Mamallapuram

Final Words on 10 Incredible Indian Forts to Visit

Visiting just these 10 incredible Indian Forts will give you a sense of the history of different areas of India and the vastness of this land.  Pick the right time of day and the right guides and the stunning history of India’s forts will come alive for you.

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