10 Ultimate Forts & Palaces that Reflect India’s History

India as a country is all about history, heritage, culture and traditions. It all stems from our glorious, brave yet extensive past we have endured for years to come. All these values and qualities get reflected through the remnants of the past, forts & palaces. Of all the spots one chooses and anticipates in their India Luxury Tour, popularity for heritage locations and structures pertaining to historical value takes the cake.

Rajasthan is the main hub for heritage, still many other states also join hands to display their time-bound glory through historical structures of the past. Rajasthan tour packages always include such attractions for people to not forget about the country’s rich precedent.

In this article, we will discuss 10 ultimate forts & palaces to garner history of India in unique ways.

10 Ultimate Forts & Palaces

1. Red Fort

It is indeed a spectacular sight, having been built in 1638. Its architecture is a blend of Islamic, Persian, and Timurid influences. There are multiple buildings within the Red Fort that originally had diverse roles throughout the Mughal Empire.

History: The Red Fort Complex was created to serve as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan’s new capital. It is called the Red Fort Complex because of the enormous red sandstone walls that surround it. This fort is next to the Salimgarh, an earlier fort that Islam Shah Suri constructed in 1546.

2. Junagarh Fort

The beautiful palaces housed inside the fort, together with the courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and windows, are built of red sandstone and marble. The museum displays several historical paintings as well as other works of art. Because it remained unconquered despite several attacks, it was also known as the Chintamani Mahal.

History: Rao Bika, the second son of Maharaja Rao Jodha, erected Junagarh fort on the remains of an older fort built in 1478. Rao Bika had little hope of inheriting his father’s throne because he was the second son. So he chose to establish his empire at Jangladesh and founded Bikaner.

3. Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort actually towers over the rest of India’s forts and palaces. The fort’s formidable construction features several entrances added by the Maurya clan’s subsequent kings. Chittorgarh Fort, once the capital of Mewar, is presently located in the city of Chittorgarh.

History: The name Chittorgarh is thought to be derived from its builder Chitranga, who belonged to Mauryas or Moris. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, it was captured three times. Alauddin Khilji beat Rana Ratan Singh in 1303, Bahadur Shah defeated Bikramjeet Singh in 1535, and Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II in 1567. Following the setbacks in the wars, more than 13,000 ladies and children of the warriors who died in combat performed ‘Jauhar,’ or mass self-immolation.

4. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is unique in its aesthetic splendor and magnificent construction. It’s also known as the Sonar Qila or the Golden Fort since it appears to merge in with the golden colors of the beach.

History: The fort was established in 1156 AD by the Rajput prince Rawal Jaisal, from whom it gets its name. The fort of Jaisalmer, located atop Trikuta Hill in the vast Thar Desert, has been the site of several wars.

5. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of India’s most powerful forts, and it is as well-known in the Mewar area as the Chittorgarh Fort. The fort, perched on a ridge, exudes a sense of invincibility. In event of an assault, the fort was self-contained. The Mauryas erected many temples in Kumbhalgarh Fort.

History: Built in the 15th century AD by the magnificent and powerful Rana Kumbha, it carries significant emotional and cultural importance for the people of Mewar as the birthplace of the famous ruler, Maharana Pratap.

6. City Palace, Udaipur

Udaipur City Palace, an architectural gem on the shores of Lake Pichola, is also one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a remarkable blend of mediaeval, European, and Chinese architecture, built by Maharana Udai Singh.

History: The past of City Palace is linked to the kingdom of Mewar, which has had multiple capital moves over its various monarchs’ reigns. There was a chance of losing the Chittor fort due to the Mughal war. As a result, Maharana Udai Singh II picked a new capital for his kingdom in Lake Pichola, which encircled the land with woods, lakes, and the high Aravalli hills.

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7. Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a major tourist destination in Mysore. The palace is designed in an Indo-Saracenic style and consists of two durbar rooms, a number of huge courtyards, various structures, and superbly groomed gardens that represent the magnificence and glory of the Wadiyar emperors.

History: The palace is designed in an Indo-Saracenic style and consists of two durbar rooms, a number of huge courtyards, various structures, and superbly groomed gardens that represent the magnificence and glory of the Wadiyar emperors.

8. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace in Kochi, also known as the Dutch Palace, is one of the outstanding specimens of Kerala architecture. It was erected by the Portuguese in 1545 C.E. Inside the palace; there is also an incredible collection of murals depicting classic Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The Portuguese monarchs built the Mattancherry Palace in 1555 as a compensation gift to the Cochin Kingdom for demolishing the temple. The Kochi Rajas redesigned the palace’s interior with Hindu temple decor.

9. Jai Vilas Palace

Gwalior’s Jai Vilas Palace is a magnificent blend of architectural styles. Its architectural styles are Tuscan, Italian-Doric, and Corinthian. It is, without a doubt, one of Gwalior’s most magnificent and spectacular structures. Gwalior’s Jai Vilas Palace has 400 rooms, 40 of which have been renovated into the Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum.

History: Jayajirao Scindia of the Maratha Scindia Dynasty, then Maharaja of Gwalior, built the Jai Vilas Palace in 1874. The magnificent mansion was created to give the then-Prince of Wales, King Edward VII, and a spectacular welcome during his visit in 1875. It cost Rs. 1 Crore to build.

10. Cooch Behar Palace

It was previously the palace of Koch ruler Maharaja Nripendra Narayan and is created in the traditional European style of Italian architecture. The palace’s front half is made up of a series of arches, which give it its characteristic architectural style. The Durbar Hall, which houses the royal emblem, serves as the palace’s entryway.

History: The palace has no history of honoring wars or such, but merely of handing down property and heritage between Narendra Narayan and his two sons, Nripendra Narayan and Jatindra Narayan.

Conclusion

The entire course of time has demanded our country to take shape in what it is today. Whether you have been to heritage tour in India to explore the astounding beauty or collect the beautiful memories, choose well-crafted India tour packages.