From Kashmir to Kanyakumari: 10 Best Forts and Palaces to Experience Royalty in India

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari: 10 Best Forts and Palaces to Experience Royalty in India (Image: Canva)

Known for its biodiversity, India's history of empires and rulers has left some of the most marvellous and royalistic forts. Here are 10 forts every history lover traveller must visit in India:

1. Red Fort, Delhi
The UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the mid-1600s by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of the Mughals' dominance. Also renowned as "Lal Kila", the fort, after Independence, became a symbol of India's sovereignty.

2. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
Also known as Agra's Red Fort, it was the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until their capital shifted to Delhi. Now a UNESCO site, the fort was once ruled by the Marathas. It's just a couple of kilometres away from the Taj Mahal.

3. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
400 ft above ground, the historic fort stands tall on a till top. Initially built by the Rajputs in the mid-1400s, the fort now stands as the crown of Jodhpur, holding some of the most beautiful and astonishing carvings.

4. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Situated in Jaisalmer, it is one of the few living forts in the world. Around one-fourth of the population still resides within the tall fort walls. Historians believe that until the 17th century, there was no settlement in Jaisalmer outside the fort boundaries.

5. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Once the capital of Mewar, it is one of the largest forts in India and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Mori ruler, the fort was originally called "Chitrakut".

6. Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
The history of the fort goes back to the 4th-5th century, and since then it has been known by different names, including Gopgiri, the Gibraltar of India, and more. The present-day structure consists of 6 main forts.

7. Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Constructed with marbles and red stone, it is one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Standing above the hilltop, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake. The fort is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture.

8. Mysore Palace, Mysore
Situated in the centre of Mysore, the palace is also known as Amba Vilas Palace. Facing the Chamundi Hills eastward, the palace used to be the main residence of the Wadiyar dynasty.

9. City Palace, Udaipur
Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace has numerous palaces built within its structure. Famous for its magnificence, the palace took around 400 years and contributions from various rulers to be finished.

10. Padmanabhapuram Palace, KanyakumariAlso known as Kalkulam Palace, it is the largest wooden palace in Asia. It consists of more than 15 buildings within the structure. Located in Tamil Nadu, the palace showcases the intricate woodwork of South Indian culture.