Forts and Palaces of India

India, the land of Rajas & Maharajas, is resplendent with magnificent palaces and mighty forts that depict tales of opulence, valor and superior architecture of the bygone era. A significant chunk of Indian history, these forts & palaces are perfect illustration of the royal Indian lineage. Crafted centuries ago, these forts and palaces still stand tall in splendor as testimonials to the glorious past of India.

Let's look at some of the magnificent forts and palaces of India:

City Palace Jaipur
Built by Maharaja Sawai Singh II in 1729, City Palace is a beautiful blend of Mughal & Rajput architecture. A part of it has been converted into a public museum while the rest of it is still occupied by the royal family of Jaipur.

Amber Fort, Jaipur
Perched high on the Aravallis, the strong ramparts of Amber Fort illustrate the magnificent era of the Rajputs. Resplendent with beautiful places and gardens, Amber Fort is an architectural masterpiece.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
With 953 intricately carved Jharokhas or windows, Hawa Mahal is a work of art in pink & red sandstone.

City Palace Udaipur
Soaring from the banks of Lake Pichola, the stately palace of Udaipur is a huge complex comprising of four major and several minor palaces.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Chiseled out of the hill on which it stands, Mehrangarh Fort is loaded with legendary tales of the past. Its high battlements, splendid palaces and latticed windows add to its enchanting beauty.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The royal residence, still occupied by members of Jodhpur royalty, is a gorgeous mix of English, Rajput & Mughal architecture. A section of it has been converted to a heritage hotel while a part of it houses a museum.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Towering above the desert scrub and sand dunes like a fairy-tale sandcastle, this yellow sandstone fort is one of the few living forts in the world.

Red Fort, Delhi
Built in red stone by Shah Jahan, this artistic galore of Indian & Persian architecture is now a symbol of democracy in India.

Agra Fort, Agra
Once the bastion of the Mughal Empire in India, Agra Fort later became a gilded prison for Shah Jahan after his son Aurangzeb usurped the throne & imprisoned him.

Gwalior Fort
This imposing fort perched on a hill above the city of Gwalior is replete with ancient history dating back to the 6th century. From Tomars to Mughals to Marathas and finally to the Scindia’s during colonial times, this fort has been ruled over by various dynasties.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Built by the Katkatiya dynasty in the 12th century and fortified by Qutb Shahs in the 16th century, Golconda is a maze of fortification walls, ancient mosques, armories and chambers.

Mysore Palace, Mysore
This magnificent palace, built in the early 20th century, was once the royal residence of the mighty Wodeyars. Its magnificent rooms, halls, pavilions, gardens and shrines narrate a tale of grandeur and opulence of the Kingdom of Mysore.

A major part of Indian history, culture and heritage; the palaces and forts of India are not only treasure troves of architectural marvels in India but also silent witnesses of centuries of remarkable Indian history.