Top 15 castles and palaces to visit in India

Top 15 Castles and Palaces to visit in India

Today when you think of India you picture spicy delicious food, their rich beautiful tradition that is well persevered up to date via their dressing, social interaction and religious practices and who doesn’t enjoy the dramatic signing and dance filled Bollywood movies?  Apart from all these India also has some of the most beautiful castles in the world.

These castles originally made of earth and wood, later of stone represent a time when India was ruled by Rajputs and the Mughals. The castles come in different shapes and designs but all of them are fortified. To best enjoy and appreciate these grand monuments that stood as witness to the glorious era here are the top 15 palaces you must visit while in India.

1. Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort – Flickr

This picturesque Red Fort is also known as Lal Quila. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1638 and took a whole nine years to complete. The castle enabled Mughal to spread his reach in India by shifting his capital from Agra to Delhi. It served as the royal residence for about 200 years from the reign of Shah Jahan to Bahadur Shah Zafar.

The red sandstone castle still stands proud today serving as the official venue of Republic Day celebration. Admire the mixed architecture of Islamic, Persian and Timurid styles. Discover the numerous buildings within the large wall that protect the castle such as the Drum House, The Pearl Mosque, Palace of color and many more.

2. Mehrangarh Fortified Castle, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh_fort – Wikipedia

Mehrangarh Fort means, Sun Fort in English, is a red sandstone fort perched on a 122 m hill. The fort was built in the 1400s by Rao Jodha, 15^th Rathore rule on the outskirts of Jodhpur city. The interesting fact to know is that each of the rulers of Jodhpur has contributed in equal measure to the making of this fort by constructing each a gate in honor of the victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.

Today this castle boasts of being the second-largest well-preserved castle in the world. It also features in the top 10 most beautiful castles in the world. The castle houses a museum that depicts the lives of the royals who lived there. Apart from the numerous magnificent buildings, there is also a zip line that visitors can enjoy.

3. Chittorgarh Castle, Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort – Wikipedia

This fortified castle was commissioned by the Maurya kings and dates back to the 7th century making it one of the oldest forts in the world. With such a long history the castle is full both gruesome, conquest and sieges, and loveable stories. Visit the castle and learn of the fort’s history to understand why this palace has a deep history of nationalism, loyalty, chivalry, and bravery.

This colossal castle is also known as Chittor and boasts of Rajput Architecture. It is one of the largest forts in India covering almost 700 acres on a hilltop. It provides a paramount view of the surroundings.

4. Gwalior Castle, Gwalior

Gwalior Fort – Wikipedia

The story behind the Gwalior fort is best described as bitter-sweet. It is said that after a Gwalipa, a local sage in the 8^th century, gave ruler Suraj Sen some water that healed his skin disease he transformed the magical spring water into a tank and constructed a fort around it. Gwalipa further blessed the king by giving him the name ‘Pal’ and declared so long as the king and his family keep the name ‘Pal” the fort would be there.

Unfortunately, the 84^th ruler, Tej Karan, dropped the ‘Pal’ name and subsequently lost the castle. Upon his defeat, the women in this fort burnt themselves in a pyre declaring that they would rather die than submit themselves to the Mughals.

It is said to resemble the Chottorgard castle. While exploring this majestic castle and its wonders make sure to spot the tank with the magical spring water that once healed a skin disease.

5. Mysore Palace, Mysore

Mysore Palace India – Wikipedia

This majestic palace located at the heart of Mysore city displays a blend of Rajput, Muslim, Hindu and Gothic architectural styles that hints of the great majesty this building once possessed. Today it is known for hosting the renowned Mysore Dasara Festival, for 10 days the entire palace is illuminated providing a magical view. It also houses a museum exhibiting paintings, artifacts and souvenirs from all over the world.

Mysore Palace is also known as Amba Vilas Palace. The exact construction year of the original wooden castle that was destroyed by fire is unknown however, the current castle we have today dates back to the late 19th century. It served as the royal residence for the Wodeyar family from 1399 to 1950.

6. Kangra Castle, Himachal Pradesh

View from top of Kangra Fort overlooking river – Wikipedia

It was built by Burma Chand, the founder of Katoch Dynasty on the western outskirts of Kangra town in Himachal Pradesh around the 4^th century BC. The castle is perched on a hill at the base the River Banganga and Patal Gonga embrace each other. It covers an area of about 4 km.

It is considered to have been the largest fords in the Himalayas and probably the oldest in the region in India. Ranjit Singh Gate, an entrance to the castle, is designed with stone carvings that give the castle a great first impression. Explore more picturesque buildings within the fortified walls of the castle.

7. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalment Fort – Flickr

In most instances, majority of us simply wonder how it might feel to live in this ancient monuments known as fortified castles well wonder no more as around 3000 people today live in the Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is a blend of the modern hubbub of bazaars and ancient temples which give the fort a unique atmosphere.

This 12th-century castle was built by Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. It is a blend of Rajput and Islamic architecture, as the castle is known to have housed both Hindu and Muslim rulers, adorned with stunning carvings on its walls.

The fort is located on Trikuta Hill in Thar desert. It is also known as Sonar Qila, translating to the Golden Fort in English, because the color of the fort turns honey-yellow as the sun sets against its walls, making it look like the fort is one with the desert sand.

8. Golconda Castle, Hyderabad

Golconda Fort – Wikipedia

It is important to know that the term Golla Konda in Telugu means Shepherd’s Hill in English.  Legend has it that a shepherd found an ancient idol on the hill where the castle lies. When Rajah of Warangal, the ruling Kakatiya king, heard about it he built a mud castle on the hill in 1143. Later the mud castle was replaced by a granite castle by the Qutub Shahi Emperors.

9. Agra Castle, Agra

Agra Fort inside – Wikipedia

The castle was originally built by Mughal ruler Babur, Mughal ruler Akbar’s grandfather, but was left in a ruined state. Akbar renovated the castle to what it is today and it served as a military fortress and his royal residence. It is located along the banks of the river Yamuna and covers an area of 94acres.

Agra castle is 2.5 Km from the beautiful world-renowned Taj Mahal built by Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz, who was a descendant of Akbar. Today you can access the castle via its two gates; the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate, or the Amar Singh Gate, explore the various buildings such the Sheesh Mahal and the Anguri Bagh with their intricately decorated columns and ceilings.

10. The Maharana Jagat or Lake Palace

Lake Palace – Flickr

Surrounded by a beautiful lake that contributes to enhancing the beauty of this former palace turned to a grand heritage hotel that featured on the famous James Bond film, Octopussy. The luxury hotel can simply be described as royalty at its finest from signature dishes, Jiva Spa to grand soirées.

The palace was originally known as Jag Niwas. It was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh as his pleasure palace on Lake Pichola.

11. Junagarh Castle

Junagarth Fort – Wikipedia

Junagarh castle is also known as the Chintamani Mahal because it was never conquered despite repeated invasions. The castle was built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai, One of Akbar’s most trusted generals. It is located in Bikaner.

Today the castle houses a museum that exhibits historical artifacts, an armory with an enormous collection of medieval weapons, a display with silver carriages that were once used by the Rajasthan Royals and you can dress up in Rajasthani clothing.

12. Taragarh Castle

Taragarh Fort – Wikipedia

Also known as Bundi castle. It was built in the 14^th century by ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. Located on a hilltop in the north of Bundi in India. The castle is not well maintained however, it is not in complete ruin rather it has a faded architecture.

Despite its disappointing outward appearance, its internal beauty is still radiant today. The castle walls are full of beautiful murals and paintings. It is also has a mysterious aspect to it as there are so many tunnels, both above and underground, creating a maze such that some tunnels have been deemed inaccessible in fear of getting lost.

13. Amber Castle, Amber

Amer Palace – Wikipedia

Travel in style by taking an elephant ride to the entrance of the castle. Admire the red sandstone and white marble that was used to construct the castle. Get enchanted by the embellished beauty of the castle created by the Maota Lake spread out in front of it. Discover one of the earliest room cooling technologies in one of the many halls.

Amber castle is also known as Amer castle. Construction began in 1952 under Raja Man Singh I and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The castle is divided into Diwan-i-am, Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas.

14. Jaigarh Castle

The Barrel of jaivan Cannon – Wikipedia

Bear witness to the world’s largest cannon on wheels, the cannon was test-fired and it launched a projectile an impressive 35 km away. Discover more weapons in this Military fortress that was home to an enormous foundry that forged cannon in the weaponry and armor museum located within the castle. Explore the assembly hall of warriors known as “shubhat Niwas” who protected the unconquerable castle.

The castle is also known as Victory Castle. It was built in 1736 in by Jai Sing II in Jaigarh. It is said to resemble the Amer castle and believed to have a vast amount of treasure buried inside. Despite its long history, the largest cannon was fired just once.

15. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort – Wikipedia

Discover the fort that is known to have acted as a great barrier for many of its enemies hence being dubbed the name Nahargarh, meaning Abode of the Tigers in English. The palace corridors are adorned with exceptional murals from ancient India. The palace gardens are well manured and provide a stunning view of Jaipur.

Nahargarh was built in 1734 during the reign of Jai Singh before being expanded in 1868. The Madhavendra Bhawan palace within the fort was used as a retreat and summer palace for the Amer kings.