India is a land of history, culture and heritage. There is no denying the fact that there is no comparison when it comes to the rich culture of India. One of the factors that make India more diverse is of course the diversity of different rules. As different rulers and dynasties had ruled the country at different times they have contributed to the riches of India too. Moreover the forts in India are living examples of that. However what catches the attraction of the people are some of these biggest forts in India. Do you know which is the biggest fort in India? Have you ever thought about the top 10 biggest fort of India? If not then this article will be an interesting read for you.
In this article I will mention about the biggest forts in India. I will provide necessary information about the India’s largest fort too. So keep on reading this article because this one will be helpful for you.
8 Biggest Forts in India
Mehrangarh Fort
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 60 for Indians and Rs. 400 for foreigners
Best time to visit: October to March
Spread across a huge area of 1200 acres at an altitude of 410 feet, the Mehrangarh fort is the largest fort of India. This India largest fort is a massive structure that looks splendid in its appearance. Moreover it is an ancient fort built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. The structure has been restored and maintained quite well till today. A lot of notable festivals take place in this fort. Notable among them are the World Sacred Spirit Festival and Rajasthan International Folk Festival. One of the most attractive features of this opulent structure is its architecture. Dazzling glass work done here is one of the things that attract the visitors here.
There are a variety of rooms here like the period rooms. This further takes to the Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. You will be instantly transported to the days gone by as soon as you step in here. The fort will take you along the extravagant history of the Mehrangarh Fort as well.
Gwalior Fort
Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 6 am to 5: 30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 75 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners
Best time to visit: October to Mach
This is again one of the biggest forts in India that dates back to the 10th century. Located on a hill top this fort stands tall with its architectural marvel. There is no such proof regarding the construction of this fort though. However it is believed that this fort was built by Suraj Sen. He has named this fort after a saint who had cured him of leprosy. In the past the Gwalior fort was captured by Tomars, Hunas, Marathas and even the Mughals as well. But nothing could dim the opulence of this fort.
Additionally, the craftsmanship of the bygone days is simply eye-catching. The intricate carvings on sandstone walls look extravagant. Multiple temples, water tanks are present inside the premises. Among them the Man Mandir Palace, Teli ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Temple are the noteworthy ones. You must check out this fort while exploring the biggest forts in India.
Red Fort
Location: Netaji Subhas Marg, Chandni Chowk, Lal Qila, New Delhi
Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Mondays are closed
Entry fee: Rs. 35 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners
Best time to visit: October to February
Undoubtedly Red Fort doest really need an introduction. This huge fort is one of the most popular as well as one of the biggest forts in India. Dating back to the 17th century this is one of the iconic monuments in India that is visited by so many people. Built in red sandstone, this fort is named Lal Qila or Red Fort according to its colour. Basically this one is an octagonal structure and it sprawls across an area of 254 acres of land. At one point in history the Red Fort was the centre of all political activities of the Delhi Sultanate.
Furthermore this opulent structure has multiple gates here. Built following the Persian and Indian architectural styles the fort comprises multiple structures. Some of the worth mentioning ones are Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Moti Masjid etc. At present the light and sound show happening here is one of the major attractions of Red Fort. One of the biggest forts in India, the Red Fort attracts a huge number of tourists with its old world charm.
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Golconda Fort
Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners
Best time to visit: December to February
One of the most popular forts in Hyderabad the Golconda Fort is also one of the biggest forts in India. The construction of this fort goes back to the 12th century. The Kakatiya Dynasty is behind the construction of this massive fort in Hyderabad. Furthermore the Qutab Shahi dynasty rebuilt this fort again in the 16th century. It is believed that this fort has a huge variety of Kohinoor diamonds. There had been many mines around the fort during ancient times that produced exquisite diamonds. Moreover this fort is also one of the examples of artistic architectural brilliance as well. At present this fort attracts a huge number of visitors. The light and sound show that takes place here in the evening is a major crowd puller. This show explains the rich history and cultural importance of the Golconda fort very nicely.
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Agra Fort
Location: Rakabganj, Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 550 for foreigners
Best time to visit: November to March
Spread across 94 acres this is one of the biggest forts in India. What makes it even more attractive is that it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites too. The construction of this massive fort goes back to 1573. Previously it was the residence of Mughal Kings. Historically also this fort also holds a lot of importance because this is the fort where all the Mughal emperors have lived. This fort originally belonged to Ibrahim Lodi. And later Babur defeated him and captured the fort.
Indo Saracenic style of architecture is being followed in the construction of this fort and the red sandstone is used in the process. Some of the notable sites within the premises are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Machchi Bhavan. Also the Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid and Sheesh Mahal are major attractions. While exploring the biggest forts of India, certainly do not miss out on visiting the Agra Fort.
Jaisalmer Fort
Location: Manak Chowk, Khejer Para, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners
Best time to visit: October to March
Another name in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list the Jaisalmer Fort is again one of the biggest forts in India. Rao Jaiswal built this massive fort that stands tall on top of a hill. Moreover the strategic location and the structures inside the premises makes it even more attractive. Commonly known as Sonar Qila or Golden Fort, this fort looks like molten gold as the sun rays hit. Interestingly, it is one of the living forts in India where a chunk of population still resides. Surely, this is one of the most attractive destinations in Jaisalmer. So make sure you are surely checking this fort out.
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Srirangapatna Fort
Location: Srirangapatna, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners
Best time to visit: September to March
One of the biggest forts in India, the Srirangapatna Fort spreads across an area of 240 acres. Originally built in 1454 this fort was built and rebuilt multiple times. However it is one of the most popular historical sites in Karnataka as well as in India. The construction of this fort is a reflection of Indo Islamic style of architecture. With walls as high as 40 feet this is also one of the forts that has passed the test of time. At one point of time around 6000 people used to reside inside the fort. Now you can definitely understand why it is one of the biggest forts in India.
Kangra Fort
Location: Kangra, Old Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Rs. 150 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners
Best time to visit: March to July
Sprawled across an area of 463 acres this is one of the biggest forts in India and one of the oldest too. It is believed that the construction of this fort goes back to 3500 years. This fort is the 8th largest fort of India and is an epitome of architectural brilliance. Rulers of the Katoch built this fort during their reign. Till today the holy shrines of Ambika and Lakhsmi Narayan are seen here. Even though the fort was looted many times by different invaders the charm remained.
There are a total of 21 wells here each of which measures 4 meters in depth. And it is further believed that there are more such wells hidden within the walls. Moreover, this fort can be one of the most interesting monuments you can ever explore. While exploring the biggest forts in India, do not forget to check this one out.
Wrapping Up!
These are some of the biggest forts in India. These largest fort of India are not merely a site of tourism. Even though they are really popular tourist places, they are also important cultural sites. India as a land houses different cultures. From time immemorial this has been going on. While India was ruled by various dynasties a part of them still lives through these biggest forts in India. In a way they stand for the cultural and historical value of the land. Furthermore, for a person who wants to delve deep into the history of the land, they will get a lot of insight from these monuments. A history buff surely cannot miss out on any of the locations mentioned here.
So, next time when you are visiting any of these states make sure you visit the India’s largest fort there. You will surely feel enriched and gather a lot of information about the rich historical past. Let me know if this particular article is helpful for you in knowing about the biggest forts.
