Famous Museums in India Exhibiting India’s Rich Culture, Heritage & Bio Diversity

India is a country rich with culture and heritage. However, it is not always just boring stuff. The extensive bouquet of knowledge that India has in its museums can beat the encyclopedias or search engines any given time.

1. Shivalik Fossil Park Museum in Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh

This one of the best museums in India has an extensive collection of fossils and skeletons of prehistoric animals. These animals were mostly native to Shivaliks and surrounding geological formations. You will find lifesize models of various extinct mammals and other animals made of resins and fiberglass.

Operational hours – 10am to 5pm

Closed on – Tuesday

2. Indian Museum in Kolkata

The largest and the oldest museum in India is The Indian Museum in Kolkata. The vast list of multipurpose displays like fossils, remains, artefacts, paintings etc. is divided into various categories – Art, Botany, Archeology and so on. The amount of knowledge you will gain during your visit to the largest museum in India will be mammoth.
Tip – Don’t forget to watch out for Egyptian mummies, which you will find only in Indian Museum besides in Egypt.

Operational hours – 10am to 5pm

Closed on – Monday

3. Sulabh International Museum of Toilet in Delhi

This unusual and interesting museum is best museum in India in terms of novelty. No one could in their right mind think of this exceptional concept. Exhibits from over 50 countries will capture your undivided attention.

Operational hours – 10.30 am to 5pm

Closed on – Seven days open

4. Rail Museum in Delhi

This famous museum in India focuses on the rail heritage of India. It has the specimens of different evolution phases from the Indian Rail history. Be it Fairy Queen Engine or Fire Engine, you will get a fair look and understanding of all the specimens here. It is also one of the biggest museums in India.
Tip – Must enjoy the toy train ride. It will only cost you INR 20 per person

Operational hours – 9.30am to 5.30pm

Closed on – Monday

5. International Doll Museum in Delhi

Top museum in India to make it to a child’s list of museums in India is undoubtedly, International Doll Museum in Delhi. Every kid wants to visit this museum at least once. The extensive exhibit from various countries can fascinate a child as well as a grown-up. It is a special treat for every person, child at heart.
Tip – Don’t forget to visit Children’s books Trust just adjacent to it

Operational hours – 10am to 6pm

Closed on – Monday

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6. Archeological Museum in Lothal, Ahmedabad

One of the best archeological museums in India, this one is dedicated to older civilizations of India. The intricacies of town planning in that era and the perfection of various utilities for those town are more engaging and gripping than you assume them to be. And then you can question the right people (read politicians) that if prehistoric people could design roads that had no clogging issues, then why can’t it be achieved in this age of technology and development.

Operational hours – 10am to 5pm

Closed on – Friday

7. Kite Museum in Paldi, Ahmedabad

If you are a kite lover and you haven’t visited this museum, then you are missing out a lot, my friend. The origin of kites, development in the makings, different techniques of kite flying; you will gain a lot by visiting this one of the top museums in India.

Operational hours – 10am to 6pm

Closed on – Monday

8. Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad

Most colorful of the famous museums in India, Calico Museum is the most celebrated institutions in the world for its distinguished collection of textiles. The interesting Pichhwais and Bronze textiles are the most beautiful and intricate creativity you can encounter there.
Tip – Must visit Botanical Garden

Operational hours – 10.15 am to 12.30 pm then 2.45 pm to 4.30 pm

Closed on – Wednesday

9. Antarang Museum of Sexual Health Information in Mumbai

Only such museum in South Asia, this is one of the most famous museums in India. This museum educates you about sex, health, human body and AIDS. It has various lifesize sculptures and full blown images sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive process. However, keep in mind that it is not appropriate for people under the age of 18.

Operational hours – 9am to 4pm

Closed on – Sunday

10. Island Museum in Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh

Designed in the Shape of a Buddhist Vihara, this unique museum depicts the culture and remnants of Buddhism. In their collection, there is a tooth and an earring which is said to be believed of Gautam Buddha. The closeness that you will feel to Bhagwan Buddha will be astounding in this unique museum in India.

Operational hours – 9 am to 4 pm

Closed on – Friday

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11. Naval Aviation Museum in Vasco Da Gama, Goa

Goa is not all about beaches and parties. The historical assortment that it offers will make you wonder about the historical events and places. One such example is Naval Aviation Museum in Vasco Da Gama, Goa. It has 13 aircrafts on display with various other interesting fact lists and other consequential items used in aviation. A must visit museum for people who look beyond beaches and suntans.

Operational hours – 9.30 am to 5 pm

Closed on – Monday

12. Jawahar Toy Museum in Pondicherry

This famous museum in India is dedicated to children and their love for toys. The museum gain its name due to the fact that Jawaharlal Nehru used to love kids. It has dolls and toys from different states all over the India which are dressed in cultural outfits.

Operational hours – 10 am to 5 pm

Closed on – Monday

13. Baywatch Wax Museum in Kanyakumari

Were you aware that India has its own version of Madame Tussauds Museum? Yes, this unique museum in India boasts of marvelous craftsmanship and detailing of wax statues.

Operational hours – 7 am to 7 pm

Closed on – All Fridays and Second Saturdays of the month

14.National Museum, Delhi

he National Museum in Delhi is one of the most iconic museums in India and one of its kind, housing over 200,000 artifacts ranging from the pre-historic to the modern age. In fact, not just spanning over these eras, the collection at the museum is spread over a huge number of civilizations and religions. In a very rare feature among all the Indian museums, the National Museum houses the National Museum Institute of History of Arts,Conservation and Museology, which offers deemed Masters and Doctoral courses in History of Art, Conservation and Museology.

15.Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai

Constructed in 1915, Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai has one of the most illustrious descents. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V, the Prince of Wales back then. With ample government and royal donation, the museum was styled as an amalgamation of a multitude of Indian architectural styles. The architecture drew strongly from the Golconda Fort and the Bijapur Gol Gumbaz, 18th century Maratha mansion styles, interior columns styled from Jain sensibilities, and an overall influence from Indo-Gothic and Indo-Western styles of architecture. This museum in India itself houses pieces from three distinct categories of art, architecture and natural history. With artifacts from the lesser known periods such as the Rashtrakuta period, the Museum is now expanding to take in pieces of religious relevance as well.

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16.Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad

One of the three national museums in India, Salar Jung Museum houses the most meticulously curated collections of all times, by Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad and the former prime minister of India. Over 35 years, Salar collected items to exhibit and as a personal passion, and the collection grew to a whopping one million pieces in present day. While only a certain part of the total collection is on exhibition, some of the most priceless exhibits include Aurangzeb’s sword, Tipu Sultan’s wardrobe, Emperor Jehangir, Noorjahan and Shah Jahan’s jade daggers and paintings of the iconic Indian painter, Raja Ravi Verma.The museum also houses Quran collections from around the world, including those written with gold and silver.  Not to be missed when visiting Hyderabad.

17.Government Museum, Chennai

The Government Museum in Chennai is the second oldest museum in India and spread over a lavish 16.25 acres of land also houses the colossal Museum Theatre, which stages Shakespearean plays regularly. The exhibits in the museum are extremely priceless and rare, as is the heritage of the museum itself. Palm leaf manuscripts, Raja Ravi Varma’s famous paintings, and the largest antique Roman collection outside Europe. The Connemara Public Library, one of the most iconic libraries in the city, is also a part of the museum. With a footfall of about a 1000 visitors daily, and more on the weekends. An iconic structure built in Indo-Gothic style, the Government Museum, also known as the Egmore Museum is a one of its kind museum and a gem in the Indian heritage.

18. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial, built on the banks of the Hooghly river and in the memory of the British Queen Victoria, is the epitome of some of the strongest blends of Indian styles such as the the Mughal, Islamic and Deccan and foreign architectural styles, such as the Venetian and Egyptian. Again, as two of the most illustrious museums on this list of museums in India, the overall style of the museum is based on the Indo-Saracenic or the Indo-Gothic style. Made entirely of the white Makrana marble, the museum is as exquisite as its exhibits, which include the rare copies of illustrated texts by Shakespeare, works by Omar Khayyam and books on thumri music and kathak dance as well. The royal gallery is houses one of the biggest collections of the British royalty, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The museum, with its sprawling lawns and enviable architecture is clearly a sight to behold.

19.City Palace, Jaipur

The City Palace, one of the most resplendent structures in all of Jaipur and the official residence of the royal family, is not only an architectural marvel but housed within it is a museum. The Palace itself is divided into many complexes, and within the most imposing palaces of it, the Chandra Mahal is where the museum is located, open to local public. The grandeur of the palace and the museum is beyond words, with the intricate carving and every inch of the walls painted to reflect the taste of the royalty over generations. The Mubarak Mahal, a special entrance for the foreign guests of the royalty is a beautiful two storied structure, with a collection of royal costumes displayed on the lower floor and the museum offices and the library on the first floor. The silehkhana, or the armory, is of special interest to the tourists, which has on display, the largest and rarest collection of weapons and handguns in the country. Weapons carved with precious materials and adorned with gemstones are the most popular exhibits. For all those who wish to experience the Rajasthani royalty, must visit the city palace at least once.

20.Napier Museum, Thiruvananthpuram

In the best possible words, the Napier Museum is a delight for adults and children alike. The museum houses one of the oldest zoological gardens in India in its premises. The museum itself, based on the Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture is one of the most visited art and natural history museums in India. With works of famous artists, such as Raja Ravi Varma, and the celebrated Russian theosophist, Nicholas Roerich, and specimens of Tanjore and Mughal art forms, history was never more fun for those willing to delve into it.

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21.Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala

With artifacts and manuscripts that date back to the 12th century, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is one the pioneering institutions in the study and research of Buddhism. With as many as 80,000 manuscripts, 600 Buddhist artifacts including beautifully crafted silk applique thangkas and a three dimensional, wood carved mandala of the Avalokiteshwara, one of the most revered and compassionate Bodhisattva in Buddhism. With an air of peace and serenity descending upon people who visit the museum, it is indeed a calming experience to visitors of this offbeat museum in India.

22.Patna Museum, Bihar

 In the capital of the state that bustles with culture and heritage, the Patna Museum is a lesser known and often underrated museum of today. Filled with masterpieces made by Buddhist and Hindu artists, a true reflection of the strength and potency of heritage of these cultures, it also houses quite rare British paintings, and even an original World War I cannon. For all that matters, Patna Museum deserves a visit for the old world charm it has to offer and the sheer variety of exhibits here.

23.National Handicrafts and Hand looms Museum, Delhi

With what seems like a lifetime for a museum, the NHHM, created with the blood and sweat of a revered freedom fighter Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, is one of the most diversely curated, extremely rich with culture and heritage from communities all around India, displaying over 35,000 distinct pieces of handiwork of varying techniques and designs, is truly an institutional marvel. Textiles, tribal crafts, courtly crafts are just some of the many galleries housed within the museum. If you thought that was it to the museum, a longer ride around will prove beneficial, for the museum also houses a village complex within itself, spread over 5 acres and 15 structures constructed within itself, to depict the daily rural life in India. Kashmiri dushalas, Chamba handkerchiefs, Baluchari brocade sarees and Kutch embroidered works are just a few of the pieces that are a part of the treasure trove at NHHM. For all those who cherish culture and Indian diversity, the NHHM is your destination.

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Forts in India..Majestic Palaces and Forts to Marvel over

India has a rich cultural heritage and history, and what better way to experience its regal lineage, than to visit the majestic palaces and forts in India? These structures that were crafted ages ago, still stand testimony to the test of time they have undergone and the beauty they have maintained throughout these years. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best palaces and forts in India, that will leave an indelible mark on you.

1. City Palace, Jaipur

The City Palace of Jaipur was constructed in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, and till the 20th century, many structures were added into the palace by subsequent rulers of the city. The palace is a beautiful amalgamation of various styles of architecture, namely the Mughal, Rajputana and European styles. Jaipur is a city known for its strong and hospitable heritage and culture, and the City Palace, to this date, stands a testimony to that. The integrated pink walls and structures are a part of that heritage, which gives the city its label of the Pink City. On display is a magnificent collection of armory and weapons through ages, and housed within the museum in the palace premises that makes the place a delight to visit for tourists, history buffs and children as well.

2. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is considered to be one of the largest forts in India. The unique thing about the fort is that it is situated at an elevated platform of and very thick walls as boundaries, thus making the fort look very imposing. The fort has 7 distinct gates, one of which still has cannonball imprints so as to signify the wars of the past. Now, there is a museum inside the fort which documents the rich history of the ‘Rathores’ elaborately in the form of paintings, attires, arms, etc.
It’s also interesting to know that a small part of the movie – ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ was shot in this fort.

3. Maharaja’s Palace, Mysore

The Maharaja’s Palace is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Mysore, and one of the biggest palatial complexes in south India. The official residence of the rulers of Mysore, also known as the Wodeyars who ruled the city from 14th to 20th century. Tucked away very accessibly in the heart of the city facing the Chamundi Hills, the palace is composed of about 14 Hindu temples, gardens and courtyards as well, the palace has some of the most rarely designed rooms. The Gombe Thotti, (Doll’s Pavilion) is a hall designed specially to house Indian and European sculptures, and one of the crown jewels of the collections is a huge wooden elephant that is adorned with 84 kgs of gold. This fort in India is a must visit for those who like exploring the south Indian Royal Heritage.

4. Red Fort, Delhi: One of the most popular forts in India

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort in the Indian capital is the apex of Mughal architecture, and hence, one of a kind structures in the country. It is one of the most well preserved, hence popular forts in India. Made completely out of red sandstone, the fort has been maintained in an excellent condition, and that is why the fort still has not lost its scarlet tinge. Crafted majorly using Islamic architectural sensibilities, the structures within the fort also exhibit strong elements borrowed from the Hindu, Timurid and Persian architectural styles. The fort also went on to become a huge symbol of perfected architecture to various structures designed in the neighboring states.

5. Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh

The Gwalior Fort is one of the most majestic forts of central India, not only because of its strong, military style architecture, but also because of the aesthetically painted fortress wall, that sports a bright and royal blue color in the carving. The fort brings together extremely diverse religious faiths, with altars dedicated to Buddhism and Jainism, while the architecture draws freely from the Mughal and Rajput style, and has been home to various dynasties, from the Suris, Mughals and Rana Jats to even the Marathas. The fort developed into a multipurpose fortress-cum-architectural marvel that continues to stand strong and attract history enthusiasts from around the country.

6. Golconda Fort, Telangana

The Golconda was essentially the chief mine from which major gemstones of the world were believed to be mined. The fort has one of the richest histories in the monuments of its time. If it is some south Indian glory you wish to uncover, give Golconda a day or two to open up to you. The fort itself has a boundary wall that is about 10 kms long. The intricately carved domes, pillars, entrances, mosques and temples are a delight to discover. One of the most interesting features of this rich fort in India is the engineering marvels hidden in the nooks and crannies of the fort. For instance, The Fateh Darwaza has an unbelievable acoustic effect. A clap at this entrance, can be heard a kilometer away at the Bala Hisar pavilion. You can only visit this place to know more.

7. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri surprises the eyes as a sudden but subsequently mellow fusion of Persian architecture with Indian embellishments. Mughal emperor Akbar put in a lot of research and labor into the making of the whole city. The photogenic sandstone boundary walls, along with the separate complexes for the king and the queen exhibit distinct masculine and feminine architectural sensibilities. To explore more about the city and the palace, one can head north to Fatehpur village which hosts a crafts bazaar, or to the south to Sikri village for an soothing end to the quiet city. The twin forts and project city are a sight to behold, should you ever find yourself in Agra!

8. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur was constructed for the queens and princesses of the royal household to observe the city outside, the colorful bazars and fairs while undetected from the people. The engineering of the windows is such, that the person on the inside of the palace cannot be seen, and hence is considered one of the most advanced architectural marvels of its time. The name of the palace is also derived from the fact that the hundred installed windows make it very breezy. The palace sports some of the most exquisitely designed stained glass windows and carved corridors and staircases that make it a must visit pit stop in your Jaipur trips.

9. Agra Fort, Agra

The Agra Fort is more appropriately referred to as a walled city, than as a fort because of its area, spread over 94 acres. This fort in India has a rich history, it was here from here the Kohinoor diamond was seized by the Mughal ruler Babur. He was a victor in the first battle of Panipat. Babur’s successor Humayun was crowned here and defeated and the fort was captured again. It is through a history of usurpation that the fort came to increase in area and structures. Three of the most aesthetically designed complexes in the fort are the Khas Mahal, the Shish Mahal, and the octagonal tower of Muhammam Burj. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the magnificent marble balcony of the Musamman Burj, overlooking the Taj Mahal, during the time he was held captive by his son Aurangzeb.

10. Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

One of the largest forts in India and in the world, with the strongest fortifications, the Jaisalmer Fort stands proud on the Trikuta Hill in the Thar Desert, and has witnessed innumerable battles of every possible magnitude and has seen quite some bloodshed in its time. During its capture by Ala-Ud-Din Khilji, the women of the royal family committed Jauhar, or suicide, to save themselves from having their modesty enraged by the invaders. The fort now, is a sight to behold. Atop the hill, it has a lion yellow shade on it, and during the sunet, a strong gold haze develops on it, from where it also gets the name of Sonar Kila, or the Golden Fort.

11. Chittorgarh Fort and Padmini Palace, Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort is the biggest fort in India, and also a World Heritage Site. Spread over about 2.8 kms and 400 acres and the highest elevation in the fort is at about 1075 metres. The two distinct pillars in the fort, the Kirti Stambh and the Vijay Stambh are extremely preciously carved with the most intricate artwork found in the region. Without about twenty water bodies, nineteen temples and 4 palace complexes and memorials, this is one historical site that needs quite some time for exploration and will leave a lasting impression on you for a while.

12. Warangal Fort, Andhra Pradesh

The Warangal Fort is a specific site to not miss if the Kakatiya lineage of south India interests you. What remains of the Warangal Fort are chiefly ruins, that include gateways, shrines and tablets, but with adequate knowledge of the Kakatiya throne, the ruins are a one lifetime of an experience to witness the rise and fall of the bloodline. The chief attraction is the thousand pillar temple which is usually not accessible to the general public, and the smaller sculptures carved from an unidentified black stone. If stone carvings and a rich heritage is what you’re looking to learn more about, do not miss the Warangal Fort.

13. Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal

Renaissance architecture, majestic yet subtle color coordination and the culture of Bengal, is what is embodied in the Cooch Behar Palace in West Bengal. The palace is designed entirely on the model of the Buckingham Palace. The Corinthian columns and the arcaded verandahs are a delight to walk around in on a vacation afternoon.

14. Amber Fort, Rajasthan

The Amber Fort, also called the Amer Fort, because it is situated in the city of Amer, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur. It has come to be one of the best promoted and still well maintained forts in India. Elephant rides to the fort are available, as are good mannered and courteous guides. The Ganesh Pol entrance is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and intricately carved portions of the fort. Dated carvings of the Sheesh Mahal and the embossed door of the Sila Devi Palace are absolute delights to explore. The private quarters of the king and his family are entered through the Ganesh Pol, and have a magnificent view of the Maota Lake. The Sheesh Mahal, or the Glass Palace, is a quarter with its ceiling embedded with concave glass pieces set in intricate carvings. There is a lot of rich cultural history to the Amer Fort that is pleasing to the eye and a real treat for people all ages as well.

15. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

The Rambagh Palace is where the tradition of culture and royal hospitality is still maintained, since the First Family of Jaipur stays here. It functions as a hotel under the Taj chain but is open for general visitation as well. The Palace was built initially as a quarter for the queen’s handmaiden, by the then King, Sawai Man Singh I, and turned into its glorious self by his grandson Sawai Man Singh II and in the 1930s, witnessed exuberance and royalty and its finest and highest. The Palace has a very affluent past, and continues to be graced by dignitaries from around the world.

16. Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

One of the most ridiculously royal and privately owned heritage residence is the Umaid Bhavan in Jodhpur. The palace is divided into three parts, the hotel chain run by the Taj group, the private residential complex of the royal family and the museum. One of the must visit parts of the Palace is the vintage car collection of the royal family, on display here.

17. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

This World Heritage Site was built in the 15th Century by Rana Kumbha of the Kumbha dynasty. It is one of the offbeat forts in India. Situated 80km off of Udaipur, the fort was built to be impregnable. Kumbhalgarh Fort has remained one of the most important sites at Mewar.

18. Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad

Daulatabad Fort was the capital fort of the Tughlaqs, under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. This hotly debated and argued upon fort in India, built upon a whim, remains a sight to witness. Muhammad bin Tughlaq forcibly moved the whole population of Delhi to here, and before he knew it, they ran out of water and eventually had to abandon the Fort and city.

19. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Erstwhile ‘Chintamani’, Junagarh Fort is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan that hasn’t been constructed on a hilltop. This is an important fort for the locals because the city has evolved and grown around the fort. The fort museum is known for the post medieval arms.

20. City Palace, Udaipur

The City Palace complex was built over a period of 400 years and doesn’t it exude magnificence! It is known for the fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal influenced architecture. The panoramic view of the city from the palace is surreal. It has also been a favourite destination for shooting movies!

21. Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Sindhudurg Fort is located in the Malvan town of Sindhudurg District (Konkan region) of Maharashtra, 500 km south of Mumbai. It was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is a fort in India of daunting size. Iron was used for casting after the foundation was laid. Presently, most tourists visit the fort because of the well established scuba-diving and snorkelling attractions nearby.

22.Kangra Fort, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

The Kangra Fort is located atop a hill situated at the confluence of Banganga and Patal Ganga river (also known as the Majhi), in the south western outskirts of the old Kangra town. The fort was built by the founder of Katoch Dynasty, Bhuma Chand and is also known by other names, Nagarkot and Kot Kangra. This isolated fort is magnificent and is amongst the best forts to visit in India. Situated some 20kms from Dharamshala Kangra Fort was first mentioned in the war records of Alexanader the Great. The fort has been the pride and defense of Katoch King, there are number of temples and palaces that make a significant part of it. The shrines of Lakshmi-Narayana Sitala. Jain Temple and Ambika Devi are amongst the most famed ones here.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to November

23.Panhala Fort, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Situated about 19kms from Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is amongst the biggest forts in Deccan. The fort has a perimeter of 14 km (9 mi) and 110 lookout posts and is at an elevation of 2,772 ft (845 m) above sea level. Panhala fort is built on the Sahyadris and it has numerous underground tunnels, out of which one is almost 1 km long. The architecture of the fort is in Bijapuri style with the peacock motif of the Bahmani Sultanate visible prominently on several structures. Some of the older bastions also have the lotus motif of the time period of Bhoja II. There are several structures in the fort namely, Teen Darwaza, Wagh Darwaza, Andhar Bavadi, Kalavanticha Mahal, Ambarkhana, Dharma Kothi and Sajja Kothi that are the major attractions of Panhala fort.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

24.Srirangapatnam Fort, Srirangapatnam

Built in the 15th century, Srirangapatnam Fort is one of the outstanding monuments built during the Vijayanagar Empire. However, the most elaborate work was done in the fort during the reign of Tipu Sultan who was also called the Tiger of Mysore. This double-walled fort is built with massive granite blocks in this region. The fort is in a triangle shape and has 40 ft high walls on all three sides. Two important gateways – the Mysore Gate and the Elephant Gate – to the fort are on the side facing the highway. There are number of military, religious and civic structures like Gumbaz, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Palace or the Palace of Tipu Sultan and Masji-e-Ala or the Juma Masjid.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

25.Jhansi Fort, Jhansi

Once, the stronghold of Chandela Kings, Jhansi Fort in Uttar Pradesh is one of its kinds when it comes to architecture. Perched atop a hill, Jhansi fort has sturdy granite walls that are 16-20 feet thick and on the south side meet the city walls. There are as many as 10 gates that offer access to the fort. Shiva temple, Ganesh temple at the entrance, and the Kadak Bijli cannon, which was used in the uprising of 1857, Rani Jhansi Garden, Dargah of Ghulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khuda Baksh are the major attractions of Jhansi Fort. The fort sprawls in a land of 15 acres (61,000 m2) and measures 312m in length and 225m in width. Like other forts, Jhansi fort has also been a witness to the glorious era of Chandelas and as well as their defeat.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

26.Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Overlooking the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is another majestic structure that is worth seeing in India. Situated on a hill of Aravalli range, Jaigarh Fort was built by Raja Jai Singh II in 1726. Sprawling in the area of 3kms, Jaigarh is a massive fort that is most famed for its cannon foundry. Fortified with thick walls of red sandstone, the fort has a length of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) and a width of 1 kilometre (0.62 mi); it also has an imposing square garden (50 metres (160 ft) square) enclosed. There are number of palaces that have court rooms and halls with screened windows. A central watch tower is also built on a raised ground; it provides excellent view of the surrounding landscape. The Aram Mandir, Ram Harihar temple, the Kal Bhairav temple Awani Darwaz and Charbagh garden are some of the attractions of Jaigarh Fort. Arched gateways painted red and yellow, cyclopean walls built with dressed stone and plastered with lime mortar, mosaic work, frescoes and lattice work make this fort a stunning place to witness.

Best Time to Visit: October to March


These magnificent forts in India exude gallantry, royalty and exuberance, and all of them have a long and unique story to tell. These architectural marvels are sure to leave a mark on visitors for all the time to come!

                                                               

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