Kolkata, the city of joy, is a place of culture, tradition, art and also unlimited fun. If you want to feel the soul of the city then you need to go to the historical places of it. The city is a place for great enjoyment too if you enjoy a great night life.

Nicco Park

Image Credits: Biswarup Ganguly

TheNiccoParkis an amusement park in Kolkata which is one of the best ones inIndiafor sure. Situated inSaltLake, theNiccoParkis a very happening place for kids and adults. This entertainment park has a lot of great rides and games which you can surely enjoy a lot. The park is decorated beautifully with beautiful gardens of trees and flowers. The very modern rides and entertainment units of theNiccoParkare real attractions for everyone. If you come to Kolkata and want to enjoy a day having unlimited fun this is the place where you must visit. You can bring food here and arrange a picnic with your friends and family. TheNiccoParkis well built and really well maintained by the administration. It is a very clean place despite of being crowded all the times. You have by tickets for rides.

National Library

The National Library isIndia’s largest library and it’s financially and administratively supported by the Indian government and the department of culture. Any adult can be a member of the National Library and enjoy the facilities. There are other different membership options available for lending books and reading rooms. The National Library was created to preserve the culture of the country and distribute it within the country. Books of any language are available in this gigantic library and you can find all kinds of books. In the National Library, there are many rare and old books available for lending. The library is divided in many parts depending on the language of books it has or the type of books you can find there. The National Library is an architectural phenomenon with a beautifully crafted design. The building is decorated beautifully and you can find almost ant book here which has ever been printed inIndia.

Writers Building

Image Credits: BengaliHindu

TheWritersBuildingis a part of the great history of Kolkata and this great building is used for storing documents and records of theWest Bengalgovernment. The building was first created by the British government for their young writers to work in but with time the main building and the purpose of it has changed. Today, theWritersBuildingis one of the most important buildings in Kolkata and it’s used by the government for all the required information for running the state. This is why it has become a building of importance. TheWritersBuildinghas a huge gothic design and the beauty of this building is the architectural presentation of it. This huge building is surely a place to visit for you if you want to feel the historical stand of Kolkata. You can visit this building any day at day time and take pictures of it.

TheBangaloreis a city which is keeping the balance of modern lives and the great historical culture. The city has developed into a dream world for the IT industry but it has also preserved the art and culture of the city very well. You can surely enjoy the great tourist attractions here.

Attara Kacheri (Karnataka High Court) and Surroundings

Image Credits: Muhammad Mahdi Karim

The Attara Kacheri or high court ofBangaloreis one of the most historical places in there. The building was created by Tipu Sultan at 1867. This is one of the most famous tourist spots and it’s known for the architectural beauty. The entire building is designed in gothic style and it’s of red color. The area surrounding this Attara Kacheri makes it even more famous as there are great libraries and museums near it which are beautiful and you must visit them too when you visit Attara Kacheri. The state library is of the red color and it has a remarkable design of stone and pillars. If you like museums then you must visit the government museum near Attara Kacheri which has a collection of great historical items. From old paintings to coins and sculptures, you can find everything in this beautiful museum. You can visit these three places in one trip.

Crazy Waters Amusement Park

Located inBannerghatta Main Road, theCrazyWatersAmusement Parkis one of the most enjoyable places inBangalorefor sure. With great water amusements, you can have a splashing day with your friends or family. The heart of this park is the water slides which can be seen all over the park. No matter what your age is, theCrazyWatersAmusement Parkwill provide you with loads of entertainments and excitements for sure. The slides are strong and smooth. You can surely feel the speed when you slide on them and jump on the water. Different water rides and water sports are available in there which everyone can enjoy with complete safety. You have to buy tickets to enter theCrazyWatersAmusement Parkand then rent swimming costumes. TheCrazyWatersAmusement Parkremains open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and till 7 pm on weekends.

Saint Mary’s Basilica

Image Credits: Official Website

The Saint Mary’s Basilica is located in the Shivaji nagar ofBangalore. This is one of the oldestBangalorechurches and it was first built at 1818. However, it was a smaller church then which started to get its modern look from 1882. The Saint Mary’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful places inBangaloreand it has a gothic architectural design which is large and beautiful. The building has beautiful interior and exterior. The walls are crafted and decorated with stained glass windows. The Saint Mary’s Basilica is really a very calm place and you will surely feel spirituality once you enter the church. The church is decorated with beautiful sculptures and paintings which make it even more gorgeous. People gather here for the blessings of Saint Mary and celebrate different occasions with festivals around the church. You will surely have unforgettable times in the Saint Mary’s Basilica.

The Chennai is known to be a hot place not only because of its temperature but also the great places to visit. There are a range of great tourist attractions in Chennai that you will undoubtedly feel great to visit any time of the year.

Crocodile Bank

Image Credits: Adam63

The Crocodile Bank is a crocodile research and breeding center, located 40 km from Madras. The Crocodile Bank is open for tourist every day except Tuesdays. The bank was first created to protect the Indian crocodiles and breed them. More than 6000 crocodiles have been produced and saved by the Crocodile Bank. In other words, this is a place where Indian crocodiles are preserved and that is why you can expect to see thousands of different kinds of crocodiles in here. If you love animals then you will surely love Crocodile Bank as there are no other places where you can see as many breeds of crocodiles as here. The Crocodile Bank has a snake park too where you can visit to see different types of snakes and experience how anti venom is produced. Children will surely enjoy this place and learn a lot too. The place is open 6 hours a day for tourists.

Dakshina Chitra

Image Credits: Rrjanbiah

The Dakshina Chitra is a heritage village and its really unique place for a visit. The place is located 20 km away from Chennai, in Muttukadu. If you want to experience the diversified culture of Chennai then the Dakshina Chitra is the place where you must visit. This place is a moving picture of the history of the locals and you can see the change of culture between different people. It is an art and crafts village with beautiful homes and natural beauty. You can experience the making of the art products with your own eyes and have a great time. All the houses, the creations and even the people of Dakshina Chitra are unforgettable. If you like folk dances then you can enjoy it there too. The art and craft products are available for you to buy. You can bring with you the essence of the Dakshina Chitra and remember it forever.

Government Museum Complex

Image Credits: slasha

If you want to experience the history and art of Chennai, and also the other parts of the country, then the Government Museum Complex is the place where you must go. The complex is situated in the Pantheon Road of Chennai. The Government Museum Complex is not only a museum but it has many more great divisions like libraries, galleries and museum theater. All of these places portray a great range of Indian culture and a lot of great things that you can enjoy. The libraries have many different kinds of books on history and culture which can interest you for sure. The galleries have many great famous painting by famous artists, both national and international artists. You can surely spend a great day in the Government Museum Complex with your group. The experience is surely unforgettable for everyone and there is no extra fee to be paid to visit the place.

Bollywood

Image Credits: Peripitus

The Bollywood is the film city of Mumbai and it’s located in Goregaon. The Bollywood is the place why movies are made and this is surely the most gorgeous film city of the country with the most talented actors and film makers working in it. This film city is a great place to live your fantasies as you can take a tour of this place. If you are a movie fan and you are visiting Mumbai then Bollywood is the place where you must go to refresh your memories. You can go to the sets of your favorite movies too. There is no better way to enjoy the film city than to go to famous sets and spots. If you are lucky then getting a glimpse of your favorite stars is surely possible. Overall, you will have unforgettable times in Bollywood for sure and can enjoy the movies even more from next time.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Image Credits: Siddhartha Kandoi

The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is located in the central Mumbai and you can reach there by foot from the Mahalaxmi railway station. This is one of the most famous places of Mumbai. If you are in Mumbai then you must not ignore this place just because you think it’s a dhobi ghat as the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is not just another dhobi ghat but its one of the most historical places in India. If you want to look at the center of the city then this open air dhobi ghat is the place where you must visit and be dazzled by the sight in front of you. The sound of washing, the millions of colors of the dresses gathered in there and the process of washing them, everything about the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is an experience that you will never forget. You can even feel the struggle of the city from the struggle of the washmen.

Essel world

Image Credits: Sajeevkumarc

The Essel world is an enjoyment park in Mumbai. This park is located in Gorai and it was the first amusement park in the country. This is a huge park with a great range of entertainment waiting for you. If you want to spend an entire day with thrill and fun then you must visit Essel world. There are a lot of great rides which will excite you and take you to the highest point of rush. The thing you have to be sure about is that you have time in your hands as this place has loads of activities waiting for you. Apart from the rides, there are many great eating places and events which you will surely love. You can be at the center of any event and spend the time in an unforgettable way. The Essel world requires you to buy a ticket, for each member of the group, for entry.

The Delhi is not only the capital of Indiabut it is one of the most attractive and spiritual places of the country too. Both the new and old Delhi has own charms and places where you can visit and be a part of the history.

Jama Masjid

Image Credits: Dennis Jarvis

The Jama Masjid is located near the Red Fort in old Delhi. The Jama Masjid is one of the most famous masjids in India and it has great histories associated with it. The masjid is open every day but it closes before sunset. The main beauty of the Jama Masjid is its architecture. This is the largest mosque in the country and it’s a national treasure. This large architectural phenomenon took 13 years to be completed and you can sense spirituality in every inch of it. The one thing you have to keep in mind it that you have to maintain a dress code to enter this masjid and that attire can be found at the entrance of Jama Masjid. You can climb to the top of the tower for a view of the city. The view of the city from the top of the tower is breath taking and you will never forget it.

Chandni Chowk

Just near the Jama Masjid, there is another great spot that you must visit and that is the renowned Chandni Chowk. The old Delhiis believed to be the heart of the city and if you want to experience the real essence of it then Chandni Chowk is the place you must visit. The best thing about the Chandni Chowk is the variety of things that makes this place what it is. From people, car and shops to the animals and carts, all of it make it an experience for you to walk down this road. The Chandni Chowk is a loud place with people all around but it’s also very charming. You will find plenty of shops on the sides of the straight where you can find jewellery, cloths and many other things. The Chandni Chowk has a lot of famous restaurants where you can taste the famous dishes of Delhi.

Garden of Five Senses

Image Credits: Kprateek88

The Garden of Five Senses is a place full of peace. This garden is located in Said-ul-ajab village of New Delhi. This place is open for you from 6 o’clock in the morning to 9 o’clock at night. As the name suggests, the Garden of Five Senses is not just another decorated park but it has been designed in a way that affects the human mind and helps the five senses to become active and make people feel completed. A walk through the garden will make you enjoy the trees, waterfalls, flowers, murals, strategically placed rocks and many other beautiful things which will make you feel tranquil. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal with live music too. The Garden of Five Senses is undoubtedly a place where you can enjoy an entire day of freedom and feel alive. There is no entry fee required to visit the garden.

Kerala is one of the beautiful southern states of India. It is a beautiful destination with its myriad backwaters, waterfalls and bounty of plant and animal life. It is a favorite destination of tourists from all over India and the world. The Periyar National Park is extended within two Kerala districts namely Pathanamthitta and Idukki. This national park boasts of a wide range of flora and fauna which are not even found anywhere else. One cannot emphasize the need of national parks enough in their role in the protection of a number of endangered species. This is especially true in the modern world where the size of forests is shrinking rapidly each and every day. The Periyar National Park is located amidst picturesque surroundings on the Pandalam Hills and the Cardamom Hills. This is basically the Western Ghats area near the Tamil Nadu border.

Image Credits: Jonathanawhite

The flora in the Periyar National Park

In the Periyar National Park the flora is dominated by the semi-evergreen and deciduous trees.  The major trees present in the park include teak, eucalyptus, rosewood, jamun, terminalia, jacaranda, tamarind, mango, bamboo, banyan, pipal, gulmohar, sandalwood, etc. Tall grasslands are present around the Periyar Lake covering the marshy areas. The excellent vegetation cover in the Periyar National Park offer the best possible nourishment to the thriving wildlife population and also provide them with an ideal cover both for the predators and their prey.

Image Credits: Bernard Gagnon

There are about 1,963 flowering plant species present in this national park. The distinct plant species found in this diverse environment is the sholas which reach up to a height of 130 feet. The wide canopy of these trees gives a shelter to all the different types of arboreal animals and birds.

The fauna in the Periyar National Park

This famous national park is known for its elephants. There are at least sixty two varieties of mammalian species found inside the park range. Many of the animals species found here are of the endangered variety and as such they find a safe haven inside the boundary of the park. If you want to spot tigers there is really no other place in India better than this. Thousands of visitors come here every year in order to do elephant and tiger sightings through wild life safaris. Here inside the park one can see the elephants at quite a close range which is not possible anywhere else.  The other animal species include the sambar, bison, gaur, dhol, barking and mouse deer, foxes, leopards and mongoose. Of the 320 varieties of birds in Periyar one can see the beautiful drongos, hornbills, kingfishers and many others while visiting here.

Image Credits: Shaji0508

Location and travel

The Periyar National Park is located four km from Kumily which is the nearest town to it.  One can travel to Kottayam by rail and then come here. If you are looking for the nearest airport, then it is present at Madurai as well as Kochi which are present at a distance of 145 and 190 respectively.

The Bhool Bhulaiya

Image Credits : Abhijeet Kumar

One of the main attractions of this Lucknow Imambara is the Bhulbhulayah. This is the only existing maze in India and so quite naturally it is a famous tourist attraction. The labyrinth is three dimensional in structure and consists of a number of interconnected passageways which open to 289 different doors. However the beauty of this Bhulbhulayah is that only one of the 289 possible doors is the right one. Visitors try their luck time after time and the joy of the one who succeeds simply cannot be contained such is the sense of achievement.

The other attractions of the Lucknow Imambara

Image Credits: Shoaib husain

Besides this world famous Bhulbhulayah, the visitors can also enjoy a number of other attraction inside the Bara Imambara complex. There is a five storey high deep well or Baoli present inside the outside the Imambara structure but within its periphery. It is rumored that a long lost treasure lies buried somewhere within the murky depths of the water inside the well. The structure of the Baoli is so built that a person within the building will be able to spot someone entering by seeing the reflection in the water of the well much before any damage could be done by the enemy. This Baoli has a connection to the river Gomati on whose banks the city of Lucknow is situated. Only two stories of this building remain above the water of the Baoli the rest are situated within.

How to reach the Bara Imambara?

Lucknow is one of the most prominent cities of India and is the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. As such, reaching Lucknow to see the Imambara is simply not at all difficult. Many flights connect it from the different parts of India such as the three of the metro cities namely Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi as well as other prominent cities like Patna and Varanasi, etc.  Not only that, tourists can come to the historical city of Lucknow by travelling via the railroads too as well as the roadways from any part of India such as Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Agra, Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna. With such a well-placed situation, it is imperative that those who have not seen the Lucknow Imambara till now must go there at the very first chance and have a taste of the delicious Biryani there while enjoying the great views.

No matter what your holiday interests are, Hyderabad is one place that can appease to every kind of vacation. The city caters to all kinds of people, the foodies, the shopaholics, the amateur historians, adventure lovers and the ones who love to unravel the mysteries of India. With the perfect blend of old, new, modern, chic and the traditional; Hyderabad is truly the one stop holiday destination in India.

Although the city is filled with fragments of the past and monuments worth visiting, there are a few places one just cannot miss in Hyderabad; such as the Salar Jung museum, Golconda Fort, Charminar, the magnificent Birla Mandir, Hussainsagar Lake, Shilparamam and the famous Ramoji Film City.

Hyderabad has so many places to visit, so many mysteries to unravel that you are sure to return for more.

For history lovers

 Golconda fort

Image Credits: Sanyambahga

The name Golconda means “Shepherd’s Hill” in Telugu, the regional language. The history of this fort begins at the Kakatiyas of Warangal and Yadava dynasty of Deogiri. Originally a mud fort, the Golconda is well known for its acoustics at the Fateh Darwaza. The sound of a clap at a particular point under the dome reverberates and the sound is clearly heard at the highest point which is at a distance of about 1 km.

A walk around this fort gives you the feel of being a part of its history with every part of the fort having a unique story to narrate. One of the many important historical stories of this fort is that it here that the Kohinoor, the Hope and the Regent diamonds were excavated. The fort has many more fascinating stories that interest every visitor.

One can also enjoy going back in time through the sound and light show.

 Salar Jung museum

Established in 1951 and opened to the public by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this museum is a place where one gets the opportunity to stand amidst artefacts from different points in history. Out of the variety of artefacts, a major portion was acquired by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan who was also known as Salar Jung III. The library and the museum were declared as an “Institution of National Importance” in 1961.

The collections of this museum include European Art, Middle Eastern art, Indian art, Far Eastern art and a special section for children. Some of the items waiting to tell the tales of history are Sino-Japanese art porcelain, lacquer ware, enamel and bronze objects, Egyptian and Persian manuscripts, carpets, ceramics, etc. The Indian art section has sculptures, textiles, ivory objects, paintings and much more from every nook and corner of the country. The exhibitions in the Salar Jung Museum is the largest one man collection in the world, it is truly incredible and worth every minute of your time.

For the shopaholics

 Charminar and Laad Bazaar

Image Credits: Sissssou

Like the Eiffel tower of Paris, Charminar is the signature of Hyderabad. The Laad bazaar is in the streets leading off from the Charminar. Bridal wear, embroidered sarees, jewellery, stone studded and glass bangles, jewellery and lots more can be purchased in this local bazaar. The best parts of the bazaar are the stores selling pearls and pearl jewellery. The pearl jewellery ranges from old regal designs to the most modern jewellery, white as well as coloured pearls can be purchased. This bazaar is truly a shopper’s delight.

 Shilparamam

Established in 1992, Shilparamam is spread over a sprawling 65 acres and is dedicated to exhibit and encourage talents in the artists and craftsmen all over India. The bazaars at Shilparamam offer arts and crafts from all over the country including Textiles from Paithni, Tangai, Pashmeena shawls, Madhurai sarees, ghagaras, carpets, jewellery, pottery and much more. The night bazaar known as Shilpa Sandhya Vedika runs from 3pm to 3am and has 4 basic themes- Adhunik(modern), Sultanate, Vedic age and Azma(stone age). Shilparamam also has food courts known as Grameena, a recreational area, rock and rural museum and boating. This place amalgamates fun, food, culture and shopping.

For the adventure and fun lovers

 The Ocean Park and Snow World

The Ocean Park is modelled on International Standards and is a unique water recreation park which is a perfect place to unwind. The park has been divided into two sections, one for amusement games and the other for water sports. Some of the attractions of the park are jet skiing, Dashing Cars, The Slam Bomb, toy train, roller coaster which is sure to churn your insides out, the Tora-Tora ride, etc.

The Snow world is India’s first biggest snow fall theme park. One can enjoy Ice bumper cars, snow slide and cruising, and a snowfall which happens in an interval of ten minutes. Enjoys the rides and snow fights in the 200 tonnes of artificial snow!

 Ramoji film city

Image Credits: Shillika

2500 acres of idyllic surroundings inspired from the magical Bollywood world, The Ramoji film city is a major attraction. It has been certified as the World’s Largest Film Studio Complex by the Guinness World Records. You can find food courts, entertainment shows, silver screen magic, interesting games and rides, gardens and parks, famous locations from films replicated in a manner to take you through a ride into the world of cinemas. Along with having a blast, you can also carry back unique souvenirs to remember the wonderful tour through the kaleidoscopic film city. The film city attractions can be enjoyed thoroughly by all age groups. So get ready to enjoy glimpses of Bollywood.

For the Foodies

Hyderabad is an ideal place for all those who love to keep their taste buds active. With a strong culinary history and population that takes its food very seriously, you can set out on a wonderful journey to tantalize your taste buds.

Image Credits: Garrett Ziegler

The food platter ranges from the Nizam specials to Mughlai dishes, from the mouth-watering Hyderabadi Biryani to the Awadhi cuisine. Some delicacies one should try are the Nahari, Seviyon-ka-Meetha, Haleem, Pathar-Ka-Ghosht, Mirchi ka salan,Boti kabab, Paaya and the Hyderabadi biryani. Among the desserts one ought to try the kheer,Seviyon-ka-Meetha, Double ka Meetha, Firni, Faluda, Qubani ka meetha(apricot pudding) and Marzipan. Snacks like the tea biscuit, Dil khush, Lukmi, Dilpasand and the Osmania biscuits are must tries.

Red Fort, Symbol of Indian Independence

Bright Red and Imposing Structure that stand intact till date, Old Delhi

Red Fort is situated in the capital city of Delhi, India. it is also known as Lal Quila and is one of the most magnificent monument during the Mughal era. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD on the banks of Yamuna River. In 2007, Red Fort has been recognized as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the place from which the Prime Minister of India the people of nation on Independence Day.

The whole fort is made up of red sand stone, thus the name Red Fort. Sprawling over an area of two kms, it stands with a height of 18 meters. It has a hall of private audience, hall of public audience, a mosque, private palaces made up of marbles and beautiful gardens. The Hall of Private Audience is otherwise known as Diwan-I-Khas, where private meetings were arranged. Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is the place, where the emperor used to listen and resolve the disputes among the common people. A mixture of Persian, European and Indian architectural works can be seen here.

The Peacock Throne carried away by the Iranian Ruler Nadir Shah used to be the masterpiece of Red Fort. Lotus temple, Qutub Minar and India Gate are the nearest places of attraction of Red Fort. To reach Red Fort, New Delhi is the nearest airport and railway station. Another closest railhead is old Delhi. The capital city is also well connected by road to the nearby places. The best season to visit this place is during the month of October-March. Opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Fort William, Kolkata

The Fort that Flagged the Rise of British Rule in India

Fort William is located on the banks of Hooghly River, in Calcutta. Named after King William III of England, it was constructed by Lord Robert Clive in 1778 A.D during the periods of Bengal Presidency of British India. According to history, there were two Fort Williams in Calcutta. After the Battle of Plassey, the old fort was removed and the new fort was established on its place.

However, other than a fort, the new Fort William appears to be more than a little town. Sprawling over an area of 5kms, a fosse of 9 meter depth and 15 meter breadth surrounds the fort which can be flooded in emergency. The area around the fort is called Maidan which is spread 3 kms from North to South with a width of about 1 km. The fort is built with brick and mortar and is shaped like an irregular octagon. Chowringhee, Plassey Calcutta, Water gate St Georges and Treasury Gate are the major gateways of Fort William.

It has a telephone office, recreation club, canteen, cinema hall, restaurant and a swimming pool. There is also a museum with a vast collection of arms, swords, muskets and machine guns. A garrison of 10,000 men can be accommodated in this fort. Tourists can view the photographs of the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Burma Campaign. The fort is close to River Ganaga and the lush green surroundings provide the perfect atmosphere for the tourists visiting the fort. Utram Ghat on the bank of River Ganga is a nearest place of attraction. To visit Fort William, Calcutta is the closest airport and railway station. Road transport services can be accessible for journey by road. Winter season is the best time to take a trip to Fort William.

Amber Fort – Fort of Many Temples

The Amber fort is located at a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Usually referred to as Amer fort, the construction was started by Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his son Jai Singh I. The architecture of the fort reflects both the Mughal and Hindu culture carved with red sand stone and white marble. Historically, the fort used to be administrative headquarter and military bastion for the Rajput kings.

Being an astounding monument of Kachhawaha Rajput period, the fort is well known for its glittering appearance. The Amber fort has a palace named as Amber palace which depicts the delicate architectural work. The Seesha Mahal is decorated with painted scenes, precious stones and mirrors and is considered to be the integral part of the fort. Some of the major fort attractions are Old Amber Palace, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Shila mata Temple, Ganesh Pol and Suhaag Mandir.
The Old Amber Palace was built during 13th century. Ancient amber temples and crumbling palaces can be seen here. Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience was built by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Diwan-I-Am used to be a place for public hearing. Diwan-i-Khas was used as a hall of private audience with excellent glass decorations and mural carvings on the walls. Shila mata Mandir was constructed by Raja Man Sigh in the year 1604. A black marble idol of the Goddess Kali is worshipped here. A beautiful garden or Charbagh lies in Ganesh Pol which is a beautiful place of Amber fort. Other attractions around Amber fort are Jagatsiromani Temple and Temple of Sanwalji.

All routes of transport are available to visit this place. Ideal time is throughout the year except Holi.

Gwalior Fort – The Invincible fort in the heart of India

Gwalior fort is regarded as the most invincible fort in the country situated in the State of Madhya Pradesh. The fort was Built by Raja Man Singh Tomar during the 15th century. It stands at a height of 100 meters with length of 2 miles and width of 200 meters. Sprawling over an area of 3 sq. kms, the walls of the fort rise to a height of 35 feet. Due to its fascinating beauty, the fort was once referred by the Mughal Emperor Babar as ‘The Pearl amongst the Fortresses in India’.

The fort was the major dominion of the Gwalior Scindias. Though numerous rulers tried to take control over it. In the British era, freedom fighters like Tantia Tope and Rani Laxmibai fought with the Britishers in this fort. Beautiful temples and palaces are the major attractions of Gwalior fort. There are three temples surrounded by the long walls. Of which Teli ka Mandir of 9th century is the main temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Other temples of religious importance are the 11th century Sas Bahu Ka Mandir and the Chhaturbhuja Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A water tank called Suraj Kund, which water is believed to be a cure to deadly skin diseases. Karan Palace and Jehangir Mahal are the two important palaces of the fort. Man Singh Palace decorated with colorful tiles is the best palace among all. Statues of Jain Thirthankaras from the 8th and 15th centuries can be found in the Urbai Gate, on the South West entrance of the fort.

Gwalior fort is open all day long from 9 AM to 5 PM. By rail route, the closest railway station is Gwalior and the place is well connected to every part of Madhya Pradesh. The beat season to visit this fort is during winter season.

The Great Indian Forts (Durgs), Pride of the land and flag bearers of our Military Might

Indian is a country which has been ruled by a number of rulers and dynasties. The glorious legacies of those rulers marked some of the magnificent creations in this land, of which forts emerged out to be the cultural heritages of India. The forts of India reflect its rich cultural past and historical significance behind them. Some of the major Indian forts and palaces are seen in the state of Rajasthan. Most of the forts in this state are built in the names of kings and queens. The exquisite carving works and fine architectures of forts lure every tourist towards it. Some other popular forts are also situated in the state of Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Kangra Fort – The Oldest Fort in India

Hill Fort of Himachal, History roots in the Mahabharat

You may be wondering why I included this in my List. The builders of Kangra Fort hailed from the The Katoch Dynasty, that traces its roots in the Mahabharata. Apart from that this Fort is mentioned in the War Records of Alexander the Great too, hence making it the oldest recorded Fort of India. This fort has an Unique distiction of being ruled by great Hindu Kings, Muslim Invaders, Sikh Maharaja and Christian Rulers of British empire.

The Kangra fort is situated at a distance of 20 kms from Dharmasala, Kangra town, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The fort lies along the Banganga and Manjhi streams and is filled with natural beauty. It is 5 kms away from the road bridge. Ruled by Kashmiris and Britishers, the fort was constructed by the royal families of Kangra.

Fusion of ancient and medieval architectures can be seen in Kangra fort. Old paintings, Temples, palaces, museums surrounded by its long walls and huge gates are the main attraction of this fort. The huge gates or ‘Darwaazas’ are quite famous. The most popular is the Ranjit Singh Darwaaza, which is 4 kms long in both sides. Other major gateways are Ahni Gate, Amiri Gate and Jahangiri Gate. But the best one is Darsshani Darwaaza,, which is oldest among all.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir and Shaitala Mandir are the Hindu temple attractions of Kangra fort. Ambika Devi Temple is also an interesting place to visit. There is a Jain temple which has a stone image of Adinath. Mirror Palace of Kangra fort with a watch tower on its upper level is a major exotic palace.

Besides, the Kangra Valley attracts a large number of tourists from every corner of the world. It is an important monument of Himachal Pradesh and is preserved by the Himachal Pradesh tourism department. Located among the green valleys of Himachal Pradesh this fort this fort is a major tourist destination in the state. Kangra is well connected to every major cities of the country via air, rail and road. You can visit this place during winter season.

Beautiful Rajput Fort of Mehrangarh

The Amber fort is located at a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Usually referred as Amer fort, the construction was started by Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his son Jai Singh I. The architecture of the fort reflects both the Mughal and Hindu culture carved with red sand stone and white marble.

Historically, the fort used to be an administrative headquarter and military bastions for the Rajput kings. Being an astounding monument of Kachhawaha Rajput period, the fort it well known for its glittering appearance. The amber fort has a palace named as amber palace which depicts the delicate architectural work. The Seesha Mahal is decorated with painting scenes, precious stones and mirrors and is considered to be the integral part of the fort. Some of the major fort attractions are Old Amber Palace, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Shila mata Temple, Ganesh Pol and Suhaag Mandir.

The Old Amber Palace was built during 13th century. Ancient amber temples and crumbling palaces can be seen here. Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience was built by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Diwan-I-Am used to be a place for public hearing. Diwan-i-Khas was used as a hall of private audience with excellent glass decorations and mural carvings on the walls. Shila mata Mandir was constructed by Raja Man Sigh in the year 1604. A black marble idol of the Goddess Kali is worshipped here. A beautiful garden or Charbagh lies in Ganesh Pol which is a beautiful place of Amber fort. Other attractions around Amber fort are Jagatsiromani Temple and Temple of Sanwalji. All routes of transport are available to visit this place. Ideal time is throughout the year except Holi.

Image Credits : Hans A. Rosbach, Wikimedia Commons

The Diamond Fort of Golkunda

whose rulers were known for administration and patronage of art rather than military might

The Golconda fort lies at a distance of around 11 kms from Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. In Telugu language, the fort is referred as ‘Shepherd’s Hill’ or ‘Golla Konda’. Situated due west of Hyderabad with a height of 120 meters, the Golconda fort was built during 13th century by the Kakatiya Dynasty. The outstanding architecture of the fort makes it the most magnificent fortress in India.

According to history, Golconda used to be a famous market for diamond including the ‘Kohinoor’ during the Qutub Sahi Dynasty. In its epic battle with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the fort was destroyed leaving only the present ruining parts. The unique architecture, the exotic designs with an amazing ventilation system is the high points of Golconda fort. There are four distinct forts and a 10km long outer wall with 87 semicircular bastions. On its North-Eastern side, there is a rough pentagon popularly known as Naya Quila. ‘Fateh Darwaza’, the lowest bastions of Golconda is a larger tract covered with bazaars, temples, mosques, soldiers, mansions of nobles, barracks etc.

The main attraction within the fort is ‘Bala Hissar’, which is the highest point of the fort. It has palaces, water supply system and a canon called ‘Rahban’ canon, which was built by Aurangzeb on the Pethla Burj. The tombs are carved with precious stones and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The ‘Kala Mandir’ and the ‘Durbar Hall’ are also located within the fort. The ‘Durbar Hall’ is believed to be the secret underground tunnel of the fort. Another specialty of this place is the echoing entrance hall. They say the guards in the entrance hall could notify the people on the top of the fort (king’s palace) by clapping which echoed all the way to the top of the hill using some marvel technology of that time.

One beautiful thing associated with Golcunda is its famous love story of Qutub Sahi Prince and the local village girl. The fort sings the saga of love and art apart from its rich proud military might. I have visited this place twice and admire every bit of this fort.

A famous sound and light show is now organized in the fort by the Andhra Pradesh tourism to depict the glorified history of Golconda. To reach this place, the nearest airport and railhead is Hyderabad. The road transport services are available from the main city to other parts of the state. You can visit the place anytime in a year. ( Image credit : Rudolph.A.furtado, Wikimedia Commons )

Most Powerful Marine Fort – MURUD JANJIRA

one of the few naval support forts in India

This fort is located in Murud village in Raigad district at a distance of 60 kms away from Alibaug, in the State of Maharashtra. Janjira is a corruption of Arabic word ‘Jazira’, which literally means ‘An Island’. Situated on the top of a hillock, it is one of the strongest marine forts in the country. This 300-year old oval shaped fort is believed to be constructed by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of Malik Amber, a regent, during 15th century period. It is said that this fort was originally built with wood by the Murud fishermen to protect their villages from the pirates, but later was destroyed by Ahmednagar Ruler Nizamshah to build a stone fort here. Palaces, quarters, mosque, a big fresh water tank, all can be found in Janjira fort. Murud village is famous for its coconut and betel palms, beautiful beach and casuarinas. Kashid and Nandgaon beaches are the most popular ones. The famous Ganapati temple is located in Nandgaon where an annual fair is held in February every year. The Nawab Palaces and the Janjira Caves are also among other interesting places of Janjira fort. There are a number of towers, turrets and canons within the fort. Kalal Bangadi, Chavari and Landa Kasam are some of the popular canons left in Janjira and two sweet water lakes also exist inside the fort. Some of the parts of the Janjira fort are destroyed and only ruins are being viewed today. Still the fine architectures of this fort is worth enjoying. Mumbai is the nearest airport and railhead to reach the fort. Besides, bus transport services are always available throughout the state. This place can be best visited during winter season.

Continued on Top 10 Forts | Best Forts in India | Oldest – Largest – Cutest – Strongest – Popular (Part – II)