Known for old architectural buildings and monuments, India is well known for its Forts and Palaces. Land of rich history, culture, royalty- Forts and Palaces in India are must-visit places in India. Famous as the architectural marvels, each fort and palaces of India are unique and retain rich history. 

Almost every state in India has mighty forts, but the majority of the forts and palaces houses Rajasthan. The Pink City, Lake City, and the Blue City have a particularly large number of them. The famous forts of India preserve the history, culture, and architecture the same as they were. Forts, such as Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Amber Fort in Jaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur, Agra Fort, and many more! Some palaces like Umaid Bhawan Palace and Neemrana Fort Palace are converted into luxury resorts and hotels. Here is a comprehensive guide to the 10-famous forts and palaces in India. 

1. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

2. Amber Fort, Jaipur 

3. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur

4. Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

5. City Palace, Udaipur

6. Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur

7. Agra Fort, Agra

8. Mysore Palace, Karnataka 

9. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

10. Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana

11. Red Fort, Delhi

12. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior 

13. Bhangarh Fort, Alwar

14. Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

15. Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh

1) Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

One of the oldest forts in India, the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is enclosed in thick walls. Designed for keeping the army and king safe from attacks, the Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India.

Housed in the desert of Rajasthan, the fort is one of the best attractions in Jodhpur. King Rao Jodha started the construction of the fort in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort has a remarkably diverse architecture with seven gates. The fort remains in the hands of the royal family and turned into an outstanding tourist destination. Cultural performances, folk art, and music held every day at various locations in the fort. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best forts and palaces in Rajasthan.

The movie Dark Knight Rises has been shot here when Bruce Wayne was brought to prison. 

Best time to visit: January - December

2) Amber Fort, Jaipur 

Amber Fort is one of the popular destinations in Jaipur and perhaps the most well-known fort in India. Situated on a high hill of the old city, the fort was built using red sandstone and marble during the era of Raja Man Singh I in 1592. The architecture of the fort is a magnificent blend of Hindu and Mughal influences. With a series of courtyards, palaces, halls, and gardens, the fort has four-level Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Niwa. The best part of the Amer Fort is the Sheesh Mahal made with glittering walls and ceilings.

The Amer Fort is a six hill fort in Rajasthan, and the fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.

Best time to visit: October - March

3) Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur

One of the oldest forts in India, Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the five hill forts of Rajasthan. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan 82 km from Udaipur. 

The Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and set on the foothills of the Aravalli ranges and surrounded by thirteen hill peaks. Famous as the second-largest forts in Rajasthan and Mewar forts after Chittorgarh Fort. The warrior Maharana Pratap was born here in 1540, and the Kumbha Palace shows the history of Maharana Pratap. 

Situated on a hilltop 1100 meters above sea level, the top of the fort offers majestic views of Aravali Hills. 

Best time to visit: January - April & October - December

4) Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur

Set just 10 km from the Amber Fort, the Nahargarh Fort is a real gem in Jaipur. Created in 1734 by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II, the Nahargarh Fort is known as one of the major forts and palaces in Rajasthan.

The Nahargarh Fort is full of architectural beauty and provides panoramic views of the city. An extended wall that connects Nahargarh Fort with Jaigarh Fort. Nahargarh Biological Park is another addition to the Nahargarh Fort. The Biological Park houses tigers, leopards, and the Asiatic lions. The Padao Restaurant is a must-visit restaurant in Nahargarh Fort that offers a panoramic view of the city.

Best time to visit: October - March

5) City Palace, Udaipur

Famous as the City of Lakes, Udaipur houses one of the famous forts and palaces in India. One of the majestic palaces of India, City Palace is set in the heart of the city near Lake Pichola. The City Palace Museum has Mardana Mahal (King's Palace) and Zenana Mahal (Queen's Palace). The museum has royal galleries, artwork, and photographs. The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the largest Palaces in Rajasthan. The surroundings of the City Palace are Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, and the Neemach Mata Mandir.

Best time to visit: January - April & October - December

6) Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur

One of the majestic palaces of India, Jaipur City Palace is a central attraction of the city. Located in the heart of Jaipur city, the palace has other building such as Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace, Mukut Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Bhaggi Khana, and Govind Dev Temple. The palace is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture styles, and this makes Jaipur City Palace is one of the famous Mughal forts in India. 

The royal family still lives in the Chandra Mahal part of the palace. To explore this side of the City Palace, one can take a Royal Grandeur tour through the inner quarters of the Chandra Mahal. The palace showcase the heritage side and unique handcrafted products. 

Best time to visit: October - March

7) Agra Fort, Agra

The Agra Fort is the first grand Mughal fort in India. Being one of the Mughal forts in India was constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. 

The Mughal architectural masterpiece, the Agra Fort is also known as the Lal –Qila, Fort Rouge, or Qila-i-Akbari. Pearl Mosque, Diwan-E-Khaas, Diwan-E-Aam, Moti Masjid, and Jahangir Mahal are some of the best parts to explore at Agra Fort. One of the famous forts in India, Agra Fort is just a few kilometers away from Taj Mahal.

Best time to visit: September- March

8) Mysore Palace, Karnataka 

The Maharaja's Palace or the Mysore Palace is well known as the majestic palaces of India. The palace was constructed between 1897 and 1912 by British architect Henry Irwin. The Mysore Palace was first built from wood in Hindu style but was destroyed because of fire. After that, the palace was rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style—a combination of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic influences. The glitzy interior and 100,000 bulbs light up the exterior. 

The palace has private and public audience halls. It showcases a pavilion of antique dolls, armory, royal painting gallery, collection of sculptures, and artifacts. One of the majestic palaces of India, the Mysore Palace is the second most visited historical monument in Karnataka. 

Best time to visit: Around Dussehra

9) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Majestic palaces of India, Umaid Bhawan Palace ranks on the top list. The Umaid Bhawan Palace was constructed in 1929 by the Maharaja Umaid Singh. Home to the royal family, the palace is located on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. 

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is divided into three parts, one of them is a luxury heritage Taj Palace Hotel, one is home to the royal family, and the third one is open to the public. The public area displays the belongings of the Jodhpur Royal Family from the 20th century. 

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the luxurious hotels in India. The Heritage Hotel has three hundred and twenty-seven rooms. The palace houses a vintage car museum that shows the exotic collection of automobiles owned by the royal family. 

Best time to visit: January - December

10) Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana

One of the most famous royal forts in India, the Neemrana Fort Palace is well known for being located on a high hillock. Offering magnificent panoramic views, the fort was built by Raja Dup Raj in 1467. The palace was converted into a hotel in 1986, and that makes the Neemrana Palace one of the oldest heritage luxury resorts in India.

Being an ideal location of the Delhi-Jaipur highway, the Neemrana Fort Palace attracts thousands of travelers every year. Two pools around the palace, lavish rooms, and a mesmerizing garden make your visit to Neemrana a memorable one. 

Best time to visit: November - Early March

11) Red Fort, Delhi

Also known as the Lal Quila, Shah Jahan constructed the fort in 1639. Fully loaded with rich architecture and history, the Red Fort was once the main residence of the emperors of the Mughals. The name of the fort comes from the red sandstone walls. 

The Red Fort is divided into four parts, Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khaas, the Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Bashisht. Home to several museums, the museum showcases precious artifacts on display. Lies along the banks of the river Yamuna, the Red Fort is one of the famous forts in India. The Light and Sound Show is another attraction of the fort one must watch. 

Best time to visit: September- March

12) Gwalior Fort, Gwalior 

One of the famous Mughal forts in India, Gwalior Fort is set on the top of a vast rocky mountain. One of the largest forts in India, it is said that Gwalior Fort is 1500 years old. The fort is well known for the glorifying history, magnificent architecture, and structure. Teli Ka Mandir, Sas Bahu Temple, Singh Palace, Karan Mahal, Vikram Mahal, and Gujari Mahal are the best places in the Gwalior Fort. The fort has two main gates, Elephant Gate (Hathi Pul) on the northeast side, and the other one is called the Badalgarh Gate on the southwest side.

Best time to visit: October - March

13) Bhangarh Fort, Alwar

Famous as the Haunted Fort of Rajasthan, the Bhangarh Fort is one of the most famous forts in India. Located between Jaipur and Alwar highway, the Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. The Bhangarh Fort is not only famous for its interesting facts but also for the majestic views it offers. The architecture on the walls of the Bhangarh Fort will leave you speechless. 

The fort has Bhoot Bangla, temples, palaces, and Havelis. As you enter the Bhoot Bangla, stories about the fort will give you chills. The last entry to the fort is 6.00 pm. One can not enter the walls of the fort after 6.00 pm. 

Best time to visit: September - November

14) Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Known as one of the oldest forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in India. The Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the ruler Rao Jaisal.

The fort is also known as Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. Set in the Thar Desert, the fort is made of massive yellow sandstone. Jain Temples, Laxminath temple, and Havelies are the best attractions in Jaisalmer Fort. This is the only fort where 3000 people still live within walls of the fort. The top of the fort offers mesmerizing views of the city. The fort converted many Havelis in the Jaisalmer Fort. These are the best way to explore the local and heritage side of Rajasthan. 

The Jaisalmer Fort houses many local shops and restaurants. The fort is not too far from the other attractions of Jaisalmer city. 

Best time to visit: November - March

15) Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh

Located about 20 km from Dharamshala, Kangra Fort is one of the most beautiful forts and palaces in India. The Kangra Fort covers an area of 4 km and is protected by thick and high walls. The fort was built by the Rajput family of Himachal Pradesh. 

The fort houses three temples named Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Shitlamata Temple, and Ambika Devi Temple. The Kangra Fort is one of the must-visit Heritage places in Himachal Pradesh. 

Best time to visit: October - March