For an avid rider interested in history, culture, palaces, forts, and royalty, there probably isn’t a better country to explore on two-wheels than India. With its rich history dating back to ancient times, India boasts architectural heritage from every era of human civilsation. India presents itself as a treasure trove of precious gems. In this detailed article, we will talk about some of the most majestic forts, palaces, and other historically royal destinations in India that you can ride to. So, gear up, turn on your engines, and prepare for a trip that will warp you back into the golden era of this incredible country.
The Rajasthan Circuit
When it comes to royalty, opulent palaces and majestic forts, there’s no
other region that can match the options the state of Rajasthan, or
erstwhile Rajputana, has on offer. Every single district of this majestic
state steeped in rich royal heritage offers a distinct flavor of the
architectural genius that makes this region reign supreme when it comes to
forts and palaces. Riders can create a 10–15-day itinerary and tour this
royal state visiting all the famous forts and palaces in a single trip. The
ideal time to travel is from November to February when the winters are on,
giving tourists a pleasant respite from the unforgivingly hot and harsh
weather of this arid region. Let's have a look at the forts and palaces
that this beautiful region has on offer.
City - Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is arguably the richest in terms of the options it
offers in the form of historically significant, majestic palaces, and
forts.
Amer Palace
This majestic-looking fort palace sprawls over an area of four square
kilometres and overlooks a pretty lake namely Maota. Amer Fort is an
exponent of Rajput architecture with Mughal influence also visible in some
places. This regal edifice has a charm that will instantly make you travel
back in time as you look at it from a distance. Made of red sandstone and
marble, the palace has multiple sections known as Diwan-e-Khas,
Diwan-e-Aam, the Sheesh Mahal, along with a temple for Shila Maata. The
vast innards of the palace tell a story about the grandeur of the past
times. A keen tourist can keep himself busy for an entire day discovering
the incredible wonders of this grand structure.
Jaigarh Fort
Situated at about five kilometres from Amer Fort, and offering panoramic
views of Jaipur City is the Jaigarh Fort. Built with fortified red
sandstone walls, the palace is spread over an area of three square
kilometres. A stronghold, connected to the Amer Fort with subterranean
passages and built to protect the Amer palace, the Jaigarh Fort houses the
world’s largest cannon on wheels of its time, known as the Jaivaan, or the
victory arrow. Apart from its grand palace complex, Jaigarh also has
sections namely Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, and the Vilas
Mandir. Tourists can also indulge in taking a stroll around the fort’s
beautiful garden or witness the palace’s grand history by visiting its
armory and museum.
Nahargarh Fort
Drive a couple of kilometres higher up from Jaigarh and you will reach the
Nahargarh Fort, which is another architectural masterpiece overlooking
Jaipur, offering the grandest panoramic views of the city. Nahargarh houses
a palace, namely Madhavendra Palace, which is the most attractive structure
within the fort. Just like the Amer palace, Nahargh also has a large
open-air enclosure called Diwan-i-Aam. There are also two stepwells at
Nahargarh Fort. There’s also a wax museum namely Jaipur Wax Museum inside
the fort. Another attraction inside the palace is the Sheesh Mahal or the
Palace of Mirrors, which is created using more than 2.5 million coloured
pieces of glass.
Hawa Mahal
Built in the year 1799 by Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Maharaja Sawai Pratap
Singh, the Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Ustad as an extension of
the City Palace. In olden times, royal women weren’t allowed to show their
faces to strangers, and the Hawa Mahal was built to allow them to look out
without the outsiders getting to see their faces. The palace comprises 953
windows and is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The five-storied
structure is built with pink and red sandstone. There is also a museum
located in the courtyard of the Hawa Mahal with a collection of weapons and
other antique items. One can also visit other historical and architectural
landmarks such as Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and the Albert Hall Museum,
which are in close proximity to the Hawa Mahal.
City - Udaipur
City Palace
Situated on the banks of the beautiful Pichola Lake, the City Palace is the most iconic palace of Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes. One of the largest palaces in Rajasthan, and among the most impeccably preserved ones, the City Palace complex has 11 smaller palaces within. Featuring a fusion of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles, the palace is also home to two luxurious palace hotels, the extremely popular City Palace Museum, and a school as well.
One of the most majestic places to visit in Rajasthan, the Udaipur City Palace is built in granite and marble and has a multitude of attractions inside to keep an avid tourist busy for an entire day. Offering fantastic views of Lake Pichola and the city of Udaipur from its various balconies and towers, the City Palace is home to a rare collection of paintings, artifacts, chandeliers, armor, and weaponry from the olden times. Fans of all things equestrian would also find the royal family's horses at the stables next to the museum as an area of interest.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Built by Rana Kumbha between 1443 and 1458, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is also
known as the Great Wall of India, owing to the massive walls surrounding
the fort. Located around 84 km from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort has several
buildings inside, namely Badal Mahal, Kumbha Palace, and Temples. Many
smaller structures like water reservoirs, baoris, chhatris, etc punctuate
the vast expanse of the fort premises. One of the most prominent structures
inside the fort is the Badal Mahal, which is also the highest point of the
entire fort and is divided into two interconnected sections - the Zanana
Mahal (The Palace for women) and the Mardana Mahal (The Palace for men).
The fort is also important as it is known to be the birthplace for Maharana
Pratap, one of the warrior kings who took the fight to the Mughal Emperor
Akbar and became a source of inspiration for his people. The ride to
Kumbhalgarh is a scenic one, and the entire area is a picturesque setting
that would leave an everlasting impression on a rider.
City - Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is unlike any other fort in Rajasthan, or even India for that matter. One of the very few living forts in the world, the Jaisalmer fort is a bustling city where a quarter of the entire old Jaisalmer’s population still resides. One of the largest forts in India, this fort is an architectural marvel, where the walls are built with interlocking rocks without using any mortar. A traveler’s delight, the Jaisalmer fort offers panoramic views of the Golden City Jaisalmer and has many small shops, restaurants, and homestays where one can just chill and relax for hours on end.
While some of the key attractions inside the fort are the Raj Mahal (Royal palace and temples, the real attraction is the opportunity to witness the culture and lifestyle of the people who are still living inside this beautiful structure. Also known as the Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort, owing to the yellow sandstone that it is made of.
City - Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
A majestic fort that overlooks the Sun City, Jodhpur, and boasts to be one of the grandest medieval structures in India is the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Built by Rao Jodha, after whom the city of Jodhpur also got its name, the Mehrangarh Fort is built on a hillock and is visible from most parts of Jodhpur.
Covering an area of around five square kilometres, the Mehrangarh Fort boasts of walls that go as high as 120 feet and as wide as 65 feet in places. Inside the main fort, you have several smaller palaces namely Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal among others. Each one of the palaces is renowned for their beautiful carvings, architectural design, and art.
The fort is also home to the Mehrangarh Museum, which has an exquisite collection of artifacts, royal costumes, weapons, paintings, and musical instruments, providing an insight into the history and lifestyle of the Marwari rulers. Also located within the fort complex is the Chamunda Mataji Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. Various events and cultural festivals keep taking place in the fort from time to time, the most notable among which is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF).
City - Bikaner
A trip to Rajasthan isn’t complete unless you have paid a visit to Bikaner,
a small town established by Rao Bika in 1488. The tiny little town is home
to some splendid forts and palaces, as well as smaller havelis that
mesmerize visitors with their breathtaking architecture and intricate
carvings. An absolute must-visit among these includes the Junagarh Fort,
which is at the heart of the city of Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort was
originally smaller in size until it was turned into the grand structure
that it is in 1589. Unlike most other forts in Rajasthan, which are built
on hillocks to provide protection against enemy attacks, the Junagarh Fort
is situated lower, emphasizing the fact that it was built as more of a
recreational residence than a fortress meant for defense purposes. The red
sandstone fort is representative of the Rajput-Mughal architecture, which
is evident in other Rajasthani forts as well. Inside the fort, there are
multiple palaces including the Badal Mahal Palace, the Anup Mahal Palace,
the Phool Mahal Palace, the Hawa Mahal Palace, the Gaj Mandir Palace, and
the Vikram Vilas Palace.
Junagarh isn’t the only Fort in Bikaner though. If you are in the city, you should extend your stay for a couple of more days and revel in the grandeur and beauty of several other forts and palaces as well. Some of these beautiful palaces have now been turned into heritage hotels. The Lalgarh Palace and the Laxmi Niwas Palace are two such mentionable edifices. Gajner Palace, another grand palace built on the banks of Gajner Lake, was a hunting lodge but has now been converted into a hotel. Apart from marveling at its architectural brilliance, you can also indulge in activities such as desert safaris, boat rides, bird watching, or garden walks while being at the Gajner Palace.
City - Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in the country with a rich history dating back to the 7th century and was later the capital of the Mewar region. Featuring massive walls, this enormous fort has a whole bunch of palaces, temples, and water reservoirs inside its sprawling premises. Among the palaces, you have the Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini’s Palace, Jaimal Palace and Patta Palace. The most mentionable among the temples is the Meera Bai Temple dedicated to the poet-saint Meera Bai. The Gaumukh Reservoir is another important structure. The water reservoir resembles a cow’s mouth and used to be the primary source of water supply within the fort. Featuring a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, this fort also houses the Vijay Stambh, or the Pillar of Victory which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa. Another prominent tower inside the fort is the Kirti Stambh, which is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. A symbol of Rajputi bravery and courage, the Chittorgarh fort attracts tourists from around the world and offers panoramic views in addition to its architectural prowess and historical significance.
Now, while Rajasthan can be called the capital of India when it comes to forts and palaces, there are plenty of castles and palaces spread across other parts of India as well. Let’s have a look at them one by one
The Mysore Palace - Mysuru
Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most
opulent places in India, located in the city of Mysuru in the state of
Karnataka. The grand palace was commissioned by the Wodeyar dynasty and
designed by British Architect Henry Irwin. Built between 1897 and 1912 the
new grand new palace replaced an old wooden structure that got destroyed in
fire. A fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architectural
elements, the Mysuru Palace is quite unique in its style.
The palace is home to an exquisite golden throne studded with precious stones, known as the Rajagadi, which is displayed during the Dasara festival. Then there is the Public Durbar Hall where the Maharaja held his annual public audience during the Dasara festival. A part of the palace is also converted into a museum showcasing the royal artifacts, clothing, jewelry, and other belongings of the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace has its traditional association with the Dasara festivals, witnessing a ten-day celebration and culminating into a grand procession through the streets of Mysuru. The Mysuru palace is at the heart of all the activities associated with the Dasara festival and comes alive during this time. A testament to the royal heritage of the Wodeyar dynasty, the Palace is known for its flawless architecture, cultural significance, and vibrant celebrations during Dasara, making it a must-visit destination for palace lovers.
Golconda Fort - Hyderabad
Golconda Fort is in the city of Hyderabad, which is the capital of the
state of Telangana. It’s a historic fortress known for its strategic
location, architecture, and rich history. With its origins dating back to
the 13th century, the fortress gained prominence when the Qutab Shahi
dynasty turned the original mud structure into a granite fort with great
fortifications. Built on a hill, the Golconda Fort is a tasteful fusion of
Hindu and Islamic styles. A highlight of the Golconda Fort is its
acoustics. The clapping of hands at the gates of the fort can be heard at
the highest point of the fort which is about a kilometre away. Another
story about Golconda, which was also known for its gold mines, is that the
famous Kohinoor diamond originated near the fort. The Fateh Darwaza or
victory gate is the fort’s main entrance.
Then you have the Bala Hissar Pavilion where the grand celebrations of the kings and rulers took place back in the day. Featuring a sophisticated water management system, Golconda Fort stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of its builders. A symbol of the cultural and historical richness of the region, the Golconda Fort is one of the most significant historical sites in India.
Ujjayanta Palace - Agartala
Ujjayanta Palace, located in Agartala, the capital city of the northeastern
state of Tripura is a charming palace. The grand palace doubled up as the
State Legislative Assembly up to 2011 but is now the State Museum of
Tripura. Known originally as the Agartala Palace, the structure was
constructed during the reign of Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901 and
served as the royal residence. A blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Western
architectural elements, the palace features massive domes and vast
courtyards. Located in the heart of Agartala, the palace has sprawling rose
gardens, which is a sight to behold for the tourists. With a central hall
that leads to several wings and chambers, the palace has three domes, and
two grand elephants made of bronze at its entrance. Now serving as the
state museum, the palace is home to memorabilia that reflects the cultural
heritage, history, and traditions of Tripura. There is also an art gallery
with paintings depicting the life and times of the royal family and the
people of Tripura. With its fantastic architecture, sprawling gardens,
museums, art galleries, and a stunning light and sound show in the
evenings, the Ujjayanta palace is an unmissable piece of architectural
excellence for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Agra Fort - Agra
Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, is a historic fortress
located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site, it is an impeccably well-preserved fort. Built by the Mughal Emperor
Akbar between 1565-1573, the fort served as the residence of the Mughal
emperors until the capital was shifted to Delhi. Built using red sandstone,
the fort is a blend of Islamic, Persian, and Indian architectural styles.
Inside the fort, you have a multitude of palaces, mosques, audience halls,
and gardens, while on the outside, the fort has a reinforced red sandstone
wall. Key structures inside the fort include the Diwan-i-aam,
Diwan-i-khaas, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid,
Shahi Burj, and Musamman Burj. There’s also the Agra Fort Museum inside the
fort that displays a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the
Mughal era. With its rich history and architectural prowess, the Agra Fort
is a must-visit site for those interested in exploring India's cultural and
historical heritage.
Red Fort - Delhi
A symbol of India’s independence ever since August 15, 1947, when the
first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian flag
above the fort, Delhi’s Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is one of the most important
forts in India’s history. The Red Fort was commissioned in 1639 when the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan decided to move the Mughal capital from Agra to
Delhi. The fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. A
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the
country, the fort is a prominent exponent of Mughal architecture and
employs red sandstone and intricate decorative elements in its
construction. With hints of Indian, Turco-Mongol, and Persian styles in its
design, the Red Fort is an octagonal structure with an outer wall length of
about 2.5 kilometres. Inside the fort, there is a covered bazaar street
namely Chatta Chowk along with a drum house namely Naubat Khana where the
musicians played music to announce the Royals’ arrival. The Diwan-i-Aam and
Diwan-i-Khas halls, Rang Mahal, or the Palace of Colors, which used to be
the residence for the Emperor’s wives and mistresses.
Another attraction is the Mumtaz Mahal, named after Shah Jahan’s wife, which is a red sandstone pavilion. The Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate serve as the main entrances to the fort. Visiting the Red Fort is like taking a journey back in time to the Mughal era, and it’s an experience that leaves you spellbound.
Whether it's the royal palaces of Rajasthan, the historic forts of Delhi and Agra, or the strategic fort of Golconda, each destination has its unique charm and tales to tell. So, gear up, embark on a royal ride, and immerse yourself in the captivating history and architecture that India has to offer.
