India is a country rich with history and culture. One of the best ways to uncover the area’s incredible history is to visit some of its astounding forts and palaces, all of which have their own unique history that contributes to the overall state of the country as it stands today.

7. Amber Fort

Located in the city of Jaipur is the astounding Amber Fort. Construction began in 1592 under the rule of Raja Man Sing and this fort represents one of the few remaining examples of Rajput architecture. The fort, completed during the early part of the 18^th century, once served as the capital for the Mina tribes.

Within the grounds surround Amber Fort you’ll find yourself presented with a number of incredible sites. The fort itself was constructed with astounding gateways and pavilions and is the site of a number of magnificent palaces. Inside the Diwan hall you will find stunning paintings, mirrors, and carved Jali screens as well.

6. City Palace

Also located in the city of Jaipur is the incredible City Palace. The outermost wall of the palace was built by the famed Maharaja Jai Sing II but many of the additions after that are dated as recently as the beginning of the current century. Those interested in architecture will appreciate seeing both Mughal and Rajasthani blends throughout the compound.

The Chandra Mahal, also referred to as the Moon Palace, sits at the center of the City Palace compound and provides visitors with an incredible view of the surrounding gardens as well as the rest of the city. Inside the complex you’ll also find the Mahajara Sawai Man Sing Museum featuring a collection of amazing carpets, weapons, and artwork.

5. Gwalior Fort

The city of Gwalior dates back to the 8^th century AD. It was named after Saint Gwalipa, a hermit who was believed to have cured King Suraj Sen’s leprosy. The fort itself was built within the past 1,000 years, serving as the home of several major rules before being turned over to the Scindias in the 19^th century.

Gwalior Fort is spread out over a length of 3 kilometers and stands as high as 100 meters. Constructed mostly of sandstone, the fort contains three major temples, six distinctly ornate palaces, and several water tanks. Visitors to the walls of the fort will be treated to an amazing view of the city below.

4. Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace, located in the city of Mysore, is one of India’s more recently established palaces built in 1912. The current palace replaces the older, wooden palace that once stood in its place but was destroyed during a treacherous fire back in 1897.

Surrounding the palace you will find twelve individual temples, some of which date back to the original construction of the castle. On Sunday evenings, and during periods of festival, the entire castle is illuminated by lightbulbs. If you enter through the Doll’s Pavilion you’ll be treated to a gallery of astounding Indian artwork, oil paintings, and sculptures – not only in the main gallery but throughout the rest of the palace.

3. Red Fort

The Red Fort, otherwise known as the Lal Quila, is one of the largest surviving monuments in the Old Dehli section of the city of Dehli. Construction of this massive fort originally began in 1638 and was not completed until ten years later in 1648. Built during the reign of the Mughal government, the fort today is relatively unscathed considering it had been attacked by the Persian Emprire in the mid 1700’s and the British during themed 1800’s.

At the main entrance of the fort you’ll find a number of incredible cells where the city’s most respected entrepreneurs used to display their wares. Within the fort you’ll also find the Diwan-I-Am, otherwise known as the Hall of Public Audiences. It is believed that the emperor used to sit in the hall to give commoners an opportunity to come and voice their concerns or complaints/

2. Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal palace, constructed in 1799, sits in the center of Jaipur and is considered one of the most stunning landmarks in the city. The palace stands an incredible 5 stories tall and offers visitors views of the main streets of Jaipur.

The unique design of the palace offers a glimpse at some of the more creative Rajput artwork and architecture of the day. The semi-octagonal shape, pink color, and sandstone construction aren’t exactly what you’d expect to find in a royal palace but its design was perfect for its intended purpose – to allow the ladies of the royal family to look out upon the city below.  This individual palace is part of the overall City Palace complex.

1. Golconda Fort

Known for being one of the most stunning forts in India, the Golconda Fort sits proudly on the outer edges of the city of Hyderabad. Originally built during the early part of the 13^th century, Golconda Fort is now a collection of intricate and intriguing ruins.  The fort stood strong until 1687 when its government was betrayed, causing it to be captured by the Moghuls.

The main fort stood 120 meters tall and is protected by solid stone walls. One of the most incredible features is not the construction but the amazing acoustics that resulted. If you were to clap your hands while standing in the grand portico the sound would echo all the way to the top of the hill where those in Durbar Hall could hear it.

Make sure you include trips to at least a few of these forts and palaces to your itinerary when you visit India. We guarantee you’ll be amazed at all there is to see and learn.