My favorite forts in India.

Mehrangarh fort* :

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Mehrangarh Fort, situated 125 m above the city, is enclosed by thick walls. When you’re exploring Jodhpur, it’s hard to miss Mehrangarh Fort, which towers 125 meters above the city and holds an undoubtedly commanding position. It was built in 1460 by Rao Jodha and stands as one of the largest forts in India. From the Mehrangarh Fort, the views across the “Blue City” of Jodhpur were quite impressive, although apparently there is still debate as to exactly why the houses at its base were historically painted blue. History has it that at the time of foundation of the fort on the hill named “Bahuchera” there was only one single inhabitant, a loner named Cheeria Nathji. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed the Rajput Ruler “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!”. On the other side of the 68ft-thick walls, the sprawl of palaces and gardens are now home to a series of museums displaying historically significant and eye-catchingly beautiful cultural artefacts

Taj Mahal :

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The Taj Mahal, built in the 15th century shows just how much can be achieved by strong emotion. It is believed that the monarch built this glorious monument to keep his promise that he had made to the queen during her lifetime; after Mumtaz Mahal’s death, the emperor ordered to build the most magnificent memorial of the world over the graveyard of his wife. This epitome of love attracts people from all over the world. Every year there are numerous tourists from the whole of the world who come to visit the splendid monument. Taj Mahal, entitled as one of Seven Wonders of the World, is a must visit to witness the masterpieces of Indian architecture. Taj Mahal is located at the banks of River Yamuna in Agra (Uttar Pradesh). Inspite of the fact that pollution and climatic factors are adversely affecting the Crown of Places - the TajMahal, it still remains close to the hearts of the masses and above all; one of the Wonders of the World! The mosaic floors and the marble minarets are studded with semi-precious stones while this symmetrical structure is located over a raised platform.

Qutub Minar :

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The monument is made up of 5 levels with projecting balconies on each level. This beautiful monument in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi was built in the 12th century by Emperor Qutub- Ud- Din- Aibak and was finally completed by his son-in-law, Iltutmish, who succeeded him. the most important reason for the construction of this historical monument was for making calls for prayers. Moreover, the Qutub complex is also surrounded by many other architectural marvels.Before 1974, the general public was allowed to access the top of the minar. On December 4, 1981, 45 people were killed in a stampede that followed an electricity failure that plunged the tower's staircase into darkness This is what makes it even more spectacular. The verses from the Holy Koran of the Muslims are carved on the walls of the monument and the lattice work is remarkable too. It is also said that Aibak only renovated it by replacing the Hindu Stone designs with Islamic ones. The specialty of the monument is that each level is different from the others in terms of size and designs. The controversy surrounding this monument says that this was originally a Hindu monument, built much before the 12th century.

Amer Fort :

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The fort comprises of numerous beautiful palaces, temples, halls and gardens. his fort is constructed with red sandstone and marble. There is Diwan-i-aam or hall for public audience, Diwan-i-khas or hall for esteemed/VIP people and sheesh mahal/ jai mandir- mirror palace. Amber Fort is the largest fort in Jaipur and the most visited forts in India. Millions of tourists from India and overseas arrive in Jaipur to visit Amber Fort every year. Amer was known in the medieval period as and ruled by the Kachwahas from the 11th century till it was moved to City Palace, Jaipur in 1727 AD. The foundation of Amer ka Qila was laid in 1592 during the reign of Raja Man Singh. Man Sing was an important ally of Akbar in this region and became a part of the ‘navratnas’, the inner circle of nine courtiers, He also went on to become the commander of Mughal Army during Akbar’s reign. The impressive carvings of the Palaces and Mahals, the inlay work, and the elaborate courtyards leave every visitor spellbound.