The Ultimate Map of India’s Forts & Palaces

1. Chandragiri Fort, Andhra Pradesh Chadragiri (translating to ‘hill of the moon’) dates back to the 11th century and has two buildings — the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal.

Picture source: AP Tourism

The former was converted into a museum in 1989, showcasing artefacts, armoury, coins, and sculptures.

Picture source: AP Tourism

2. Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal It is said that Maharani Gayatri Devi, hailed to be the most beautiful woman in the world, grew up in the Cooch Behar Palace.

Picture source: The Floating Pebbles

The darbar hall is positioned atop four arches supported by Corinthian pillars and resembles the St Peter’s Church in Rome.

Picture source: Facebook

[{"selector":"#anim-71a82c52-1b05-4886-87cf-d9f23e7d118d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(29.036540448988358%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 3. Akhnoor Fort, Jammu Built by Raja Alam Singh in 1802, the fort stands on the banks of the Chenab River where jars, dishes, and goblets dating back to the Harappan Civilisation were found. Picture source: Daily Excelsior

In fact, the Jia Pota Ghat on the Chenab River witnessed the Raj Tilak ceremony of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first ruler of the princely state.

Picture source: Jammu District

Where can you see a whale skeleton? Head to the Lakhota Palace whose museum is a repository of beautiful artefacts dating back to the 18th century.

5. Qila Mubarak, Punjab Qila Mubarak is one of the oldest surviving forts in India. It is located in Bathinda and was built between 90-110 CE by Raja Dab of the Kushana dynasty. Picture source: Conde Nast Traveller

It was also at the epicentre of a love story, one that involved the legend Razia Sultana — the first and only woman emperor of Delhi.

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[{"selector":"#anim-597e1045-4d07-422f-8729-27aa5b277a47 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(37.238483835356575%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The governor of Bathinda, Malik Altunia, fell in love with Razia, who did not reciprocate the feeling. But Malik was intent on winning her over. So, he imprisoned her in the fort until she eventually gave in and agreed to marry him. Picture source: Wikipedia

6. Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru Spread across 45,000 sq ft, the palace bears close resemblance to the castles of England.

Fun fact: It was designed by a high school principal Rev Garett, in 1878, and was inspired by Windsor Castle in London. The Wodeyar dynasty eventually acquired the historic marvel.

7. Ita Fort, Arunachal Pradesh Dating back to the 15th century, the Ita Fort, also known as the ‘fort of bricks’ ( ita means bricks in Assamese) boasted an irregular facade of brickwork that was 16,200 cubic metres in length. Picture source: Tour My India

8. Rabdentse Fort, Sikkim The reason it is known as ‘India’s very own Machu Pichu’ is because it bears an uncanny resemblance to the Peruvian wonder.

Picture source: Rufina Hotels

The Pemayangtse Monastery, part of the holy quartet Buddhist pilgrimage, is also located nearby — 130 km from Rabdentse.

Picture source: A Wandering Mind