Raichak
If you are atKolkata, you can drive to Raichak through the diamond harbor road. The fort has been converted into a very luxurious hotel by the Radisson group and is one of the most beautiful and expensive stays in Kolkata.
If you are not staying at the fort, it is advisable to limit your visit to one day. The inside of the fort is beautiful and overlooks the riverGanges.
You can have lunch at the fort's restaurant. We had lunch at the Ibiza resort which was on the way.
MurudJanjira
You can visit Murud by car if you are staying atKashidor Alibaug. There are also some buses that depart fromMumbai. This fort is in the middle of the sea and in the worst possible condition. Neither the ASI nor the government has done anything to maintain this fort which is now in ruins. There is very little area inside the fort that you can actually explore because there are so many weeds growing inside.
You have to board a boat that uses the most primitive form of sailing (wind direction) to take you to janjira fort. You have to pay 50 bucks for the boat trip. The sailor will tell you about the history of the fort and its connection with Shivaji in a very dramatic way along the way.
Inside the fort there are some local guides who charge 300 per person. person to show around the fort. Don't take it, it's better to move around the fort on your own.
Wear clothes that cover your body as Murud is a Muslim dominated country and the fort is covered in creepers and weeds.
ProvisionsFort
Located in Bekal,Keralathis is where Maniratnam shot the famous song 'Tu Hi Re' from Bombay. It is very well maintained by the Archaeological Survey ofIf. Although monsoons are an 'off-season', the fort looks its best during that time.
For more travel details, read my experience here:Fort supplies
Aguada Fort
If you are in the northGoa, it's only obvious that you want to ride to this place nearbyCandolimBeach. Remember to bring a bottle of water as it may take some time to explore the fort.
On the way back, stop at Fisherman's Cove for a sumptuous lunch, which is nearby. This area is one of the poshest in Goa as it is famous for Kingfisher Vila and Taj Aguada.
ChaporaFort
This is the famous 'Dil Chahta HAi' fort which compelled many youngsters of our generation to visit Goa and explore this. It overlooks the beautifulVagatorbeach and watching the white migratory birds fly along with the rhythm of the waves is bliss.
Warning: wear good shoes as after a point you have to leave your vehicles and the uphill walk is extremely steep. Also, be armed with plenty of water and sunscreen, hats, umbrellas or whatever to shield you from the scorching sun.
Billed credit for Bekal, Raichak and Janjira Fort:Anirban Lahiri(Travel companion)
Image credit for Aguada and Chapora Fort:Suchitra Deb Mehta(Travel companion)
Fort Raichak
History: The Dutch had built a fort at Raichak, which is located on a bend in the river, in the 18th century. After the withdrawal of the Dutch from India, the fort was left to ruin. The place became important with the development of Haldia. Raichak acts as a link between Haldia and Calcutta (Source: Wikipedia) State: West Bengal
Murud-Janjira Fort
History: The fort was originally built in the 15th century on a small scale by a local Maratha fisherman chieftain-Rajaram Patil to protect his people from pirates/thieves and was known as "Medhekot". He was a fearless man with an independent mind who was quite popular among the local fishermen. The Nizam, the ruler of Ahmadnagar sent one of his Siddi commanders Piram Khan who came with three ships armed with necessary weapons and soldiers and captured the fort. Piram Khan was succeeded by Burhan Khan, who demolished the original fort and built an impregnable, much larger, 22-acre (c. 858 m²) stone fort. The fort was called 'Jazeere Mahroob Jazeera' which means an island in Arabic. Siddhi Ambersatak was nominated as the commander of the fort. Despite their repeated attempts, the Portuguese, British and Marathas failed to subdue the power of the Siddis, who were themselves allied with the Mughal Empire. Major historical figures from Murud-Janjira include men such as Yahya Saleh and Sidi Yaqub. The fort has a tunnel which opens into Rajpuri. The fort was made of stone bound together by a mixture of lead, sand and yellow. The Marathas led by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tried to scale the 12 meter high granite walls, he failed in all his attempts. His son Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj even tried to tunnel into the fort but failed in all his attempts.[5] Janjira Ruins The small pond inside the Janjira FortIn the year 1736, the Siddis of Murud-Janjira went into battle with the forces of the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao. On 19 April 1736, the Maratha warrior Chimnaji Appa attacked the assembled forces in the Siddi camps during the Battle of Riwas near Riwas, when the confrontation ended 1500 Siddi's including their leader Siddi Sat were killed. Peace was concluded in September 1736, but the Siddis were confined to only Janjira, Gowalkot and Anjanwel, and their power was thus greatly reduced. Special attraction of this fort is 3 gigantic cannons named Kalalbangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam. Another gate to the west faces the sea, called 'Darya Darwaza'. (Source: Wikipedia) State: Maharashtra (Source: Wikipedia)
Fort supplies
History: Shivappa Nayaka of Bednore built Bekal Fort in 1650 AD. During the Perumal Age, Bekal was a part of Mahodayapuram. The Kodavalam inscription (Pullur, 7 km from Kanhangad) of Bhasakara Ravi II (king of Mahodayapuram) illustrates the undisputed political influence of Mahodayapuram over this region. After the political decline of Mahodayapuram Perumal in the 12th century AD, North Kerala including the Bekal came under the sovereignty of the royal family of the Mushikas or Kolathiris or Chirakkals (who were a secondary royal family at that time to the Cheras, Pandyas and Cholas).[1] The maritime importance of Bekal greatly increased under the Kolathiris and it became an important seaport in Tulunadu and Malabar. State: Kerala (Source: Wikipedia)
Aguada Fort
History: The fort was built in 1613 to protect against the Dutch and Marathas. It was a point of reference for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort is located on the beach south of Candolim, on the banks of the Mandovi River. It was originally tasked with defending shipping and the nearby Bardez sub-district. A fresh water spring in the fort provided water supply for the ships that used to pass by. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada, which means water. Crews on passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. On the fort stands a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, built in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it was once a tribune with 79 cannons. It has the capacity to store 2,376,000 liters of water, one of the largest fresh water reservoirs in all of Asia. This fort is divided into two segments: the upper part served as a fort and watering station, while the lower part served as a safe berth for Portuguese ships. While the upper part has the moat, underground water storage room, powder room, lighthouse and bastions, it also has a secret escape passage for use in war and emergencies. The lighthouse in the initial phase is used to emit light once every 7 minutes. In 1834 it was changed to emit light that created an eclipse every 30 seconds, but it was abandoned in 1976. Fort Aguada was the most valued and decisive fort of the Portuguese. The fort is so large that it encloses the entire peninsula on the southwestern tip of Bardez. Built at the mouth of the river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the main defense of the Portuguese against the Dutch and the Marathas. During the Salazar administration, Fort Aguada was converted to be used primarily as a prison, some argue, for Salazar's political opponents. Many of its inmates are Western tourists serving time for drug-related crimes. State: Goa (Source: Wikipedia)
Chapora Fort
History: Chapora Fort, located in Bardez, Goa, rises high above the Chapora River. Before the Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, this place was the site of another fort. The fort changed hands several times after the Portuguese acquired Bardez. In an attempt to end Portuguese rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined his father's enemies, the Marathas in 1683 and made this place his base camp. It became the northern outpost of the old conquests. After the Portuguese recovered from an encounter with the Marathas, they strengthened their northern defenses and sheltered the population there. The current fort was built in 1717 and replaced the older fortifications. Across the Chapora River, the Hindu ruler of Pernem, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, who was an old enemy of the Portuguese, held the fort for two years after it fell to the Marathas in 1739 in its first trial. As Goa's border moved north with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the new conquests, the fort lost its military importance towards the end of the century. It is a pleasant place to hike, offering stunning views north over the Chapora River to Pernem, south over Vagator and also far out to the Arabian Sea in the west. The fort sits on a prominent position which offers views in all directions. It also has steep slopes on all sides. The fort follows the outline of the higher slopes. This forms an irregular outer wall that uses the natural shape to add defensive height to the fortifications. This provides an advantage over dry trenches that are dug. At the top of the steep approach track, the main gate is small and unassuming, but narrow and deep. Depending on the defense requirements, the positions of the bastions are irregularly distributed with huge offsets for guns. Each bastion has a cylindrical tower that gives the fort a special character. Vagator Beach with Fort Chapora in the background Inside the fort is the church once dedicated to St. Anthony, gone, and inside there are few signs of the barracks and residences that once filled this vast area. The large open space is just a mass of rocks where a few herds of goats graze and cashew bushes grow. A natural valley to the beach protected by rocky headlands provides excellent natural access to the sea. State: Goa (Source: Wikipedia)
FAQs
Which is the most historical fort in India? ›
Red Fort, Old Delhi: The Lal Qila
Built in 1648 as the fortified palace of Shahjahanabad, Red fort is indeed one of the most popular historical forts to visit in India.
There are approximately 1000 or more forts in India. Some of the famous ones that one should visit here are Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort and more.
Which Indian fort was never defeated? ›One of the finest architecture in Rajasthan, the Lohagarh fort or Iron Fort derives its name from the fact that it is one of the strongest castle ever made in history and could never be conquered, not even during the British rule.
What are the two famous fort of India? ›Neemrana Fort, Neemrana
Neemrana Fort is one of the most famous forts in India. It is popular amongst young travellers to have a weekend getaway. Nestled on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway amidst the greenery and loaded with grandeur history. It is one of the oldest and best heritage resorts near Jaipur.
Qila Mubarak, Bathinda
Built between 90-110 CE by Raja Dab of the Kushana dynasty, it is believed to be the oldest surviving fort of India.
Citadel of Aleppo, Syria
Considered the oldest and largest fortress in existence, Aleppo's citadel sits on a mound that has been inhabited since – incredibly – the middle of the third millennium BC.
- Fort McHenry -Maryland. This coastal fort was originally constructed in 1798.
- The Alamo -Texas. ...
- Fort Independence -Massachusetts. ...
- Fort Halifax -Maine. ...
- Fort Delaware -Delaware. ...
- Fort Ticonderoga -New York. ...
- Fort Gaines -Alabama. ...
- Fort Sumter -South Carolina. ...
Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Amber Fort is perhaps the most well-known fort in India. It gets its name from the small heritage town of Amber (also known as Amer) where it's situated, about 20 minutes northeast of Jaipur.
Yet to go by local lore, this was one fort that never needed such an exit. Janjira, it seems, was never successfully taken even by the Dutch and British navies, although there are numerous tales of how it was attempted.
Which fort is hardest to conquer? ›In the Western Ghats near Mumbai, at a hefty altitude of 701 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level lies the world's most dangerous fortress: Kalavantin Durg, which (according to legend) was constructed in honour of a Queen Kalavantin.
Which is the shortest fort in India? ›
The Madan Mahal Fort is a small fort located within the city of Jabalpur atop a small hill. Most of the fort is in ruins and one needs to climb up about 100 plus steps to reach the fort. The surrounding premises could be maintained better to make it more attractive for the tourists to visit this place.
Which is the second oldest fort of India? ›Golden Fort or the iconic Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
Who is the king of all forts in India? ›Translated loosely as "it is the king among forts and the fort of the king". Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary king who established Hindavi Swaraj had his capital here for 26 years before it moved to Raigad - further towards the west.
Which is the most beautiful fort in the world? ›Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle has acted as an official royal residence for more than 900 years. William the Conqueror began building Windsor around 1070 as both a residence and a fortress to guard the western approach to London.
Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
Which is the last living fort in India? ›The Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is India's only 'living' fort. Built in 1156 by the king Rawal Jaisal, the fort has a population of around 5,000 people — mostly descendants of Brahmin and Rajput families who once lived here.
Who built first fort in India? ›George. Fort built by the English East India Company in India are: Fort St. George is the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai.
What is the largest fort ever built? ›Ranikot Fort is also known as The Great Wall of Sindh and is believed to be the world's largest fort, with a circumference of approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi). The fort's ramparts have been compared to the Great Wall of China.
What is the oldest fort in USA? ›Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.
What is the oldest building in India? ›Sanchi Stupa is the oldest building in India. It has been standing tall since the Indus Valley civilization in the country.
Are there any forts in USA? ›
There are hundreds of old forts across the nation, ranging from military posts to fortresses established by fur trading companies to private enterprises built solely to protect the pioneers.
What is the most safe fort in the world? ›Fort Knox (Kentucky, USA)
The phrase it's like Fort Knox has become synonymous with secure places – and for good reason. This impenetrable vault is also known as the United States Bullion Depository, and its reputation is world-renowned.
| Red Fort | |
|---|---|
| Architectural style(s) | Indo Islamic Architecture |
| Owner | Mughal Empire (1639–1771) Maratha Empire (1771-1803) British Indian Empire (1803-1947) Dominion Of India (1947-1950) Republic of India (1950- Present |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Red Fort Complex |
- 9 February 2023. 8 Most Haunted Forts In India & Their Mysterious Pasts. ...
- Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan. ...
- Shaniwar Wada Fort, Pune. ...
- Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi. ...
- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. ...
- Uparkot Fort, Gujarat. ...
- Golconda Fort, Hyderabad. ...
- Sajjangarh Fort, Udaipur.
Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex.
Which country has the most forts? ›The country with the most castles is Germany! It's thought that Germany has around 25,000 castles within its borders. Why does Germany have so many castles?
Which fort was invincible? ›Invincible Fort of Rajasthan - Junagarh Fort.
Which country was the hardest to conquer? ›What makes Afghanistan so difficult to capture and keep is first and foremost: the terrain. It's a giant bowl of desert, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world. Any army an invader can't destroy could just fade away into the mountains and lick their wounds until the next fighting season came.
What is the most difficult country to conquer? ›The United States is by far the hardest nation to invade. Setting aside their population of over 325 million people, many of whom take the second amendment quite seriously, and the country's varied, often merciless terrain, their biggest advantage is a financial one.
What was the most formidable fortress in North America? ›There France built the fortress of Louisbourg, renowned in the early eighteenth century as the strongest in North America and perhaps in the world.
Which fort is in ocean in India? ›
Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port city of Murud, 165 km (103 mi) south of Mumbai. Janjira is considered one of the strongest coastal forts in India.
Who is Indian biggest king? ›1. Ashoka The Great. Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE.
Which is the most luxurious fort in India? ›1. Bujera Fort, Udaipur. Tucked up in the Aravalli Hills, just a 20-minute drive from Udaipur in the western state of Rajasthan, lies this luxurious, handsome fort.
Who is the father of forts in India? ›The conquest of forts was started by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, now known as the father of Indian Navy at the early age of 15 starting with the fort of Bijapur where he acquired the fort by bribing the commander and later got into conflict with Afzal Khan and killed him in a hand to hand combat.
What castle has never been taken? ›Castle of Zafra, Campillo de Duenas
It holds the distinction of never being conquered. It also holds the distinction of appearing in “Game of Thrones” in three episodes.
Beardslee Castle, Little Falls, New York, built in 1860. It is an eclectic Gothic Revival style house with a rusticated stone facade. Belcourt Castle, Newport, Rhode Island, a Châteauesque mansion built 1891–94 for Oliver Belmont. Belvedere Castle, Vista Rock, Central Park, New York City, built as a folly in 1869.
Which state has most forts in India? ›Rajasthan is home to the maximum number of forts. Alwar Fort, Khandar Fort, Bhangarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Taragarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort and Mehrangarh Fort are some popular forts located in the state of Rajasthan.
Which is the most invincible fort in India? ›History of Kumbhalgarh fort
It is believed that Rana Kumbha had built 32 of the 84 forts in his province, of which Kumbhalgarh is the largest. The fort remained invincible to direct assault.
1. Murud-Janjira – Murud, Maharashtra, India. The Murud-Janjira is a massive island fortress located off the coast of India. The fort is completely surrounded by 40' high walls and 19 rounded bastions.