Indian forts that are great to explore with children

Gwalior Fort

It’s hard to go wrong with forts. All that history and battle-ready architecture is a sure-fire hit, especially with kids! These forts also tend to have grounds that are great to let your child role play in!

Across the country’s vast expanse, there are so many of them that it’s actually difficult to tell exactly how many forts are in India. Exploring the beautiful forts of India is one of the best family vacation ideas, with each one telling a more interesting story than the last,

1. The Red Fort, Delhi

Sunset at the red fort

At the top of the list is one of the best-preserved forts in India. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort is also one of the most beautiful forts of India. And also a great answer to the question: ‘what can kids see in Delhi?’. Built in 1639, it served as the seat of the Mughal empire for over 200 years. It’s majestic red sandstone walls and ornate ramparts, make it the perfect location for the Prime Minister of India to address the nation every Independence Day.

2. Meherangarh, Jodhpur

Rajasthan, has some of the most opulent palaces and forts in India, and Meherangarh is a prime example. Towering 400 feet above the Jodhpur skyline, it is also a popular ziplining destination, ticking another box for great family vacation ideas. Showcasing varied forms of architecture, the fort and its palaces were built and renovated over 500 years. There are many galleries exhibiting valuable artefacts.

Meherangarh, is a treasure trove of information and a great learning experience for children if they’re so inclined. And if they aren’t, you can tell them that scenes from The Dark Knight Rises were filmed here!

3. Golconda, Hyderabad

Golconda Fort asks for a good deal of your time with a boundary wall about 10km long. The region is famed for having produced some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Koh-I-noor and the Hope diamond. The fort itself is an absolute marvel of architecture, with astounding acoustics. A clap at the entrance of the Fateh Darwaza can be clearly heard a kilometre away at the Bala Hisar pavilion. It’s a trick that never fails to awe children! It also happens to be one of the most beautiful forts of India, so you’ll have a good time exploring it as well.

4. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

SONY DSC

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Chittorgarh is said to be the largest fort in India, spread over a mind-boggling 691 acres. Although it has a rather gruesome claim to fame – that of women committing mass immolation following the defeat of the fort’s rulers – there’s lot more to Chittorgarh than just that. Palace complexes, temples, memorials and water bodies dot the vast expanse, and exploring them can be quite fruitful. Of particular note are the two intricately carved towers, the tower of victory (Vijaya Stambh) and the tower of fame (Kirti Stambh).

5. Amer Fort, Jaipur

Imagine arriving at a fort astride an elephant. Well, that is exactly what you can do at the Amer Fort. That it is situated in Jaipur, which already boasts of marvels like the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace, takes nothing away from the grandeur of the Amer Fort (though admittedly, your kids might enjoy the elephant ride the most!). Of particular significance is the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, which as the name suggests, has walls and ceilings adorned with countless pieces of silvered glass. With a number of other sights to see, including the Ganesh Pol, the Diwan-i-Aam, and the Sila Devi temple among others, the Amer Fort is also one of the most beautiful forts of India.

6. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

The walls of the Sea Fort of Sindhudurg
Image credits- Elroy Serrao

Now, most forts are built on land to guard against marauding armies. But Sindhudurg was built to protect the coastline from naval attacks. Constructed between 1664 and 1667, it is a testament to the foresight of Shivaji Maharaj, who commissioned its construction. A walk
along the ramparts is a delightful experience, with the expanse of the Arabian sea stretching before your eyes. This is also a nice scuba diving site, making a visit to Sindhudurg one of the preferred family vacation ideas.

Bonus:

With sparse historical records available, it is difficult to prove beyond doubt which the oldest fort in India is. Qila Mubarak in Punjab, said to date back to a period between 90 – 110 AD, and the Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh, even further back to 3,500 years ago. Either way, a visit to both would be well worth your time if you and your family love history!

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