Forts and Palaces of Gujarat

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fort is located in Ahmedabad and belongs to medieval period. It was built in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah. The intricate design of the fort and the latticed window attracts tourist from all over the world. In Ahmedabad it is known as one of the majestic buildings. The fort is split over 43 acres. There are many building which looks like a palace with the Nagina Baugh inside the fort. The name of the fort is influenced from the name of Hindu Goddess ‘Bhadra Kali’.

Today, the place is used for flag hosting on Republic Day and Independence Day.There are a number of Government offices like post office, office of the Archeological Survey of India and the statue of the first Industrialist of the city.

Lakota Fort

Lakota fort is situated in Jamnagar. It was a Palace of Maharaja of Nawanagar. This beautiful building happens to be the museum of Jamnagar that has impressive sculptures. These sculptures are covered from the time period of 9th century AD to 18th century AD. The Royal family of Jamnagar has built Koath Bastion which is located near to Lakota fort. The most attractive part of the fort is in the complex is an old well, from which the water can be removed by blowing into a small whole available on the floor.

Pavaghad Fort

Pavaghad fort is in Panchmahal District near Vadodara. This historical monument is famous for its architectural brilliance. It is surrounded by all the hills and is built at the top. The city near the fort is Champaner, which is built by Sultan Muhammad Beghada.

Uperkot Fort

Uperkot fort is located in Junagad. The fort was built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BC. This fort has been through different stages of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, British colonization, Islamic invasion and nawabi grandeur.

Dabhoi Fort

Dabhoi fort is near Darbhavati town, which is on the south east of Baroda. It is the big gateway of Narmada Dam. This fort takes us to the Rajput of13th century. There are four majestic gateways and is one of the greatest forts in India.

Old Fort

Old fort is in Surat that is historically important. It is said to be built by Emperor Firoz Tughlak in 1373 AD to save the town against the local tribal people. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj invaded this fort twice. This excellent architectural beauty is now been used as the Municipal Office.

Bhujia Hill Fort

Bhujia hill fort is situated in Bhuj. The name of the fort is influenced from the Bhujang Naag, a snake temple. It was built in 1723 for the defence of Bhuj by Roa Godji. In 1819 this fort was captured by British Colonel William Coir.

Idar (Ilva Durga) Fort (ancient fort)

Idar is located in Aravalli range on the southern edge which is naturally protected by hills. The entrance of Idar is through the clock tower of three stories. The dome at the top is semi circular with a big arch. There is a bazaar on both sides of the road which lead to Idar and ends at the foothills.

Dhoraji Fort

Dhoraji fort is near to Rajkot. The architectural style of the fort is almost same as the Navlakha Palace in Gondal. The huge fort has many bastions, 3 small gates called a Bari and 4 main gates. In the East is Kathiawadi Darwaja; In the West is Porbandar Gate, In the North is Halar Gate and in the south is Junagadh Gate. The smaller gates are Sati Bari, Bhimji Bari and Darbari Bari. The fort is designed like a jewel box.

Zinzuwada Fort

Zinzuwada fort is one of the buildings of the Hindus without the Islamic influence. It is built with huge stone slabs and is strong enough for two horsemen to go at a time. During the time of Solanki Rulers, Zinzuwada was the frontier for them. There are four gates in four directions in the town of Zinzuwada: Madapol gate, Rakshapol gate, Harijan gate and Dhama gate. The Maru Gujar architectural style used for the Madapol gate which is the entrance gate. There are images placed of Ganesha, Bhirava and many other protecting deities with some of the statues on the both of the lower level.

Kanthkot Fort

Kanthkot fort is an old fort at the top of the rocky hill. It is five km from Bhachau Taluka and 100 kms from Bhuj. There are big blocks used to build the walls which are repaired in many places from small stones. It is said that in eight century it was the capital of kathis and was later taken from them by Chavdas. There is a Sun temple near by which is also famous among tourist. The Sum temple is unique as it has the idol god Sun God with folded hands. Normally the Sun God is shown with both hands open caring the lotus flower.