Are you bored of coming across same old-famous forts? Don't fret, this article will introduce to some unique constructions which you hardly know! So, forget about the clichéd places and check out these lesser known forts in India which are very unique! We are sure you will love to explore these unexplored forts in India.
Fort Bassein
Photo Courtesy: Gladson777
Fort Bassein (Vasai Fort)
Recently, the British Music Band Coldplay shot a glimpse of 'Hymn For the Weekend' at Fort Bassein. Surely, it is the perky European touch of Bassein Fort that attracted them. Yes, Vasai Fort (Fort Bassein) was the Northern capital of the Portuguese. Now, we can see the churches, interesting archways, vivacious design, magnificent ramparts and Chimaji Appa Memorial at the fort.
Fort Bassein
Photo Courtesy: Gladson777
Vasai Fort (local name) is not just a monument but one of the popular shooting locations for Bollywood movies. Fort Bassein is located at Vasai Village in Maharashtra.
How to Reach Bassein Fort
Vasai Village is 70km from Mumbai and it is easily accessible through railways. One can take the Western Railway Line to reach Vasai Road Railway Station. There are also many state-run buses to reach Vasai. Travellers can take auto rickshaws from Vasai Railway Station to reach the fort.
Chandragiri Fort (Raja Mahal)
Photo Courtesy: Kishorekj
Chandragiri Fort, Andhra Pradesh
We all know about Hampi and other monuments of Vijayanagara architecture but we hardly know about Chandragiri Fort! Yes, it was the early capital of Vijayanagara rulers. Another interesting detail is that the famous emperor Sri Krishnadeva Raya spent his childhood here. In fact, he was hidden in Chandragiri Fort till he was made the King. Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and the ramparts are the beautiful reminders of Chandragiri Fort. Among them Raja Mahal is converted into a museum.
Rani Mahal
Photo Courtesy: Raghu Navarasala
Chandragiri Fort Museum has a wide range of collections like the idols of Gods and Goddesses, utensils, coins, swords, shields, sculptures, copper coins, wooden carvings, etc. belonging to 10th - 12th Centuries.
How to Reach Chandragiri Fort
Chandragiri Fort is around 20km from the famous Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The best way to reach Chandragiri Fort is from Tirupati. Many state-run buses ply this route on a regular basis and buses from other places like Chittoor and Kanipakam also go to Chandragiri Fort.
Manjarabad Fort
Manjarabad Fort
An aerial view of Manjarabad Fort will show that it is a fort built in the shape of a star. Manjarabad Fort was built by the then ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. Interestingly, this structure was inspired by the defence forts built by the French architect named Sébastian Le Prestre de Vauban.
Manjarabad Fort
Photo Courtesy: Raghuvara
This rustic structure looks beautiful on a hill at the Western Ghats. In fact, Tipu Sultan named it as Manjarabad because of the misty weather in this region. 'Manju' in Kannada language means fog. No doubt, Manjarabad Fort is one of the lesser known forts in India which was built for defence purposes.
How to Reach Manjarabad Fort
Manjarabad Fort is just 6km from the main town of Sakleshpur. It is better to arrange for private vehicles or local transport from Sakleshpur to reach this fort.
These structures are the pride of our nation, they may not be very famous but have truely played in important role in the past. Exploring such incredible architectures is definitely exciting.