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Travel to the 7 Majestic Forts of Gujarat

By Manoj

When you hear of Gujarat, the picture that comes to your mind is that of many temples and barren terrains. The state is in fact, a major tourism hub and people from all over the world come to marvel at the many architectural monuments here. One of the major attractions in Gujarat are it's many forts that add to the historical grandeur of the state.

One of the most attractive aspects of the place is its many grand forts that are spread around the entire state. These magnificent forts are sure to leave you mesmerised by their beauty and grandeur. These forts are located in some of the most scenic places and attract nature lovers, adventurers and tourists. Here is a guide to the 7 majestic forts of Gujarat.

Lakhpat Fort

Lakhpat Fort

Lakhpat is a small town inKutchwhich literally means 'The City of Millionaire'. The town is within the four walls of the 18th century Lakhpat Fort. The town has been a very important trading post connecting Gujarat and Sindh. It still remains as one of the places frequented by tourists. The great walls which cover nearly 7 km were erected in the year 1801 by Jamadar Fateh Muhammed and are intact after all these years. The night sky in this area is an amazing view due to the extremely clear desert air. The sunrise and sunset are a must-watch across the beautiful landscape.

Photo Courtesy: Chandra

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fortis situated in the walled city ofAhmedabad. It was built byAhmad Shah Iin the year 1411. With its well carved royal palaces, mosques and gates, it is regarded as a cultural centre of the city. Bhadra Fort housed royal palaces, the beautiful Nagina Baugh, the royal Ahmed Shah Mosque on the west side and an open area known as'Maidan-Shah'on the east side. It originally had fortified city walls with 14 towers, eight gates and two large openings. The eastern wall on the river bank can still be seen. The fort complex was used as a royal court during the reign of Ahmad Shah I.

Photo Courtesy: Nagarjun Kandukuru

Champaner Fort

Champaner Fort

Another old fort in Gujarat is the Champaner Fort that was built around the city of Champaner by its ruler to protect the place from being attacked. Today, not much remains of the old city but tourists coming here can explore the fort walls and be amazed by its huge structure. It is a hub for historians who come here to learn more about the fortified city. Travellers can take a walk inside the fort walls and also climb onto the top of the fort from where they get a scenic view of the present town of Champaner.

Photo Courtesy: Karchetan

Pavgadh Fort

Pavgadh Fort

Not much remains of the Pavgadh Fort as it has been ruined with the passage of time. The gates to the PavgadhFort are all that stands here now. The main gates here are the Atak Gate, the Budhiya Gate, the Machi Gate and most importantly, the Moti and Sadan Shah Gate which is cut from solid rock. Travellers coming here marvel at the architecture and it is a haven for historians and photographers.

Photo Courtesy: Suman Wadhwa

Dhoraji Fort

Dhoraji Fort

The fortification of Dhoraji was completed in 1755 AD. The massive fort wall has several bastions, four main gates and three smaller gates, known as baris. Darbargadh inside Dhoraji Fort is located at the highest point. A finely carved entrance gate leads to Darbargadh, a three-storey structure on a high plinth. The facade is ornamented with sculptures of musicians, complex geometric patterns, images of lions in different postures on long caves, profusely carved pillars, horizontal friezes and windows framing the skyline.

Photo Courtesy: Maulik Joshi

Patan Fort

Patan Fort

One of the old forts in Gujarat is the Patan Fort that protects the old city of Patan within the fortifications. Though much of it lay in ruins travellers coming here can marvel at the beauty of the architecture that can still be seen here.

Photo Courtesy:Rashmi Parab

Mandvi Fort

Mandvi Fort

Mandvi was originally a fortified town boasting afortwall of about 8 mt high and 1.2 mt wide stone masonry. The fort had several gateways and 25bastions. Although at present most of the wall has disappeared. The bastion on the southwest is largest and acts as a lighthouse. Tourists coming here can explore the ruins and also go up to the lighthouse and enjoy the view from up there.

Photo Courtesy: Nizil Shah

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