Forts and Palaces in Gujarat

Gujarat Forts and Palaces Map

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Gujarat forts and palaces showcase extraordinary architectural monuments. Important Gujarat forts and palaces are Uparkot Fort, Pavagadh Fort, Kusum Vilas Palace, Nazar Bagh Palace, and Dabhoi Fort. A unique blend of Hindu, Islamic and European architecture is observed in these Gujarat forts and palaces.

Uparkot Fort



Gujarat is a leading historical place in India with a rich cultural heritage. The forts and palaces of Gujarat exhibit a splendid architectural grandeur. The major forts and palaces of Gujarat are Uparkot Fort, Pavagadh Fort, Kusum Vilas Palace, Nazar Bagh Palace, and Dabhoi Fort.

Uparkot Fort of Gujarat is a medieval era historical monument with well-defined battle stations in the form of battlements. It was famous in the past for its virtual inaccessibility. The architectural marvels of Hindu Chudasma rulers and Muslim Mohmud Beghda are perfectly blended in this ancient Uparkot Fort in Gujarat.

Location: Uparkot Fort is located on a hill in the city of Junagadh in Gujarat. Junagadh lies at the foot of Girnar Hill.

When to visit: The best time to visit Junagadh, the place that houses Uparkot Fort, is winter (October to March).

How to reach: The nearest airport to Junagadh is Keshod (about 40 kilometers). There are daily flights from Bombay to Keshod.

History of Uparkot Fort: Uparkot Fort was built during the Nawabi period. Uparkot Fort is said to have been sieged sixteen times, including one which lasted twelve years.

Dabhoi Fort



Gujarat is a well known historical place in India. The forts and palaces of Gujarat represents the superb architectural skill of the bygone era. The major forts and palaces of Gujarat are Pavagadh Fort, Uparkot Fort, Kusum Vilas Palace, Nazar Bagh Palace, and Dabhoi Fort. A unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, and European architecture is observed in the constructions of Gujarat.

Dabhoi Fort of Gujarat is a 13th century Rajput fort. It is one of the greatest forts in India with four magnificent gateways. It is a superb example of Hindu military architecture and is notable for the architectural expertise of its four gateways, particularly Hira Bhagol.

Location: Dabhoi Fort of Gujarat is located near Darbhavati town in Gujarat. It is situated at a distance of 29 kilometer to the south-east of Baroda.

When to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Baroda, the closest important destination in Gujarat.

How to reach: There are daily Indian Airlines flights to Baroda from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The Indian Airlines office is on University Road.

History about Dabhoi Fort: Dabhoi Fort at Gujarat was founded in the early 6th century AD by great king of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh(1093-1143 AD).

Heritage of Dabhoi Fort

  • Dabhoi Fort is based on the lines mentioned in the various Vastu scriptures and tomes of ancient India.
  • In the past, many Jain scholars stayed here and enriched the Jain Granth Bhandar, a collection of ancient Jain manuscripts.
  • Specialties of Dabhoi Fort:There are four gates in Dabhoi town, one in each cardinal direction.
  • Hira Bhagol, the most beautifully carved gate named after the architect, Hiradhar, is in the east
  • Vadodara Gate in the west
  • Champaner Gate in the north
  • Nandod Gate in the south

Nazar Bagh Palace



Gujarat is a leading historical place in India with its forts and palaces that exhibit spectacular architectural monuments. The major forts and palaces of Gujarat are Nazar Bagh Palace, Pavagadh Fort, Uparkot Fort, Kusum Vilas Palace, and Dabhoi Fort. A unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, and European architecture is observed in the constructions of Gujarat.

Nazar Bagh Palace of Gujarat happens to be very stylistically constructed. It happens to be a much-sought-after tourist destination in the expanse of Gujarat, India and it is a privately owned royal property. The three-storied Nazar Bagh Palace is the oldest extant palace in Baroda.

Location: Nazar Bagh Palace of Gujarat is located in the city and the province of Baroda.

When to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Baroda, the city that houses Nazar Bagh Palace in Gujarat.

How to reach: There are daily Indian Airlines flights to Baroda from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The Indian Airlines office is on University Road.

Must-sees in Nazar Bagh Palace at Gujarat

  • Exotic royal heirlooms, which are a much-sought-after destination in the Baroda province
  • Much - visited Sheesh Mahal
  • Royal gold and silver guns with heavy metallic barrels each weighing upto 127 kilograms

History of Nazar Bagh Palace: Nazar Bagh Palace was constructed in the year 1721 AD. In the 18th century, the Gaekwads of Baroda and later the British brought some stability into Saurashtra and Kutch. The monetary resources otherwise spent on the battlefield were then used for the construction of beautiful palaces and mansions.

Kusum Vilas Palace


The Kusum Vilas Palace of Gujarat exhibits a rich architectural marvel. The city of Gujarat is full of forts and palaces which represents an exceptional blend of Hindu, Islamic, and European architecture.

Kusum Vilas Palace conglomerates the architectural style found in Champaner, elevators and modern functional requirements. Kusum Vilas Palace of Gujarat is a picturesque and historically significant tourist destination in Gujarat.

Kusum Vilas Palace along with Prem Bhawan Palace are two of the finest examples of 12th century palace architecture in Gujarat.

Location: City of Chotta Udaipur in Baroda, Gujarat.

When to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Baroda, Gujarat.

How to reach: The nearest airport is located at Varoda (102 kilometer).There are daily Indian Airlines flights to Baroda from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The Indian Airlines office is on University Road.

Specialties of Kusum Vilas Palace at Gujarat:
  • Extraordinary architectural treatment of the five-storied central wing capped with a dome

  • British-made elevator enclosed by series of exquisitely carved stone 'jalis' allowing in a magical light effect

  • Grand reception room with large doors, a carved false ceiling, Belgian mirrors, French furniture, and superb Italian marble statues

  • Wall paintings by an Indian artist, showcasing the picturesque settings of Chhota Udaipur and Mohan, the previous capital

History of Kusum Vilas Palace in Gujarat: Kusum Vilas Palace was constructed by one of the most famous architectural firms of Mumbai, Bhatkar and Bhatkar, in the early 1920s.

The Kusum Vilas Palace at Gujarat is an important tourist destination of the city.

Pavagadh Fort



Pavagadh Fort of Gujarat is a popular tourist spot of the city. It represents the rich cultural heritage of the city of Gujarat. The exquisite architecture of the fort attracts tourists in large numbers from various corners of the country and abroad.

Pavagadh Fort at Gujarat stands out as an exemplary historical monument which is famous for its architectural expertise. Pavagadh is equally important to Hindus and Jains of the place.

Location: Pavagadh Fort is situated atop a hill in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The hills near Pavagadh form a rocky terrain.

When to visit: The best time to visit Ahmedabad, the city that houses Pavagadh Fort, is between October and March.

How to reach: Pavagadh Fort in Gujarat is easily accessible from the cities of Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Mumbai, Delhi and major cities of India are connected to Ahmedabad by air. Ahmedabad is also linked to Muscat, London, and New York. The airport lies 10 kilometer to the northeast of Ahmedabad. Auto rickshaws, taxis, rented cars, and tourist buses are basic means of communication.

Must-sees in Pavagadh Fort
  • The structure of Makai Kota, where the rulers of Pavagadh stored their grains

  • The ruins of Patai Rawal Palace

  • Naulakha Kotha mansion

  • History about Pavagadh Fort: Sultan Muhammad Beghada, an Indian ruler, contemplated that it would not be easy to vanquish the fortifications of Pavagadh Fort. Hence, he built a city near Pavagadh Fort, which is now known as Champaner. He did so to siege Pavagadh Fort.

So if you are in Gujarat, do not miss to visit the well known Pavagadh Fort.

Last Updated on : June 11, 2013