Forts
Uparkot Fort
This ancient fort is believed to have been built in 319 BC by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta, though it has been extended many times. In places, the ramparts reach 20m high. It’s been besieged 16 times, and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 12-year siege. The views over the city and east to Girnar Hill are superb, and within its walls, there is a magnificent former mosque, a set of millennia-old Buddhist caves and two fine step-wells.
Bhujiyo Fort
This impressive yet crumbling tower in Jamnagar overlooks the south side of Ranmal Lake. It is also known as the Bhujiyo Bastion. Restoration work is underway; once completed, visitors will be able to view the city from the top of the tower.
Brief History: It is believed that the king of Jamnagar and Bhuj were brothers who had set up their kingdoms about 300km apart.
Surat Castle
Surat Castle, also known as Surat Fort, is a 16th-century structure in the city of Surat. It was built by Khudawan Khan, an Albanian Christian, in the 16th century. The castle has 12-meter high battlements and 4-meter thick walls, with iron strips used to bind its various elements and all its joints filled with molten lead to make it impenetrable.
Lakhpat Fort
Only 33 km north of Narayan Sarovar lies the town of Lakhpat, with a walled fort as its main highlight. The town was an important coastal trade node in the 18th century. At the mouth of the Kori creek, the large fort walls still offer testimony to a short but glorious past. One can climb the fort rampart, the only remaining structure of the fort, and look over at the placid sea. This spot is particularly stunning at sunset. Within the fort walls, also lies a 16th century gurdwara.
Idar Fort
38 km from Vijaynagar, this former princely state lies hugged by the Aravali mountain range, which gave it protection from various attacks in its history. In addition to some of the larger temples, look out for the signs of worship of smaller idols scattered up the hills. Take the climb up the hill itself, winding through the rocks, as a way to share the sacred space in the lives.
Bhadra Fort
Climb up the Bhadra Fort and get a bird’s eye view of the old city. Built immediately after the founding of Ahmedabad in 1411, Bhadra Fort now houses government offices and a Kali temple. Its gate formed the eastern entrance of the Ahmedabad citadel, which stretched west to the river. From the roof you can check out the imposing structure and views of the surrounding streets. Between the fort and the Teen Darwaja (Triple Gateway) to its east was the Maidan Shahi (Royal Square), where royal processions and polo games took place.