Many historical and ancient forts are located in Gujarat. These include the Manek Burj, Tera Fort, Kutch, Surat Fort, Kanthkot Fort, and many more. These forts offer glimpses into their rich history and are well-maintained till of now. You can also find museums here that will give you a better idea of the forts.
A list of 10 Popular Forts in Gujarat are:
- Dabhoi Fort
- Surat Fort
- Pavagadh Champaner Fort
- Manek Burj
- Ilva Durga Fort
- Uparkot Fort
- Songadh Fort
- Zinzuwada Fort
- Tera Fort
- Roha Fort
- Bhujia Fort
1. Dabhoi Fort
Baroda is approximately 30km from Dabhi. The Dabhoi Fort is located near Darbhavati. Siddhraj Jaisinh builds its construction. It is an example of Hindu architecture built following Vaastu Shastra. The Fort was constructed in the 6th century. It is one of India’s most fabulous forts and well worth a visit.
2. Surat Fort
You can travel to the South of Gujarat to reach Surat, the textile and diamond center. Surat was a prominent seaport, a hub of commerce and trade in those days, and was vulnerable to attack.
After several firebombings of the city by the Portuguese, the Sultan ordered Safi Agha to build the Fort. He was a Turkish soldier who the Sultan had employed. Some believe that Mohammed Tughlak built the Fort to defend the city from attacks by tribal Bhils.
3. Pavagadh Champaner Fort
Pavagadh is located in Panchmahals, about 46km from Baroda. Pavagadh is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Here you have to climb hundreds of steps to reach the temple’s top. The Champaner Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is located at the base of the hill. Also Read: Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
4. Manek Burj
Manek Burj is also known as Bhadra Fort. Manek Burj gets its name from Maneknath, a Hindu saint who helped Ahmadabad Shah I built the Bhadra Fort in the 15th century. Ahmed Shah laid the foundations in 1411. Ahmed Shah then built the Bhadra Fort.
The name of the Fort is derived from the Bhadra Kali goddess, whose temple is located nearby. Some believe that the palace gets its name from the Patan palace. The Fort and gates of Ahmadabad were designed after the gates of Patan. This city is known for its Patola.
5. Ilva Durga Fort
You will find the Ilva Durga Fort on the top of a hill in the Aravalli Range. This Fort was once the stronghold of Rathore Rajputs. It is notable for its fine architecture, especially the carved balconies.
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6. Uparkot Fort
The Uparkot Fort is located in Junagadh. It is situated at the Girnar’s foothills and was built in the Mauryan era. It was ruled by the Guptas, who then ruled over it until the Chudasamas took control in the late 10th century.
The Chudasamas governed a nearby Vanasthali, and during that time, a woodcutter found a stone wall and a gate. The Fort was discovered by a sadhu, who was meditating near it. The Chudasama ruler restored and moved his capital to this spot.
7. Songadh Fort
The Fort has located about 85km from Surat in Songadh, Tapi district. Balaji Rao Gaekwad built the Fort on top of a hill between 1729-1766. Tourist attractions include a dam and a lake.
8. Zinzuwada Fort
The walls of the Fort are approximately 70 feet high and have three gateways. There are also old cannons and stone inscriptions that date back to 1450. According to legend, the cannon was brought from Diu by the Ottoman Turks.
Another cannon is located in the south part of the Fort. These cannons are called Neelam or Manek. Two wells are located in Uparkot, known as Adi Kadi Vav. They were built during the time of the Chudasama rulers. This region contains Buddhist caves.
9. Tera Fort
Tera Fort is located 85km west of Bhuj. It is named after three lakes named Chattasar’s, Sumerasar, and Chatasar. The Jadejas built it in the 18th century; the Fort was constructed during Deshalji’s reign.
Maharaja Lakhpatji took the Fort and destroyed it using cannons. The Maharaja of Lakhpat surrendered the ruler to him.
10. Roha Fort
The Roha Fort is located on the outskirts of Roha village. It is approximately 50km from Bhuj. It is a small village and covers only 16 acres. It was home to Rao Khengarji I, who ruled from 1510 to 1585.
Approximately 120 Rajput princesses from the Soomra clan sought refuge here and later committed suicide to avoid being captured by the invaders.
11. Bhujia Fort
The historic Bhujia Fort is located on the top of Bhujia hill.  Bhujia is named after Bhujang, a snake. It was believed that the Snake God, who provided protection, was worshipped by the people. Rao Godji I began construction on the Fort in 1715. It was completed between 1718-1841. To strengthen the capital’s defenses, the Diwan of Kutch and Divakaran Sheth expanded the fortifications.
Invaders from Sindh and the Mughals attacked the Fort. An exciting tale tells how the Naga Sadhus opened gates to the Fort to visit the Naga Temple and then fought against Sher Buland Khan’s army. Since then, the Naga Bawas have always been treated with respect. Although the Fort suffered extensive damage in the 2001’s earthquake, it is still well worth a visit.
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