FAMOUS FORTS IN SOUTH INDIA

The southern part of India is among the best and most interesting places to visit in the country. With a rich historical legacy, you can expect the region to naturally be home to countless historical monuments and structures. Among these are incredible forts in South India that you must include in your travel itinerary when visiting the region on cheap tickets to India. This is an especially amazing idea for travelers who are history buffs constantly on the lookout for exceptional historical places to explore. So here’s a list of some of the most famous forts in South India you can consider exploring on your next India trip.

Golconda Fort

One of the most famous forts in India, the Golconda Fort is an exceptional place to explore in the country. According to legend, the son of a shepherd reportedly found an idol in the area where the fort now stands. When the idol’s discovery was reported to the Kakatiya King, he is said to have ordered that a mud fort be built around it. After almost 800 years since then, the fort is still standing tall and strong, a remarkable construction that never ceases to amaze and one of the most famous forts in South India.

Fort St. George

Historically known as ‘White Town,’ Fort St. George in Chennai is among the most spectacular forts built by British in India. Facing the stunning sea on one side and quaint but scenic fishing villages everywhere else, this is one of the most magnificently designed forts in South India. There are several relics of Britishers who stayed here that can still be found housed at the fort. This is among the most remarkable forts built by British in India you can explore when visiting on cheap last minute flights.

Warangal Fort

Probably among the most significant of forts in South India, Warangal Fort is a magnificent structure to behold. The center of the fort is an archaeological zone that consists of an enclosure that contains the excavated ruins of an ancient Shiva temple which was most probably demolished by invaders. Interesting to note is the fact that the only portions of the fort that remained untouched and safe from demolition were its arched entrances having no religious designs on them.

Bidar Fort

Bidar Fort in Karnataka is among the most famous forts in India you can visit on cheap business class flights. It is among the last standing testaments of the famous Bahmani Sultanate. With stunning architecture, Bidar Fort displays the superiority of architectural brilliance of bygone eras. This is among the many forts in South India with interesting stories to tell. It is reported that when Bidar became part of the Nizams’ estate, Mir Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah III had held his brother captive at this fort.

Mirjan Fort

Known for its architectural elegance, Mirjan Fort is among the most beautiful forts in South India. Placed on the west coast of Uttara Kannada district, the fort has served as a battleground for multiple wars in the past. The fort was reportedly built by Queen Chennabhaira Devi of Gersoppa in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara Empire. The Queen ruled for about 54 years and is also believed to have resided at the fort.

Gulbarga Fort

Originally built in the 11th century during the Kakatiya rule by Raja Gulchand, the Gulbarga Fort is one of the most famous forts in South India. In the year 1347, the fort was significantly enlarged by Al-ud-din Bahmani of the famed Bahmani Sultanate. He did this in the aftermath of cutting his ties with the Sultanate in Delhi. The structure of the fort is as amazing to behold as is the history behind its construction. With such a distinctive past, it is clear to see why this is among the most popular forts in South India.

Gingee Fort

Referred to famously by the British as the ‘Troy of East,’ Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is among the most interesting forts in South India. Known for its inaccessibility, this is among the rare forts in Tamil Nadu that have survived over the centuries. While a lot of it is in ruins, in its heydays the fort was famous for having an eight-storeyed marriage hall, a military gymnasium, granaries, prison cells, and a temple dedicated to Chenjiamman - its presiding Hindu Goddess. Like the others mentioned above, this is among the most incredible forts in South India to explore when you visit the country.