7 Best Forts and Palaces to Visit in Punjab
Welcome to the land of five rivers – Punjab: Punj (Five) + Aab (Water), i.e., land of five rivers. A place rich in culture and history, it’s hard not to be charm the place by its allure. From the sacred Sikh temples to the bustling bazaars, this region is a feast for the senses.
If you’re looking for an enchanting destination to explore in Punjab, then you won’t want to miss out on these 7 amazing forts and palaces. Each one has its unique history and culture that makes it a must-see attraction. So take your camera and start planning your itinerary – these stunning landmarks are not to be missed!
So without wasting a single minute, let’s start exploring Punjab’s top places!
- Sheesh Mahal
The first on the list is Sheesh Mahal. It is a breathtaking, iconic building that reflects the power and prestige of Punjab Kings. Maharaja Narinder Singh did the contribution and built the mahal in 1847. The three-story glass structure sits behind Old Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala. It provides an impressive look for its colored mirrors combined with intricate designs on them. It is one of the best places to visit in Punjab because it has centrally located gardens which offer some peace away from all those hustles & bustles happening outside!
- Qila Anandgarh Sahib
Qila Anandgarh Sahib is an 800-year old monument located in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Guru Gobind Singh built it to protect the Sikhs from invaders. Along with the other four prominent forts called Keshgarh, Lohgarh, Holgarh, and Fatehgarh, it encloses beautiful Gurudwara within its walls, which make this place very significant in the history of India as well!
The place has always been considered holy ground not only because its stands out architecture but also since there were signs all over depicting what lay within. There are two pools where devotees could bathe before entering prayer halls designed specifically.
- Rambagh Palace
After Sheesh Mahal and Qila Anandgarh Sahib, the next on the list is Rambagh Palace – A double-story building located in Bhawani Singh Road, Amritsar, Punjab. It is open-out across the garden of 81 acres with rare flower plants and other valuable trees. This palace is one of the important heritage travel destinations of Punjab.
Rambagh Palace, located in the middle of the garden, is called the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as he used to spend the summer days in this palace. The garden was named after Guru Ram Das and is designed in the Shalimar Bagh of Lahore style.
- Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort, also popular as Gujar Singh Fort, is a historic military fort located in old Cantt road, Amritsar Punjab. Bhangi Misi Rulers in 1760 did the contribution and built the fort . Originally, the Gobindgarh fort was build of mud. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who constructed this fort with bricks.
- Lodhi Fort (Purana Qila)
Next in the row is Lodhi Fort, also famous with the name of Purana Qila. Muslim ruler Sikandar Lodi constructed the fort around 500 years back on the Sutlej banks. The fort also has a tunnel to the neighboring city, Phillaur. Mostly the structure is turned into ruins, and in December 2013, the fort declared a state-protected monument.
- Rajmahal
Raj Mahal is another famous fort of Punjab that every individual must see once in a lifetime. It is in the heart of Faridkot and established during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh and built together under the supervision of Balbir Singh.
This stunning building exhibits pointed spires and excellent mirror designs inspired by French architecture. Earlier, this beautiful edifice served as a residence for members of the royal family; now, it’s home to Maharaja Bikrama Singh’s descendants, who enjoy its green lawns with beautifully designed towers sprawling across 15 acres.
Stone carvings from all over India brought to decorate the walls around the premises, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but also educational – containing information about various cultures.
- Shahpur Kandi Fort
Last but not least is Shahpur Kandi Fort. It is an important historical monument in the Indian state of Punjab. A Rajput chieftain built this fort and the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan gave it the name. He built the fort to watch over his kingdom’s main points from the 16th century until 1707 A D when he died.
If you want to see the perfect example of the blend of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture, it’s a Shahpur Kandi Fort.
The Bottom Line:
Well, there is no shortage of places to explore in Punjab. All you have is an ample amount of time to see Punjab’s real beauty. So, take a long week off and tie your gears. Bring yourself here and explore the history.
I hope you like this interesting and useful information to plan your next Punjab trip and to keep yourself updated with the latest Punjab news, stay tuned!
