India is a vast country with many states and each state has its distinct specialty and culture. Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in the country and has been one of the major tourist centers. There are more than one tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, some of which are forts here. Like many states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, etc. Uttar Pradesh also has world-famous forts which have their historical importance. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about these kilos of Uttar Pradesh. Whenever you look closely at these forts, for a few moments you will feel as if you have reached ancient times. People come to visit these historical forts not only from India but from every corner of the world. Let's know about these forts...

Butler Palace
Butler Palace is a grand palatial building located in Lucknow. The foundation stone of this magnificent building was laid in 1915 by Sir Harcourt Butler, the Deputy Commissioner of Awadh. Initially built by Raja Mohammed Ali Mohammed Khan, it was later used by Sir Harcourt as his residence. However, the construction of three major buildings remained incomplete due to floods on the Gomti River. There is a tank in front of the palace which has beautiful-looking chhatris and fountains.

Aligarh Fort
Aligarh Fort is considered to be one of the strongest forts in India. The fort was built in the 16th century by the son of the presiding governor in the court of Ibrahim Lodhi. Situated on the GT Road, the fort is shaped like a regular polygon and is surrounded by a deep moat. The fort boasts a mix of Indian and French styles of architecture. It is now under the control of the Aligarh Muslim University, and in particular, the Department of Botany. The inner courtyard houses a botanical garden and a variety of other gardens.

Agra Fort
On hearing the name of Agra, a picture of the Taj Mahal starts forming in people's minds. But Agra Fort is also a great place for tourists. The fort of Agra has its own unique identity at the world level. The fort is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna and is located at a distance of 3 km from the Taj Mahal. Talking about the history of the fort, it was built by Emperor Akbar, then Shah Jahan renovated it. The structure of this fort is similar to the Red Fort of Delhi. This fort is also considered very important in terms of tourism. UNESCO has declared this fort as a World Heritage Site. After the Taj Mahal, this fort is called the second world heritage of Agra.

Jhansi Fort
Jhansi Fort is a proud fort for Uttar Pradesh as well as for the whole of India. Built by Raja Bir Singh Deo in about the 17th century, this fort is dedicated to Rani Lakshmibai. This majestic hill fort was built in 1613 by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha. The fort is surrounded by a massive granite wall which is part of its fortifications. Being situated on the banks of the Betwa River, thousands of tourists visit this fort and its surrounding places every month. There are ten gates, each named after a ruler or landmark of the kingdom. Some of the gates have deteriorated over time, but some are still present such as Jharna Gate, Chand Gate, Datia Darwaza, Laxmi Gate, and Sanyar Gate.

Allahabad Fort
People rave about this fort. This fort was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna. Its unique design and craftsmanship are worth noting which makes it a must-visit place in Prayagraj. Known for its distinctive design, construction, and craftsmanship, this fort is situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Yumana. Presently the fort is occupied by the Indian Army and parts of the forts are restricted. The park also houses the 10.6-meter colossal Ashoka Pillar made of sandstone, which is said to have been constructed in 232 BC. This pillar has special significance for archaeologists and historians.

Chunar Fort
Chunar, located on the banks of the Ganges at a distance of 35 km from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, has been witness to a glorious history. It is said that this fort is thousands of years old. Later this fort was renovated by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. The historical fort of Chunar is protecting the existence of the city along with fulfilling the responsibility of protecting the city. It is said that King Vikramaditya built this fort for his brother King Bhartrihari. It is said to be associated with mythological stories such as the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, while in ancient literature it is mentioned by the names Charanadri, Nainagarh etc. A canopy of 52 pillars and a sun clock are also built inside the fort. Chunar is said to be an ideal place in terms of climate.

Fatehpur Sikri Fort
Fatehpur Sikri, located at a distance of about 40 km from Agra, is a historical city, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. For your information, let us tell you that Akbar had decided to make Sikri his capital. The Buland Darwaza present in the palace is famous not only in India but all over the world. Many famous and holy dargahs are also present inside this fort. The Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the Mecca Masjid and its designs are derived from Hindu and Zoroastrian architecture. The entrance to the mosque is the 54-meter-high Buland Darwaza which was constructed in 1570 AD. To the north of the mosque is the dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti where childless women come to pray. Aankh Michauli, Diwan-e-Khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Khwabgah, and Anoop Talab are the major monuments of Fatehpur Sikri. Let us tell you that this fort is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kuchesar Fort
This fort, also known as Rao Raj Vilas, is an 18th-century fort. This legendary heritage is the ancestral property of the family of Ajit Singh who had a princely state in Kuchesar. Built-in 1734, this fort is surrounded by mango orchards spread over 100 acres. This fort also remained under the Mughal Empire and the British Empire for many years. Finally, it was donated by the Mughal rulers to the Jat family, Ajit Singh's family and since then it is their ancestral property. You will also see glimpses of Mughal architecture in many parts of this fort. The fort is surrounded by dense, green farms.

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