Top Incredible Forts in Pakistan

Whether consider the archaeological reserves or call as the historical beauty, these top 10 forts of Pakistan are standing as architectural masterpieces with all their dignity. These top 10 forts of Pakistan play a vital role to rank Pakistan among the list of best tourist attractions worldwide. Here we are bringing you on an amusing journey to explore the infotainment hidden in the forts of Pakistan.

Remarkable Forts of Pakistan

1. Lahore Fort (Royal Fort)

The identity of the central city of Lahore and among the top forts of Pakistan, Royal Fort is located in the walled city in western corner. Commonly, it’s known as Shahi Qila which means royal fort. The present structure is attributed by Mughal emperor Akbar who rebuilt the fort in the 17th century. Its total area is over 20 hectares and the rules of Mughal, Sikh and British contributed to its development. Let’s talk about its existing structure which has two gates. One is Alamgiri Gate  which opens towards Badshahi Mosque, , built by Emperor Aurangzeb and Second is Maseeti or Masjidi Gate, built by Emperor Akbar which opens towards Masti Gate area of Lahore. Alamgiri Gate is used as the main entrance, whereas the second gate is completely dismissed for the passing.

Although, the entire fort has remarkable architecture, but its 3 famous portions are its highlights. The Sheesh Mehal is a palace of mirrors which is made of crystals and fine white marbles having a glamorous effect in its ceiling still in present times. Moreover, fort has 11 gates named as Sohail Gate, Shah Chandwali , Shishi , Kabuli, Langar Khani, Talaqi, Kashmiri, Khwas Khani, Gatali, Tulla Mori, Sar and Pipalwala Gate. Dewan-e-Khas is the place where emperors were used to deal with matters of the state. Whereas, Dewan-e-Am was dedicated to masses where they address emperors on social issues.

This monument is the reflection of Mughal’s great history of architecture. 1981 was the year when UNESCO privileged Lahore Fort as the part of world heritage.

2. Rohtas Fort

Located in Dina town, near the Jhelum city, Rohtas Fort is ranked among the top forts of Pakistan. It was built by king Sher Shah Suri, between 1540 to 1547 AD.. The actual purpose behind constructing this fort was to detach the strength of local tribes of Potohar called Gakhars. The King wanted to use the Rohtas Fort in war and yearned to save his rule. Regarding architecture, the fort is 5.2 km in its area which is beautifully surrounded by hills. On most of its parts, there is a fine work of ashlar stones.- Rohtas fort has 11 gates named as Sohail, Shah Chandwali, Langer Kahni, Kabuli, Shosho, Talarqi, KKhwas Khani, Gatali, Pipalwala, Mor and Sar Gate.

3. Altit Fort

In Hunza valley, Altit Fort is known for having a bird eye view of old famous Shahra-e-Resham. It is located in Karimabad. It’s considered that fort is around 900 years old which privileges it as the earliest monument of Gilgit-Baltistan. Royal garden and its famous paths, apricot, and orchard trees add much more attributes to the beauty of Altit Fort. Altit Fort has been a center of tourist attraction since 2007. Before this fort has been suffered from a great structural misery but with the collaboration of Government of Norway and Japan, Agha Khan Trust has rebuilt it and helped it to become a part of amazing tourism points in Hunza valley.

4. Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort is another famous fort located in Hunza valley, Gilgit Baltistan region. Baltit fort is known for its historical significance. Having its origins 700 years back, Baltit Fort is one of the most ancient monuments of the country.  -This fort has experienced many alterations and updates in its structure over the centuries. In the 16th century, the princess of Baltistan got married to the local prince and got this fort as a dedication of her dowry. Taking this fort as the wonderful tourist attraction, it’s a wooden and stone=structure built aside of Ultar Sar glacier. You can have view of the whole city of Karimabad from up here.

5. Derawar Fort

Derawar Fort is one of the forts of Pakistan which is in its good condition in the present times. This fort was the residence of the royal family of Bahawalpur, It is situated 48 Km from Dera Nawab Sahib, in city Bahawalpur. Having the circumference of 1,500 m, Derawar Fort is the largest fort Pakistan. Its walls are up to 30 meters high. Hindu Rajput, Rai Jajja Bhati of Jaisalmer built the fort in 9th-century ADs and were named as Dera Rawar Fort which later became Derawar.

6. Ranikot Fort

Kirthar mountain range is famous in Jamshoro District of Sindh which is home to Ranikot Fort. Its circumference of approximately 26 kilometers is the reason of being the largest fort in the world. Ranikot Fort is famous as the wall of Sindh. Due to its structural misery, it was reconstructed by Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur and his brother Mir Murad Ali in 1812. A beautiful architecture with strategic structure indicates the competence of masterminds of that age.

7. Red Fort

Being situated alongside the Neelum River in Kashmir, a red fort is another ideal archaeological place having scenic beauty. Red Fort is also known as Muzaffarabad fort. It was built in 1646, hence famous as one of the most ancient forts of Pakistan. The awe-inspiring architecture reflects the expertise of constructors of that age. Red Fort looks an iconic part of scenery when it seems from its three sides which are beautifully surrounded by Neelum River.

8. Bala Hisar Fort

Among leading tourist attractions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bala Hisar fort is situated in Peshawar. It was the residence of Afghan Kings in the early 19th century. The name Bala Hisar means the elevated high fort. Its artistic view of great architecture amuses visitors a lot.