“What is there to do in Gurgaon?” is perhaps one of the first questions that anybody coming to the city asks. The answer would be “A lot.” Things to Do in Gurgaon range from having a blast at the endless line of pubs to chilling at amusement parks. But, we are not going to talk about all that in this blog because we are not talking about the city at all! This blog will take you a little far from the urban jungle to places where you can get a glimpse of India’s rich past. Yes, we are talking about the majestic forts near Gurgaon that exist in large numbers.
So, here these are… the best fortresses near the city for a rich tour through history.
Forts near Gurgaon within 100 Km:
1. Purana Qila
Purana Qila | #1 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
Located right next to the Delhi Zoo, Purana Qila or Old Fort is a prime example of the Islamic architectural grandeur in the city. It might not be as well-preserved as some other forts near Gurgaon but it sure is a feast for the eyes, especially its three monumental gates – Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza.
The prominent structures to visit within the complex are the beautiful Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, Sher Mandal (the library where Humayun died) and hammam (the royal bathhouse). If you come here in the evening (which you must), you can even attend the spectacular hour-long light and sound show.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 31 km
- Location: Mathura Road, Delhi
- Fort Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Fort Entry Fee: ₹ 20
- Light and Sound Show Timings: 7:00 pm (Hindi); 8:30 pm (English); all days except Friday
- Light and Sound Show Ticket Price: ₹ 100 (adults); ₹ 50 (children)
Trivia: Excavations near the fort have traced the history of regional inhabitation to 1500 BC
You might also like to read our blog on the best light and sound shows across India
2. Red Fort
Red Fort | #2 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
You just cannot miss the mighty Red Fort in Delhi while talking of forts near Gurgaon. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the 17th century, Red Fort or Lal Qila is spread across 254.67 acres near the banks of the Yamuna River. Its grand size, exquisite craftsmanship and the fact that it is so well-preserved have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A bonus upon visiting Red Fort is that after you are done exploring, you can go shopping in the iconic Chandni Chowk area.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 33 km
- Location: Old Delhi
- Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Monday closed)
- Entry Fee:
Adults: ₹ 60 (Tue-Fri); ₹ 80 (Sat-Sun)
Children: ₹ 20 (Tue-Fri); ₹ 50 (Sat-Sun)
Trivia: It is said that the fort was once home to the world-famous Kohinoor diamond
For more such historically significant landmarks in the national capital, read our blog on the 8 forts in Delhi.
3. Neemrana Fort Palace
Neemrana Fort Palace | #3 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
Standing majestically on a hilltop since 1464, Neemrana Fort Palace (now a premier heritage hotel) will satisfy all your desires for luxurious pampering. Be it its multi-level plan with high ramparts, the 74 brightly done rooms spread across its nine wings or the equally lavish bars and restaurants, every corner of this fort speaks of Rajput glory.
Plus, the prospect of getting a rejuvenating spa massage, chilling in the swimming pool, or a zip lining session over the hills makes Neemrana one of the best places to visit near Gurgaon within 100 km.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 89 km
- Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan
- Timings: Inclusive in the package
- Entry Fee: Depends on the package
Trivia: Neemrana Fort traces its origin to the descendants of Prithvi Raj Chauhan III
Forts near Gurgaon within 200 Km
4. Mud Fort
Mud Fort | #4 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
This 18th-century masterpiece stands in the midst of lush green fields; hence, it is perfect for a short and sweet weekend getaway from Gurgaon. The best part about this fort is that it is also a hotel, so getting accommodation wouldn’t be a problem.
Planning a corporate outing? Worry not because this fort-turned hotel takes care of that too with an array of activities like kite flying, rope skipping and tug of war. Apart from exploring the fort (which is a must), you can go for a morning birdwatching tour, visit nearby villages and enjoy a tractor ride.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 107 km
- Location: Kuchesar, Bulandshahr
- Timings: Depends on the package
- Entry Fee: Starting ₹ 1600
Trivia: The Mud Fort originally had seven turrets to fend off enemy attacks
Also read: 10 Best Places for Corporate Team Outings near Delhi
5. Agra Fort
Agra Fort | #5 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
Agra might be known for the Taj Mahal, but in our opinion, the humongous Agra Fort is any day grander. Originally known as Badalgarh, this site is where the foundations of the Mughal Empire in India were laid. All early dynastic rulers, including Babur, Humayun and Akbar the Great, lived here at some point in their life.
Like all Mughal-era fortresses in the country, Agra Fort’s grand gates, especially Delhi Gate, catch your attention just as you come here. Once inside, remember to visit Sheesh Mahal, a palace with thousands of glass pieces. Right across the fort is the Taj Mahal and just behind it is Jama Masjid, two other incredible places to cover on an Agra trip.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 186 km
- Location: Agra
- Timings: 6:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 40
Trivia: Agra Fort features in Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mystery – The Sign of the Four
Forts near Gurgaon within 300 Km
6. Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort | #6 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
#GhostWalking… There are forts, and then there is Bhangarh Fort: one which could give you sleepless nights. There are two legends surrounding this fort, both mentioning a curse cast on it, leading to its abandoning and the haunted reputation that it has acquired over time!
Visitors claim to have heard shrieks of villagers who supposedly once lived here, the clinking of bangles and sobs of women. It is forbidden to come here after nightfall, but if you are daring enough, you must not miss out on the opportunity.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 201 km
- Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25
Trivia: The temples within the fort are designed like cenotaphs rather than regular religious places
Like spooky places? Then, read our blog on the most haunted places in India.
7. Amer Fort
Amer Fort | #7 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
From the Mughals, let’s move on to the equally courageous Rajputs, as we now take you to the marvellous Amer Fort (or Amber Fort). One of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan, it was the home of Raja Man Singh, one of the most trusted generals of Emperor Akbar.
You can trek to the fort, take a jeep or better yet, enjoy an elephant ride! The fortress has a rectangular plan with four courtyards one after the other, each entered from beautifully decorated gateways. The airy halls of Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, the revered Shila Devi Temple, lush gardens and other palaces within the complex are worth a visit.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 230 km
- Location: Amber, Jaipur
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 100
Trivia: The fort is home to 1135 AD, one of the most lavish restaurants in Jaipur
8. Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort | #8 of 8 Forts near Gurgaon
Also among the great forts in Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort has a mysterious past. It is said that the palace was named Nahargarh, meaning abode of tigers, in honour of Nahar Singh Bhomia, a local king whose spirit repeatedly hampered its construction. It was only after a temple was built to pacify the departed soul that the fort could be completed.
Its rectangular courtyards with traditional buildings on all sides really take you back in time. Among the newest attractions of the fort are a wax museum and Sheesh Mahal.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 237 km
- Location: Brahmapuri, Jaipur
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20
Trivia: Nahargarh Fort has been featured in numerous Bollywood movies, including Shuddh Desi Romance and Rang De Basanti
Read our blog for all the quintessential places to visit in Jaipur
Intrigued? So the next time you are in the city, don’t just sit idly at your hotel in Gurgaon. Go on an exploration tour to any of these amazing places for a memorable time.
