Most people picture Rajasthan when they think of Indian forts, but the hills and plains around Chandigarh quietly hide a handful of their own — a ruined fort of disputed age that once starred in a Hollywood thriller, a hilltop stronghold turned nature museum, and a couple of genuinely crumbling, atmospheric ruins that history hasn’t quite caught up to yet. Here’s every fort worth knowing about within reach of the tricity.
Quick answer: The most accessible and historically rich is Manimajra Fort, right inside Chandigarh. For a fort you can actually explore properly, Morni Fort (now a Nature Museum) up in Morni Hills is the best-preserved option. History buffs willing to travel a little further should also know about Bahadurgarh Fort near Patiala (visitors report it is closed to the public, so check before you go) and Raipur Rani Fort near Panchkula.
By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life · Details verified via Google Maps & Wikipedia, July 2026; Manimajra and Bahadurgarh details rechecked 21 September 2026
Table of Contents
Manimajra Fort
Tucked right into the middle of Manimajra’s bustling market — most visitors say they stumbled onto it by accident while out shopping — this fort, which Wikipedia calls over 360 years old although its own history sections point to a later date, was built by Gharib Dass Dhillon as the capital of the independent Manimajra State. It gained a fresh wave of attention after being featured in the Oscar-winning film Zero Dark Thirty, and one visitor review says a Ramleela has been staged there every year for around 70 years, which we could not confirm.
Worth knowing before you go: the fort has fallen into disrepair over the decades and is now used informally as a playground and parking space by the local community, so go in with the expectation of an atmospheric, lived-in ruin rather than a polished heritage site — which, honestly, is part of its charm.
- Rating: 4.0★ (211 reviews)
- Location: Near Fort, Mohalla Araiyan Wala, Manimajra, Chandigarh
Morni Fort
Up in Morni Hills, this fort’s origins are debated between the 10th and 17th centuries, but its most vivid chapter dates to 1814, when the exiled King of Sirmur took refuge here after being overthrown by the Gurkhas. In 2017, it was converted into a proper Nature Museum — a ₹1 crore renovation that preserved its four towers, naturally cool domed interiors, and an old well, while adding biodiversity exhibits inside. For the full story on Morni Fort and the rest of the hill station, see our complete Morni Hills guide.
- Rating: 4.3★ (3,118 reviews)
- Location: Morni village, Panchkula district
Raipur Rani Fort
Near Panchkula, this lesser-known fort blends Rajput and Mughal architectural elements — a sandstone structure that carries the quieter, less-visited charm of a fort that hasn’t made it onto most tourist itineraries yet.
- Rating: 4.3★ (413 reviews)
- Location: Raipur Rani, Haryana
Bahadurgarh Fort
A little further out near Patiala, Bahadurgarh Fort stands on the site of the older Saifabad fort of Nawab Saif Khan. Wikipedia says Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala renovated it between 1837 and 1845 and named it after Guru Tegh Bahadur, while the Patiala district portal says Maharaja Amar Singh renamed it, so the sources differ on who did. It is ringed by two ramparts and a moat. Check before you travel: Google Maps visitors say the fort is now a commando training centre, closed to the public, and a 2015 photograph of its gate shows a “Commando Training Centre” sign; we could not confirm the current position with an official source.
- Rating: 4.2★ (1,002 reviews)
- Location: NH 64, Rajpura-Patiala Road, Bir Bahadurgarh, Patiala district
Smaller Forts Worth Knowing
- Manauli Fort (Mohali district, ~11km from Mohali city) — 4.2★, 346 reviews — an atmospheric, overgrown ruin popular with those who enjoy exploring forgotten history off the beaten path
- Burj Fort (near Chandimandir, Panchkula) — 4.2★, 181 reviews — a small hilltop fort, modest in scale but a nice add-on if you’re already headed toward Morni Hills
- Bharatgarh Fort (Ropar district) — 4.3★, 126 reviews — a quieter, lesser-documented fort for those exploring the Ropar side
- Kila (Queela) Old Fort (Manimajra) — a smaller historic structure near Manimajra Fort itself, worth a glance if you’re already in the area
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fort inside Chandigarh itself?
Yes — Manimajra Fort sits right within Chandigarh, inside the busy Manimajra market area, and is a ruin whose age is disputed: Wikipedia says over 360 years old, but its own history sections point to a later date.
Can you go inside Morni Fort?
Yes — since its 2017 renovation, Morni Fort now functions as a Nature Museum that visitors can walk through, alongside its original towers and architecture.
What movie was filmed at Manimajra Fort?
The Oscar-nominated/winning film Zero Dark Thirty featured Manimajra Fort, which significantly boosted its popularity with visitors.
Is Manimajra Fort well maintained?
It’s in a naturally weathered, lived-in state rather than a formally restored one — locals use the grounds informally, which gives it an atmospheric, off-the-beaten-path character rather than a polished tourist-site feel.
Which fort near Chandigarh has the most history?
Bahadurgarh Fort near Patiala has the longest documented history of the forts listed here: the Patiala district portal links it to a stay by Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Wikipedia says Maharaja Karam Singh renovated it in 1837 to 1845. Visitors report it is now closed to the public, so check before you go.
Are these forts free to visit?
Most of the smaller, lesser-known forts (Manimajra, Manauli, Burj, Bharatgarh) have no formal entry fee since they aren’t officially maintained tourist sites — Morni Fort’s Nature Museum may have a nominal ticket, worth confirming locally.
Related Guides
- Morni Hills Complete Guide
- Fateh Burj, Chappar Chiri, Mohali: the 100 m victory tower and the 1710 Battle of Chappar Chiri
- Aam Khas Bagh, Sirhind: the ruined Mughal royal inn
- Virasat-e-Khalsa museum and the Anandgarh and Lohgarh fort gurdwaras, Anandpur Sahib
