Murud Janjira Fort
It is believed that when the Kallal Bangdi—the largest of the three surviving canons at Janjira Fort—boomed, the entire fort reverberated for a week under its force. Today the fort, built in the middle of the sea, is easily accessible via boats that take enthusiastic tourists to its mighty walls, but there was a time when Janjira fort was considered impregnable. The fort was known to have large granaries and freshwater wells to feed the 550 families that resided inside. The Siddis are credited as the architects of the sea fort—a stone citadel with towers, turrets and mounted cannons to scare away any trespassers. The fort is just a few hours from Mumbai and Pune, easy enough for a day trip today. —Arundhati Ail
Getting there: Boats go between Rajapuri jetty at Murud beach and Murud Janjira Fort.
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Shalimar Bagh, Kashmir
Built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this 17th-century garden in the mountains functioned as the Mughal summer residence in Kashmir. During the Mughal period, Jahangir is believed to have traveled to Kashmir over a dozen times, moving his entire court across the Pir Panjal Range to reside here during hot months. Set along the banks of Dal Lake, it is among the most refined expressions of Mughal garden design in India with a terraced layout that follows the Persian charbagh style. A central water channel, the Shah Nahar, runs through the three terraces, linking cascading fountains, black marble pavilions, chinar-lined avenues, and formal walkways. Each level had a defined function, from public audiences at the Diwan-e-Aam to more restricted royal spaces further. The garden once featured over 400 fountains, fed by a carefully engineered water system. The uppermost terrace, reserved for the royal household, includes the zenana garden and the Black Pavilion built under Shah Jahan. Behind several of the waterfalls are chini khanas, or arched niches that were once lit with oil lamps, casting light through the falling water. Currently, Shalimar is undergoing a structural restoration and landscape development by the JSW Foundation to preserve its architectural features and enhance amenities for visitors. —Zara Flavia Dmello
