Ater fort

Located in the town of Ater in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, India, Ater Fort is a majestic historic fort and was constructed during the 17th century by the Bhadauria kings of Gohad, founder of the Gohad State. The fort is located on the banks of the Chambal River and is an impressive historical monument that represents the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, the fort boasts of a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. The fort has a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The walls of the fort are made of red sandstone and are adorned with intricate carvings and patterns. The carvings depict various scenes from mythology and daily life, including elephants, horses, musicians, and dancers. It has two main gates, the Delhi Gate and the Bahiraka Gate, and also includes several temples and palaces within its premises. One of the most notable structures within the fort is the Jai Vilas Mahal, a palace that was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior. The Ater Fort has been witness to several battles and invasions throughout history and was occupied by the Marathas, the British, and the Scindias of Gwalior at different times. In the 18th century, the fort was captured by the Maratha king, Mahadji Shinde, who renovated it and added several new structures.

Today, the Ater Fort is a popular tourist attraction and is considered an important heritage site in Madhya Pradesh. Visitors can explore the fort's various structures and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort also hosts a sound and light show that narrates its history and highlights its architectural beauty. Its stunning architecture and intricate carvings attract visitors from all over the world, and it continues to be an important landmark in the region.

Ater Fort is believed to have been built during the 17th century by the Bundela Rajput kings of the region. The fort was strategically located on the banks of the Chambal River and was used to control the trade routes that passed through the area. The fort was later captured by the Marathas, who used it as a base to launch attacks on the Mughals. During the British Raj, the fort was used as a prison for Indian freedom fighters who were fighting for independence from British rule. Today, Ater Fort is a popular tourist destination and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. The fort features several beautiful temples and palaces, as well as a large moat that surrounds the entire complex. In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and restore the fort, which has fallen into disrepair over the centuries. The government of Madhya Pradesh has designated the fort as a protected monument and has undertaken several restoration projects to ensure its survival for future generations.

The Ater Fort in Madhya Pradesh is a stunning example of Rajput and Mughal architecture, which reflects the various influences that shaped the region during its long history. The fort was primarily built using red sandstone, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue that is striking against the surrounding landscape. It has a rectangular shape and is surrounded by a deep moat, which was used for defensive purposes. The moat was a vital part of the fort's defense system, as it made it difficult for enemy forces to approach the walls. In addition, the fort has several impressive gateways, including the Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) and the Bhoot Pol (Ghost Gate), which feature intricate carvings and designs. These gateways are not only beautiful, but they were also strategically designed to allow for the passage of troops and supplies. Inside the fort, visitors can explore several temples and palaces, each of which is a masterpiece of architecture and design. The Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, is particularly noteworthy, with its intricate mirror work and delicate carvings. The Jai Mahal, or Victory Palace, is another impressive structure, with its ornate arches and detailed paintings. The fort also features several underground chambers, which were used for storage and as escape routes in case of attack. These chambers are a fascinating glimpse into the fort's past and a testament to the ingenuity of its builders.

• Timings – 6 am – 5 pm
• Price – There is no entry fees for the fort.

• Etawah Safari Park – Located 36 km from Ater Fort, Etawah safari park is a proposed drive-through safari park in Etawah and is also one of the biggest in Asia stretching to 8 km. It is a great experience to get a glimpse of some of the wild animals and birds in their natural surroundings along with a variety of flora.
• Raja Sumer Singh's Fort – It is an ancient fort of the king known for its bravery and built on the bank of Yamuna River, 37 km from Ater Fort. The highlight of this fort is that in its Baradai there were twelve doors but when counted it came to either thirteen or eleven.
• Gohad Fort – Located in Gohad town, the fort is of a circular structure protected by a rampart of 5 km around it. The fort got awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation in 2017.
• Kakanmath Temple – It is a ruined Shiva temple dating to the 11th century in the Sihoniyatwon of Madhya Pradesh. It was built by the Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirttiraja but most of its complex is now in ruins.
• Chausath Yogini Temple – Nestled on a hilltop, this temple is one of the rarest temples in India dedicated to the Tantric sect of Chausath or 64 Yogini. The design of the Indian parliament is said to be inspired by this temple.
• Garhi Padhavali – It is a 10th-century Shiva temple in Morena which attracts a lot of tourists because of its architecture and history. The interior has some stunning sculptures depicting stories from Puranas and other Hindu epics. In the 19th century, the temple was fortified by the Jat Ranas rulers.

• Hotel Sun Palace : This is a budget hotel located around 4 km from Ater Fort. It offers basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and 24-hour front desk service.
• Hotel Prakash Palace : Another budget hotel located around 4 km from Ater Fort. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
• Hotel Royal Palace : This is a mid-range hotel located around 4 km from Ater Fort. It offers comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also has a restaurant on-site.
• Hotel Amaltas : This is a mid-range hotel located around 6 km from Ater Fort. It offers comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also has a restaurant on-site.
• The Orchha Resort : This is a luxury hotel located around 24 km from Ater Fort. It offers comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also has a restaurant on-site and offers activities like cycling and hiking.

The best time to visit Ater Fort in Madhya Pradesh, India is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the fort. In contrast, the summer months from March to June can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, which can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

If you are in Bhind, then public transportation is available from 6 am to 4 pm to Ater Fort.

• By Air : The nearest airport is in Gwalior at 100km away which is connected to all the major cities across the country. From Gwalior, you can take a bus to Bhind or a cab to Ater Fort directly.
• By Road : Bhind is reachable by road from nearby cities and the road to Ater Fort is also well maintained. Transportation is easily available from 6 am to 4 pm to Ater Fort.
• By Train : Bhind has a railway station which receives trains from different city enroute. Another major railway station is in Gwalior which receives trains from all cities in India.