Rajasthan, with its rich culture and customs dating back to ancient times, is one of India’s most lively and colorful states. It is regarded as the kingdom of warriors and beautiful princesses who decided to die for the sake of preserving their chastity and a strong bond with their home. Rajasthan’s culture is distinct in every way, from its cuisine to its dress style. There are several well-known forts and palaces, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and other sites, that have drawn thousands of visitors, and some of them have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This blog describes the prominent landmarks, which is useful for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about Rajasthan’s diversity.
1. Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh fort is noted for its huge structure and as a testament to Rajputana architecture. According to legend, Bhima, one of the Pandavas’ brothers, erected the Chittorgarh fort in one night during the Mahabharat. The fact that it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most essential aspect. Because of the numerous water bodies situated inside the confines, it is also known as the Water Fort. It was once reported that it contained 84 water bodies, but there are presently just 22. It is stated that a 50,000-strong army could dwell there for four years without running out of water.
It is one of the nicest sites to visit in Rajasthan, covering 700 acres and standing on a 180-meter-high hill. The Rajput Kings’ valour, as well as the courage and romance of the Rajputana princesses, are well-known. This fort is also associated with Meera, the mystic poetess and devoted follower of Lord Krishna. It is regarded as the pride of Rajasthan, and historians believe it was built by the Mauryans in the 7th century, with additional constructions added by Mewar monarchs.
Rajasthan tourism touts it as one of the top tourist destinations, suitable for both family and adventurous vacations. It is a must-see attraction that can be reached by a one-mile serpentine route that leads to the fort.
2. Kumbhalgarh Fort
Because of its immense size and extensive fortifications, Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Its defenses stretch for 36 kilometers and are said to be the world’s second longest wall, second only to China’s Great Wall. Its splendor is enhanced by the presence of various palaces, gardens, and temples, making it one of the top sites to visit in Rajasthan. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is named after Maharana Rana Kumbha, who built it in the 15th century. It is built at an elevation of 1,914 meters above sea level. If you decide to visit this fort, you will find a zigzag route that winds through steep ravines and dense forests, making it ideal for an adventurous vacation. With seven large gates that bear witness to the vast structure’s grandeur, as well as gigantic watchtowers and seven ramparts that are folded into one another with intricately built walls.
The fact that the fort contains no less than 360 temples is another key attraction promoted by Rajasthan Heritage Tour. The Shiva temple is a must-see attraction and one of the greatest tourist attractions in the area. It is one of the best destinations to visit in India due of the Badal Mahal, or Cloud Palace. Maharana Pratap is claimed to have been born here. The palace is stunning, with a magnificent color scheme of turquoise, green, and white that adds to its elegance and splendor.
3. Ranthamore Fort
The fort is located in the Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, and the park is named for it. Although it is now in ruins, it is nevertheless famous because some of the portions have survived the test of time and are still intact, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Machli, the legendary tigress who was the most photographed tigress and died at the age of 19, was frequently observed here. Because of her great power and beauty, she was also known as the Queen of Ranthambore. The Ranthambore Fort is located 5 kilometers inside the park, on a hilltop at a height of 700 feet. The fort’s foundation stone was placed by Rajput King Sapaldaksha of the Chauhan dynasty, and many other Kings contributed subsequently, but Rao Hammir Deo Chauhan played the most important role, and a 32-pillar canopy honoring his contribution still stands as a prominent tourist attraction. It is one of the greatest places to visit for adventure vacations and wildlife tours because it is home to a variety of species, including the much-anticipated wild cat.
4. Gagron Fort
Gagron Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar region, near Kota, and is famed in history for the incredible feats of women who conducted Sati or Jauhar, including two live burnings in which hundreds of women burned themselves to maintain their chastity. The Gagron Fort is unique in that it is bordered on three sides by water bodies, and it has a fascinating construction that takes support from the hill of Burj on one side. It is one of the top sites to visit in Rajasthan, and it is the only fort in the state with three courtyards, when most forts only have two.
The magnificent fort was erected by Raja Bijili Dev in the 12th century and was held by the Khinchi dynasty for around 300 years until being attacked by the Mughals. The Parrots of this fort, which are twice the size of Indian parrots and replicate human sounds, are another important tourist attraction. The Hiraman parrots are so named because Emperor Humayun housed one of them in a golden cage from here. The fort is located at the confluence of the Kalisindh and Ahu rivers and is surrounded by lush foliage, making it a popular tourist destination and a great picnic area.
5. Amber Fort
Amber Fort, set on a high hill, is one of Raja Shri Mann Singh Ji I’s most majestic forts. One of the most famous forts in the world has been named this one. The Amber Fort’s aesthetic style is a mix of Hindu and Rajput elements. The mosaic work in the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, also known as the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, is exquisite. There is also a Sukh Niwass or Sukh Mandir, which is one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations. Water channels stream through the gorgeous architecture into the hall, carrying cool water that acts as an air conditioner with only a little aid from the breeze. Ivory and sandalwood are used to make the doors. There’s also Sheesh Mahal, which was built with thousands of glassware on its walls and where the song “Pyar Kiya to Darna kya” from the Bollywood film Mughal-E-Azam was shot. The famed Sheesh mahal was erected to satisfy the Queen, who loved to gaze at the glittering stars, thus the king commissioned his architects to create something unique. It is constructed in such a way that when two candles are lit, the entire castle emits light, which transforms into hundreds of stars, making it a popular tourist destination.
6. Jaisalmer Fort
The fort of Jaisalmer, also known as Sone ka Quila because of its spectacular appearance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Thar Desert and is one of the largest forts built by Bhati Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal. The most popular tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, it is situated atop the Trikuta hill and has been the location of numerous conflicts. The Jaisalmer Fort is made of massive sandstone that changes hues and colors with the sunrise and sunset and has a good blend of Islamic and Rajput architectural style that makes it unique. It has four entrances to the townside that make it easily accessible and the entrances used to be guarded by Canons during the Kings’ rule. The royal families used to live in Jawahar palace, which is one of the most gorgeous palaces inside the fort. The Raj Mahal, Jain, and Laxmikanth temples are all popular tourist attractions in this area. There are also numerous families who live on the fort’s grounds, and the fort is nearly a town in itself.
7. Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National Park is home to a variety of bird species as well as damp marshy lands, making it an ideal environment for bird breeding because insects and fish provide ample food. Around 364 bird species may be seen here, including the famed Siberian Crane, which may be seen on a regular basis. Birds migrate across Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia during the migratory season, and the area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many uncommon bird species can be seen here, and visitors can go bird-watching on cycle rickshaws with the assistance of a local tourist guide. It was designated as a national park in 1982, and the entire park is surrounded by a boundary wall, preventing locals from encroaching. There is a regulated supply of water from a reservoir outside the sanctuary, so there should never be a food shortage for the birds.
8. Jantar Mantar
Prince Jai Singh II established Jantar Mantar as an astronomy observatory to learn more about astronomy capabilities and the concept of cosmology. Many equipment were built there, and the prince was a learned man with a keen interest in astronomy and cosmology. Designed for naked-eye observation of celestial bodies, there are equipment such as the sun dial and others that aid in determining the exact positions of stars and other celestial bodies. As a result, it is fitting that it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fantastic example of an observatory that had a profound cosmic impact on medieval humans. It features a large collection of astronomical instruments and is located in the middle of Jaipur, making it conveniently accessible to visitors.
Thousands of people visit the famous observatory each year, and it is one of the largest in the category. It has been demolished and rebuilt numerous times, but it has now been totally restored, making it a must-see
