8 Must visit UNESCO sites in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant and colorful states in India with its rich culture and traditions since ancient times. It is known as the land of warriors and beautiful princess who even chose to die for saving their chastity and had a great affinity with their motherland. Whether it is the cuisine or the dress sense everything is unique about Rajasthan’s culture.
1) Chittorgarh Fort
It was designated UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. It is one of the largest forts of India. From 7th century, the fort was ruled by the kings of Mewar. It was attacked thrice by Muslim rulers. In 1303 Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Bikramjeet Singh and in 1567 Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II who left the fort and founded a new city Udaipur. It is adorned with Gates, Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Gaumukh Reservoir and Padmini’s Palace
8 Must visit UNESCO sites in Rajasthan
2) Kumbhalgarh
It was designated UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. It is located at a distance of 64 km from Udaipur in the district Rajasmand. Kumbhalgarh Fort is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This fortress is secured under the protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. It is encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peak, the fort is constructed on the highest peak (1,914 meters) above sea level. The fortification of the fort is 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ”the Great Wall of China”. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it magnificent.
3) Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is located within the Ranthambore National Park, near Sawai Madhopur, the park was hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur till India’s Independence. It is a formidable fort having been a focal point of the historical developments of Rajasthan. The fort is known for the glory and valor of Hammir dev of the Chauhan dynasty. The Ranthambore fort was built by a Chauhan Rajput ruler. A widely held belief states that the fort was built the reign of Sapaldaksha, in 944 CE. Another theory states that the fort was built during the reign of Jayant, in 1110 CE. According to Government of Rajasthan’s Amber Development & Management Authority, it is likely that the construction started in the mid-10th century during the reign of Sapaldaksha, and continued a few centuries.
4) Gagron Fort
Gagron is among the six forts of Rajasthan that were included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. These hill forts, which were built between the 8th and the 19th centuries, are located in the Aravalli mountain range and are excellent examples of Rajput military hill architecture.
5) Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort is locally known as “Sonar Quila”. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. This fort is popularly known as the ‘Sone Ka Quila (Golden Fort)’ by the local people and is one of the most magnificent monuments in the city of Jaisalmer. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. The Jawahar Palace is among the other tourist attractions of Jaisalmer fort which was the residence of a royal family. This place is famous for its beautiful construction and ornate design which captivate tourist’s attention during their visit to this palace. Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoota Pol and Hava Pol are the entrance gates of this fort which is known for sculptured beauty and beautiful design.
8 Must visit UNESCO sites in Rajasthan
6) Keoladeo National Park
Initially known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park is recognized as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. It originated in as a royal hunting reserve during the 1850s and was a game reserve for Maharajas and the British. In fact, Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943, shot over thousands of ducks with his hunting party in a single day! In 1982, Keoladeo was declared a national park and then later listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The park is home to over 370 species of birds and animals such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai and more.
7) Jantar Mantar
It was designated UNESCO world heritage site in 2010.It was constructed by Raja Jai Singh. He built five observatories in Delhi, Mathura, Varanasi, Ujjain and Jaipur. It is an equinoctial sundial, consists of a gigantic triangular gnomon with the hypotenuse parallel to the Earth’s axis. On either side of the gnomon is a quadrant of a circle, parallel to the plane of the equator. The instrument is intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second and declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. The Vrihat Samrat yantra is a sundial that can give the local time to an accuracy of 2 seconds.
8 Must visit UNESCO sites in Rajasthan
8) Amer Fort
Amer Fort is a fort located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area. The town of Amer was originally built by Meenas, and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh I.
It is constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace.
