Padharo Mhare Des!
Although Rajasthan garners a major chunk of attention for its desserts, larger than life cuisine, exciting and frolic culture, and historical significance, the reality that it’s also home to a massive wide variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites makes it all the extra desirable as a holiday spot! So if you are planning on taking a trip to Rajasthan sometime in the future, right here are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should be on the top of your bucket list!
1. Chittorgarh Fort
“Chittor ke aangan mein ek aur ladai hogi, jo na kabhi kisi ne dekhi na suni hogi! Or woh ladai hum shatraniyan ladaingi, or yeh hi Alauddin ki sab se badi haar hogi!”
Anybody who has watched Padmavat already has an idea about the grand attraction of the Chittorgarh Fort. For these who don’t remember it, or haven’t viewed the film, it’s the tragic web page where Rani Padmavati (played by Deepika Padukone) commits Jauhar. Coming back to the context of this article, Chittorgarh Fort stands in magnificent grandeur in a sprawling region of 700 acres! Situated 180 meters above sea level atop a hill, it was constructed in the 7th century and was once designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
2. Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur is nestled in the foothills of the Aravallis. Believed to have initially been constructed in the 6th century by the Maurya Dynasty, it is a distinguished visitor attraction in Rajasthan. The fort is surrounded by lush forests and offers wonderful views of the city! You’ll be intrigued to know that it has an exterior wall, the length of which is 36 kilometres and higher than that of The Great Wall of China! Its premises additionally include a host of temples that you can take a look at out.
3. Ranthambore Fort
Yes, you guessed it right! Ranthambore Fort is located in the Ranthambore National Park, situated atop a hill at an altitude of 700 feet! Lots of travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic significance and proximity to wildlife. In fact, if you get lucky, you may additionally even spot a tiger passing you by!
4. Gagron Fort
Gagron Fort is one of the grandest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan! This isn’t surprising, given its history of being a region where women used to commit Jauhar. It’s surrounded via water bodies from three sides and by the Hill of Burj from the fourth remaining side. Constructed again in the twelfth century, this stunning fort continues to attract several travelers every year!
5. Amber Fort
Amber Fort showcases an fascinating blend of Hindu and Rajputana values through its incredible architecture! This fort homes many architectural wonders like Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas, Sukh Mandir, and Sheesh Mahal, all of which have been built quite strategically. Today, there are a host of things to do like puppet shows, light and sound shows, dance performances, and elephant rides that are organised for tourists here.
6. Jaisalmer Fort
Did you understand that Jaisalmer Fort is also recognised as Sone ka Quila? Not just that, it even proudly carries the tag of being one of the most incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan! Housing the Jawahar Palace, Raj Mahal, Jain temple, and Laxmikanth temple on its premises, it’s all through sunrise and sunset when this fort appears the most beautiful!
7. Keoladeo National Park
A well-known national park in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur area, legend has it that former Rajput rulers used to come here for hunting. Today, the park has plenty of grasslands, lush wetlands, and verdant forests that are domestic to an abundant species of birds, fish, reptiles, turtles, and many more wild animals.
8. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar was once constructed as an astronomical observatory by Prince Jai Singh II. He was eager on learning greater astronomical concepts and cosmology theories, and this is where he used to spend most of his time. It was designed to see and observe celestial objects with naked eyes as it homes several instruments to understand the placement of stars and planets! Well, we actually can’t wait to go to this place! How about you?