With its rich culture and traditions from ancient times, Rajasthan is one of India’s most lively and colorful regions. It is known as the land of warriors and beautiful princesses who even chose to die to save their chastity, and who had a great affinity with their mother country. Whether it is the cuisine or the dress sense all is unique about the culture of Rajasthan. There are many prominent forts and palaces along with wildlife sanctuaries and other sites that have drawn thousands of visitors and some have also become a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The number of Royal Rajput and Mughal period historical monuments is still present in the region. Such historical monuments talk of ancient splendor and magnificence. The ambiance and atmosphere of these sites bear a touch of the country’s Royalty of the Mughal laws, which can hardly be replicated today. As a result, these sites ‘ unprecedented beauty and grandeur have made UNESCO recognize and pamper some of them as world heritage sites in Rajasthan.
List of the 8 Most Popular UNESCO World Heritage sites in Rajasthan:
1. Chittorgarh Fort
The first one on the list of UNESCO world heritage of Rajasthan is Chittorgarh Fort. The fort of Chittorgarh stands as a testimony of the architecture of Rajputana and is known among the people because of its massive structure. Bhima, who was one of the Pandavas Brothers during the Mahabharat, built this Chittorgarh fort in one night, according to mythology.
Perhaps notably, it has been designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also called the Water Fort since many water bodies are found inside the premises. It was said earlier that it had 84 bodies of water but now 22 exist and it is said that an army of 50,000 soldiers could stay there without a thirst for water for four years. Read Also: 20 Places to See in Chittorgarh
Rajasthan tourism promotes it as one of the best places for sightseeing and perfect for family vacations as well as adventure vacations. It is one of the places that must be seen and can be reached via a one-line mile-long serpentine road that leads to the fort. Check out the Udaipur, Ranakpur, Chittorgarh Trip for 2 Nights 3 Days Package.
How to Reach: It can be reached by taking a bus or train from Delhi or Jaipur. The nearest airport is in Udaipur, which is about 90 kilometers away.
2. Amber Fort
Amber Fort is one of Raja Shri Mann Singh Ji I’s most magnificent forts and is situated on a high hill. This famous fort was called one of this Amber Fort’s artistic style has a combination of elements of Hindu and Rajput. The Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, known as the Public Hall and Private Public Hall, have very beautiful mosaic work. There’s also a Sukh Niwas or Sukh Mandir which is one of the best places in Rajasthan to visit.
The beautiful architecture has water channels running through it into the hall and carries cool water with little help from the breeze which works as an air cooler. Doors are made of sandalwood and ivory. There’s also Sheesh Mahal which is beautifully placed on its wall with thousands of glasses.
The famous Sheesh Mahal was designed to please the Queen as she enjoyed seeing the shining stars so the King ordered its architects to create it special. It’s made in such a way that if you burn two candles then the entire palace turns into emitting lights that turn into thousands of stars making it a great sightseeing spot and popular among tourists.
How to Reach: It can be reached by taking a bus or taxi from the Jaipur airport or by taking a train from Delhi. The fort is about 11 kilometers from the Jaipur city center.
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3. Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts built by Bhati Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal and is commonly known as Sone ka Quila due to its magnificent looks and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Thar Desert area. Jaisalmer’s most visited tourist attractions are situated on Trikuta Hill and have been the site that has witnessed many wars. Built from huge sandstone that looks like the Sunrise and Sunset in different shades and colors, and has a good mix of Islamic and Rajput architectural styles that makes it distinctive.
The Jaisalmer Fort has four entrances on the outskirts of the town which makes it easily accessible and the entrances used to be guarded by the Canons during the King’s rule. Jawahar Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces within the fort which was the royal families’ residence. Raj Mahal, Jain, and Laxmikanth temples are popular sightseeing spots here. There are also many families residing on the fort’s premises, and nearly one town is inside the fort.
How to Reach: The best way to reach the fort is by taking a taxi or rickshaw from the Jaisalmer Railway Station. The fort is about 3 kilometers from the station, and the journey should take around 15 minutes.
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4. Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the largest forts due to its massive construction and long fortifications that extend over an area of 36 km and is said to be the second-longest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. There are many palaces, gardens, and temples that add to its beauty and make it one of the best places to see in Rajasthan. The fort of Kumbhalgarh was founded in the 15th Century by Maharana Rana Kumbha from which it derived its name. It is built to an altitude of 1,914 meters above sea level.
The other major attraction Rajasthan tourism highlights is that it has no less than 360 temples located inside the fort. Shiva temple is worth a visit here and is one of the best places to visit. It is one of India’s great vacation destinations because it also has the Badal Mahal or the Cloud Palace. This also said it was Maharana Pratap’s birthplace. The palace is very stunning with a perfect mix of turquoise, green and white paint that adds charm and splendor.
How to Reach: The best way to reach the fort is by taking a train from Delhi to Udaipur. From Udaipur, you can take a taxi or bus to Kumbhalgarh. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
Read Also:
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5. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory designed by Prince Jai Singh II who built it to learn more about the concept of astronomy and cosmology. There are many instruments built there and it was the prince himself who had a deep interest in astronomy and cosmology that was scholarly. Designed for observing celestial bodies with naked eyes, instruments such as sundial and numerous others are available that help to get the exact positions of stars and others. It is therefore fitting that it was designated one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A great example of an observatory that exerts a profound celestial impact on medieval people. It has a very comprehensive set of astronomical devices and is located in the heart of Jaipur city making it easy for tourists to get to.
Every year thousands of tourists visit the famous observatory some of them are the largest ones installed in this group. It has been demolished and repaired several times, but it has now been fully restored, making it a spot that must be visited.
How to Reach: The best way to reach Jaipur is by air. Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport to Jantar Mantar. Jaipur is also well-connected to other major cities by rail and road.
Also Read:
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6. Ranthambore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is situated at Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan and from the fort, the park has its name. Although the test of time has stood in ruins these days but is still famous as some of its parts, and they are still intact making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regularly spotted here was the famous tigress Machli who was the most photographed and died at the age of 19. She was also known as Ranthambore’s Queen because of her sheer power and beauty.
When we speak about the Ranthambore Fort, at a height of 700 feet, it is situated 5 km inside the city, on a hill. The Chauhan dynasty Rajput King Sapaldaksha laid the foundation stone of this fort and later many other Kings contributed to the fortification but Rao Hammir Deo Chauhan played the major role and there is still a major tourist attraction to honor his contribution 32 pillar canopy. It is the best sightseeing spot for adventure holidays and nature tours because several species are often seen here, including the much-awaited wild cat.
How to Reach: The fort can be reached by road, rail, or air. By road, it is a 6-hour drive from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. By rail, it is a 4-hour journey from Jaipur. The nearest airport is in Jaipur, which is about 2 hours away by road.
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7. Gagron Fort
Gagron Fort is situated in the Jhalawar district of Rajasthan near Kota and is recognized throughout history as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the remarkable feat of women who performed Sati or Jauhar and two live burnings in which hundreds of women burned themselves to save their chastity have been recorded here. The Gagron Fort is surrounded by three-sided water bodies that make it unique and have impressive construction as it takes support from one side of Burj Hill. Considered one of Rajasthan’s best places to visit, and is the only fort to have three courtyards, as the forts usually have two.
The famous fort was founded in the 12th century by Raja Bijili Dev, and it was ruled by the Khinchi dynasty for about 300 years after which the Mughals invaded it. The other major tourist attractions are this fort’s Parrots which are double the size of the Indian parrots and mimic the sound of humans. We are known as the Hiraman parrots and from here even Emperor Humayun kept one of the parrots in a golden cage. The fort stands at the juncture between the rivers Kalisindh and Ahu and is surrounded by greenery making it a major tourist attraction and an excellent picnic spot.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport which is about two hours away. The best way to reach Gagron Fort is by road. The fort is about six hours away from Jaipur by car.
Also Read:
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8. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
The Keoladeo National Park is next on Rajasthan’s list of UNESCO world heritage sites. It was the former Rajput Maharajas hunting ground up until 1972. It was awarded World Heritage site status by UNESCO in 1985. The nature sanctuary includes grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
The haven is populated by more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 13 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, and many more wild animals. Man-made and managed, this wetland area is a paradise for birds. Indeed, Keoladeo is known for migratory birds and is one of Rajasthan’s most popular bird-watching destinations. Read Also: 20 Top Most Visited Tourist Places in Rajasthan
How to Reach: The best way to reach Keoladeo National Park is by taking a train from Delhi to Agra Cantonment. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to the park entrance. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and the best time to visit is between October and March.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many world heritage sites are recognized by UNESCO in Rajasthan?
UNESCO names 6 World Heritage Sites forts in Rajasthan. The six majestic forts of Rajasthan won international recognition with UNESCO on Friday including them in the World Heritage Sites.
Is Jaipur a world heritage city?
Jaipur's Walled City, renowned for its iconic architectural heritage and vibrant culture, announced its entry into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Saturday.
which national park of Rajasthan is declared as a world heritage?
Keoladeo National Park. During winter, thousands of birds flock here, both migratory and residents. In 1985 the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for this reason.
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