How Many Of These UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Rajasthan Have You Been To?

Padharo Mhare Des!

Although Rajasthan garners a major chunk of attention for its desserts, larger than life cuisine, fun and frolic culture, and historic significance, the fact that it’s also home to a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites makes it all the more desirable as a vacation spot! So if you are planning on taking a trip to Rajasthan sometime in the future, here are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should be on the top of your bucket list! 

Pic Credits: AndBeyond

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 appeal of the Chittorgarh Fort. For those who don’t remember it, or haven’t seen the film, it’s the tragic site where Rani Padmavati (played by Deepika Padukone) commits Jauhar. Coming back to the context of this article, Chittorgarh Fort stands in splendid grandeur in a sprawling area of 700 acres! Situated 180 meters above sea level atop a hill, it was built in the 7th century and was 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 originally been built in the 6th century by the Maurya Dynasty, it is a prominent tourist attraction in Rajasthan. The fort is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views of the city! You’ll be intrigued to know that it has an exterior wall, the length of which is 36 kilometres and greater than that of The Great Wall of China! Its premises also include a host of temples that you can check 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 tourists flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance and proximity to wildlife. In fact, if you get lucky, you may 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 place where women used to commit Jauhar. It’s surrounded by water bodies from three sides and by the Hill of Burj from the fourth remaining side. Constructed back in the 12th century, this stunning fort continues to attract several tourists each year!

5. Amber Fort

Amber Fort showcases an interesting blend of Hindu and Rajputana values through its impressive architecture! This fort houses many architectural wonders like Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas, Sukh Mandir, and Sheesh Mahal, all of which have been constructed quite strategically. Today, there are a host of activities like puppet shows, light and sound shows, dance performances, and elephant rides that are organised for tourists here. 

6. Jaisalmer Fort

Did you know that Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sone ka Quila? Not just that, it even proudly carries the tag of being one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan! Housing the Jawahar Palace, Raj Mahal, Jain temple, and Laxmikanth temple on its premises, it’s during sunrise and sunset when this fort looks the most beautiful! 

7. Keoladeo National Park

A famous 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 home to an abundant species of birds, fish, reptiles, turtles, and many more wild animals. 

8. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar was built as an astronomical observatory by Prince Jai Singh II. He was keen on learning more 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 houses several instruments to understand the placement of stars and planets! Well, we certainly can’t wait to visit this place! How about you?

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Header Image Credits: Holidify, Udaipurian.com, Jaisalmer Holiday Tour Packages