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. There are many famous forts and palaces along with wildlife sanctuaries and other monuments which has attracted thousands of visitors and some of them have become a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. The famous sites are described in this blog which is good for the history lovers and for those people who want to explore more about the diversity of Rajasthan.
Chittorgarh FortThe Chittorgarh fort stands as the testimony of the Rajputana architecture and is known among the people because of its massive structure. According to mythology Bhima who was one of the Brother of Pandavas during the Mahabharat has built this Chittorgarh fort in one night. The most important thing is that it has been declared the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also called as the Water Fort since there are large number of water bodies found inside the premises. Earlier it was said that it had 84 water bodies but now 22 exist and it is said that an army of 50,000 soldiers could stay there for four years without the thirst of water.
Considered as one of the best places to see in Rajasthan which covers an area of 700 acres and stands on 180 metres high hill. Known for the valour of the Rajput Kings and the heroism and romance of the Rajputana princess. Even Meera, who was the mystic poetess and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna is associated with this fort. Considered as the pride of the Rajasthan state and according to the historians it was believed to be made by the Mauryans in 7th century and further the structures were added by Mewar rulers.
Rajasthan tourism promotes it as one of the best sightseeing places and good for family holiday as well as adventure holidays. It is one of the must see places and can be reached through one line mile long serpentine road which leads to the fort.
KumbhalgarhKumbhalgarh Fort is one of the biggest forts because of its massive construction and long fortifications which is extended to an area of 36 kms and is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, next only to the Great Wall of China.There are numerous palaces, gardens and temples which adds to its beauty and makes it one of the best places to see in Rajasthan. The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in 15th Century from which it has derived its name. It is constructed at a height of 1,914 metres above sea level. Once you plan to visit this fort you will find a zigzag road which goes through deep ravines and thick forests which makes it perfect for adventure holiday. With seven massive gates which stands to the testimony of the great structure and has huge watch towers with seven ramparts which is folded with one another with designed walls.
The other major attraction which is highlighted by Rajasthan tourism is that it has no less than 360 temples located inside the fort. Shiva temple is worth visiting here and is one of the best sightseeeing places. It is one of the great places to holiday in India because it also has Badal Mahal or the Palace of cloud. Also said to be the birth place of Maharana Pratap. The palace is very beautiful with lovely color combination of turquoise, green and white which adds to its style and splendour.
Ranthambore FortRanthambore Fort is located in Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan and the park has got its name from the fort. Although in ruins these days but still famous as some of the parts has stood the test of the time and they are still intact making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous tigress Machli which was the most photographed tigress and died at the age of 19 was spotted here regularly. She was also considered as the Queen of Ranthambore because of her sheer poweress and her looks. When we talk about the Ranthambore Fort, it is located 5 kms inside the park on a hill at a height of 700 feet. The Rajput King Sapaldaksha from Chauhan dynasty laid the foundation stone of this fort and later many other Kings contributed towards the fortification but the major role was played by Rao Hammir Deo Chauhan and to honour his contribution 32 pillar canopy is still there which is a major tourist attraction. It is best sightseeing places for adventure holiday and wildlife tours because several animals including the much anticipated wild cat is often sighted here.
Gagron FortGagron Fort is situated in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan near Kota and it is UNESCO World Heritage Site which is known in the history for the remarkable feat by womens who performed Sati or Jauhar and two live burnings have been stated here in which hundreds of women burned themselves to save their chastity. The Gagron Fort is surrounded by water bodies from three sides which makes it unique and it has remarkable construction as it takes support from the hill of Burj from one side. Considered as one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan and is the only fort having three courtyards because normally the forts have two.
The famous fort was built by Raja Bijili Dev in 12th century and it was ruled around 300 years by Khinchi dynasty after which it was attacked by Mughals. The other major tourist attractions are the Parrots of this fort who are double the size of the Indian parrots and imitate the sound of human beings. They are known as the Hiraman parrots and even Emperor Humayun has kept one of the parrots in golden cage from here. The fort stands at the juncture of Kalisindh and Ahu rivers and is surrounded by greenery which makes it major tourist attraction and an excellent picnic spot.
Amber FortAmber Fort is one of the most majestic forts built by Raja Shri Mann Singh Ji I and is located on a high hill. This famous fort has been named as one of the The artistic style of this Amber Fort has a blend of Hindu and Rajput elements. The Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas which are termed as the Hall of Public and Hall of Private audience have very beautiful mosaic work. Also, there is a Sukh Niwass or Sukh Mandir which is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. The beautiful architecture has water channels running through it into the hall and carries cool water which works as an air cooler with little help from the breeze. The doors are made of ivory and sandalwood. Also, there is Sheesh Mahal which is made with thousands of glasses on its wall beautifully placed and even the song from Bollywood movie Mughal-E-Azam “Pyar Kiya to Darna kya” was shot here. The famous Sheesh mahal was built to please the Queen as she loved to see the shiny stars so the king ordered his architects to make something which is unique. It is made in such a way that if you burn two candles then the entire palace turns into emiting lights which turns into thousands of stars which makes it a great sightseeing places and famous among tourists.
Jaisalmer FortJaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts built by Bhati Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal and is commonly known as Sone ka Quila because of its magnificent looks and is considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located at Thar Desert. The most visited tourist attractions in Jaisalmer and is built on Trikuta hill and has been the place which has witnessed many battles. Made of massive sandstone which looks in different hues and colors with the Sunrise and Sunset and has a good blend of Islamic and Rajput architectural style which makes it unique and the Jaisalmer Fort has four entrances to the townside which makes it easily accesible and the entrances used to be guarded by Canons during the rule of the Kings. Jawahar palace is one of the most beautiful palace inside the fort which was the residence of the royal families. The famous sightseeing places here are Raj Mahal, Jain and Laxmikanth temples. Also, there are many families which reside in the premises of the fort and almost a town is located inside the fort.
Keoladeo National ParkKeoladeo National Park has various species of birds and also wet marshy lands which makes it natural habitat for breeding of birds as they get enough food to eat in the form of insects and fish. Around 364 species of birds are found here and the famous Siberian Crane are sighted here on a regular basis. During the migratory season of birds, they come from all the way through Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia and has been named as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are many rare species of birds which are found here and one can go for sightseeing of the birds on the cycle rickshaws with the help of local tourist guide. It was declared a national park in 1982 and there is no encroachement in this area by locals as the entire park is enclosed within a boundary wall. There is regulated supply from the water resrvoir outside the sanctuary so that there should be no deficiency of food for birds.
Jantar MantarJantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Prince Jai Singh II who built it to know more about the astronomical skills and cosmology concept. There are many instruments built there and the prince himself was scholarly who had a deep interest in astronomy and cosmology. Designed for observation of astronomical bodies with naked eyes and there are instruments like sun dial and various others which help to get the exact positions of stars and other. Thus it is apt that it has been named as one of the UNESCO World heritage site. A great example of observatory which has deep cosmic influence on the people of the medieval times. It has very comprehensive set of astronomical instruments and is situated in the heart of Jaipur city which makes it easily accesible to the tourist.
The famous observatory is visited by thousands of tourists every year some of them are largest one built in this category. It has been destroyed and built many times but now it has been completely restored which makes it a must see place.