UNESCO World Heritage Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Chittorgarh Fort: Initially built during the last decade of the 7th century by the Mori Rajput rulers, is an iconic fort of the country. Standing atop a nearly 600 ft high hill, the massive fort has a 13 km long perimeter wall encompassing the fort’s area of nearly 700 acres, and you need to pass through seven sections with gates to reach the core area. You will be astonished to see palaces, temples, water bodies, and many other structures that number over 50 within the fort. Immortalized beautiful queen Rani Padmavati lived here. It is one of the best forts of not only Rajasthan but India. Chittorgarh is the district headquarters and is located about 110 km from Udaipur and about 310 km from Jaipur.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: With a wall that extends for nearly 36 ng and is the second longest in the world, Kumbhalgarh fort is spread over an area of over 650 acres atop a hill. The fort wall itself meanders over 7 hills. Built by Rana Kumbha during the last decade of the 16th century, the fort complex houses 7 gateways, 3 palaces, and over 300 temples, of which many are dilapidated or stand ruined. The greatest Rajput king and warrior of all time, Maharana Pratap, was born here. Kumbhalgarh fort is in the Rajsamand district of the state and is about 85 km away from Udaipur and about 340 km from Jaipur.
Jaisalmer Fort: One of the finest forts of the state, it was constructed during the 12th century and is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. Located atop a hill overlooking the sprawling city of Jaisalmer, it is fascinating to watch the fort walls change hue at sunrise and sunset. Successive rulers kept extending the built-in portion of the fort without compromising on the overall look and charm of the fort. The fort has 99 bastions, 5 palaces, 4 gateways, and many temples. It is one of the rare living forts, where the descendants of those who served the various rulers continue to live inside the fort. About a hundred years ago, the city of Jaisalmer was inside the fort! Jaisalmer city is about 555 km away from Jaipur.
Ranthambore Fort: Perched atop a hill inside the Ranthambore National Park, the fort was built during the 10th century by the Rajput Chauhan rulers. Located in the midst of a landscape rich with wildlife, it was a favorite hunting palace for the rulers. Even today, a section of the large fort is often frequented by wild animals. Acclaimed as an architectural marvel, the fort comprises many palaces, seven gateways, water bodies, and temples. Located in the district of Sawai Madhopur, the fort is approximately 190 km away from Jaipur.
Gagron Fort: It is one of the wonder forts built directly on the rocky surface without a foundation and is called a Jaladurga as it is covered on three sides by water. Located on the outskirts of Jhalawar town at the confluence of Kali Sindh river and Ahu river, it was built during the 12th century. Spread over an area of about 4 square kilometers, the fort is built in a strategic location, as is evident to the naked eye. A couple of watching points in the fort designed to keep watch now serve as great view points. Jhalawar is about 330 km away from Jaipur.
Amber Fort: This beautiful fort is located on an elevated place about 12 km from the city of Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh during the 16th century and was expanded by successive rulers. The fort has two main gateways, many courtyards, palaces, temples, and other monuments. Some records suggest that the fort was originally built during the 10th century and stood for about 5 centuries before Raja Man Singh rebuilt it.
