8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan to Visit

Table of Content:

  1. What is UNESCO World Heritage Day and When UNESCO World Heritage Day is Celebrated?
  2. 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan
  3. What is UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  4. How a Heritage Site Gets the Status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?

 

Everything About World Heritage Day

What is UNESCO World Heritage Day and When UNESCO World Heritage Day is Celebrated?

UNESCO World Heritage Day is a global celebration held on April 18th to spread awareness and advocate the importance of safeguarding and conserving natural and cultural heritage all over the world. UNESCO established World Heritage Day in 1982, and it has since become an international event, with numerous events and activities taking place in various countries to celebrate the day. World Heritage Day 2023 Theme - Heritage Changes

The main goal of World Heritage Day is to promote the cultural diversity and richness of the world's heritage sites, as well as to emphasize the importance of protecting them from damage or destruction caused by a variety of factors such as natural disasters, human activities, and climate change.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan

You can visit the following 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan on the occasion of UNESCO World Heritage Day 2023 - 
1. UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Keoladeo National Park:
 
The Keoladeo National Park
The Keoladeo National Park, also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan, India. It is a well-known bird sanctuary and one of the best in the world.

The park encompasses approximately 29 square kilometers and is home to over 370 bird species, including the critically endangered Siberian Crane. Other wildlife found in the park includes deer, antelope, wild boar, and a variety of reptiles.

In the 18th century, the park was established as a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Bharatpur, but it was later designated as a protected sanctuary in 1971. Since then, the park has become a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site – Amer Fort:
 
Amer Fort
Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Indian city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, known for its impressive architecture and rich history. The fort is located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The intricate architecture of Amer Fort combines elements of Rajput and Mughal styles. The fort is made of red sandstone and marble, and it includes several impressive structures such as the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).

Amer Fort's many courtyards, gardens, and buildings can be explored by visitors. The Sound and Light Show, which tells the story of the fort's history through light projections and audio commentary, is one of the most popular attractions.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Site -Kumbhalgarh Fort:
 
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan, India. Rana Kumbha constructed the fort in the 15th century, and it is known for its impressive architecture and massive walls that stretch for 36 kilometers, making it the second-longest continuous wall following the Great Wall of China.

The Kumbha Palace, the Badal Mahal, and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are among the palaces, temples, and gardens within the fort complex. During times of siege, the fort also had several water reservoirs and step-wells that provided water to the residents.

The Rajputana dynasty's engineering skills are on display at Kumbhalgarh Fort, which served as a stronghold against the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The fort is now a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the world. It is also a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and a source of pride for the Rajasthani people.

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4. UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ranthambhore Fort:
 
Ranthambhore Fort
Ranthambore Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district. It is located within Ranthambore National Park and is famous for its rich history, impressive architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

The Chauhan dynasty built the fort in the 10th century, and it was expanded in the 12th century. It was captured by several different dynasties over the centuries and served as a strategic fortification for the rulers of Rajasthan. The fort was also important in the battles between the Mughals and the Rajputs.

Several temples, palaces, and reservoirs are part of the fort complex, including the Ganesh Temple, Ramji Temple, and Kachhawa Palace. The fort also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and is home to various wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, and deer.

Ranthambore Fort is now a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the world. It is also a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and a source of pride for the Rajasthani people.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site -The Gagron Fort:
 
The Gagron Fort
The Gagron Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district. It is known for its unique location and impressive architecture, and it is located at the confluence of the Kali Sindh and Ahu rivers.

The rulers of the Jhalawar Kingdom built the fort in the 14th century, and it was later expanded in the 16th century. It served as a strategic fortification for Rajasthan's rulers and was crucial in battles between the Mughals and the Rajputs.

Several temples, palaces, and gardens are part of the fort complex, including the Baradari Palace, the Shahi Mosque, and the Jain Temple. A moat surrounds the fort, and several underground tunnels were used for defense and escape.

The Gagron Fort is notable for being India's only fort that is surrounded by water on three sides, making it an impressive example of water fortification. The fort is now a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the world. It is also a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and a source of pride for the Rajasthani people.
6. UNESCCO World Heritage Site – Jantar Mantar:
 
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jaipur, India's capital city. It is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the early 18th century.

The Jantar Mantar was created to measure time, track celestial bodies, and study planet and star movements. It is an impressive example of the time's scientific and technological knowledge, and astronomers used it to make precise astronomical observations and calculate the positions of celestial objects.

Jantar Mantar's instruments include the world's largest sundial, the Samrat Yantra, the Jaiprakash Yantra, and the Jai Prakash Yantra. Each instrument serves a specific purpose and is intended to measure astronomical phenomena such as the positions of stars and planets, the time of day, and the position of the sun.
7. UNESCO World Heritage Site – Jaisalmer Fort:
 
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The fort, which was built in the 12th century by Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, is one of the world's largest.

The fort is constructed of yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture. It is also well-known for its unique location in the Thar Desert, earning it the nickname "Golden City."

The Maharaja's Palace, Jain Temples, and the Laxminath Temple are among the palaces, temples, and residential buildings within the fort complex. In addition, the fort has several water reservoirs and a complex system of underground water channels that were used to collect and store water during droughts.
8. UNESCO World Heritage Site – Chittorgarh Fort:
 
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Rajasthan district of Chittorgarh. It is one of India's largest forts, known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The Maurya dynasty built the fort in the 7th century, and it was later expanded by several Rajput rulers, including Rana Kumbha and Rana Sanga. It served as a strategic fortification for Rajasthan's rulers and played an important role in battles between the Mughals and Rajputs.

The Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, and Padmini Palace are among the temples, palaces, and reservoirs in the fort complex. A moat surrounds the fort, and several underground tunnels were used for defense and escape.

Chittorgarh Fort is also associated with Rani Padmini, the legendary Rajput queen known for her beauty and bravery. The Padmini Palace and the Padmini Kund are two monuments dedicated to her memory in the fort.
What is UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location that has been designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, or scientific significance and is legally protected by international treaties. These sites can be of natural, cultural, or mixed significance, and they must meet certain criteria to be considered for the prestigious status of World Heritage Site.

The goal of the UNESCO World Heritage program is to protect and preserve these sites for future generations while also raising awareness and appreciation for them among people all over the world. As of 2023, there are over 1,157 World Heritage Sites spread across 167 countries.

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How a Heritage Site Gets the Status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?

The selection of a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rigorous and time-consuming process with several stages and criteria. The selection process of World Heritage Site is as follows:

1. Tentative List: The site must first be nominated to the Tentative List of potential World Heritage Sites by the country in which it is located. This is a list of sites that the country believes have cultural or natural value and would like to be considered for inclusion on the World Heritage List.

2. Nomination: Following the selection of a site for nomination, the country must submit a detailed nomination dossier to UNESCO. This dossier contains information about the significance of the site, its cultural or natural value, and the steps taken to protect and preserve it.

3. Evaluation: The nomination will then be assessed by two advisory bodies: the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for cultural sites and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) for natural sites. These bodies evaluate the site based on ten selection standards, which include cultural significance, integrity, authenticity, and management.

4. Decision: The World Heritage Committee decides whether to add the site to the World Heritage List based on the evaluation. The Committee meets once a year to review nominations and makes decisions based on the advice of the advisory bodies.

5. Monitoring: After a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List, UNESCO monitors it on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the selection criteria and to identify potential threats to its preservation.


8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan to Visit   UNESCO   World Heritage Sites in Rajasthan   World Heritage Sites   World Heritage   World Heritage Day   UNESCO World Heritage Site   How a Heritage Site Gets the Status of a World Heritage Site  


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