Heritage Tours
Rajasthan is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is globally famous for its cultural and heritage attractions. The state is culturally and historically rich and draws a large number of tourists from all over the world towards it.On Heritage of Rajasthan tours, you will have an excellent opportunity to visit some rich cultural heritage of India which includes magnificent monuments, invincible citadels, majestic mansions, fantastic forts, palatial palaces, splendid havelis, terrific temples, heritage hotels, and many more.
The following Heritage monuments are:
1. Amer is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amer, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. Located 9 Km north west of Jaipur, the Amer Fort was once the Capital of the Minas.
The construction of the Amer Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls, which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial.
The fort was built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.
Amer Fort also called the Amer Fort is a must-see if you are visiting Rajasthan. The tourists to this fort can either approach the fort by road or take an elephant ride, which though is quite slow yet is a lot of fun.
2. Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres by road south of Bhilwara. It was ruled initially by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs, from 7th century, until it was finally abandoned in 1568 after the siege by Emperor Akbar in 1567. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.
The fort was sacked three times between 15th and 16th centuries; in 1303 Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Bikramjeet Singh and in 1567 Emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II who left the fort and founded Udaipur. Each time the men fought bravely rushing out of the fort walls charging the enemy but lost every time. Following these defeats, Jauhar was committed thrice by more than 13,000 ladies and children of the Rajput heroes who laid their lives in battles at Chittorgarh Fort, first led by Rani Padmini wife of Rana Rattan Singh who was killed in the battle in 1303, and later by Rani Karnavati in 1537 AD.
Thus, the fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers of Sisodia and their kinsmen and women and children, between the 7th century and 16th century. The rulers, their soldiers, the women folk of royalty and the commoners considered death as a better option than dishonor in the face of surrender to the foreign invading armies.
3. Jaisalmer Fort : Built in 1156 A.D., the Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. It was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal. The fort is made in soft The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, out of which 92 were built between 1633 and 1647.
The five story edifice adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.
The fort stands almost 30 meters over the city and unbelivebly houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.There are several entrances, called ‘pols’ that guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which bear the imperial symbols of the Bhatti clan’s lunar lineage. Outside the fort, is the main market place called Manek Chowk.
These days the fort is crowded by a population of merchants and shop owners living within its walls. The small lanes are surrounded with number of houses, temples, and shops. Jaisalmer fort essentially boosts life with the people who goes about their daily routines. Many tourists make it to this exotic town where camel safaris are popular as is the annual desert festival in February.
4. Junagarh Fort is one of the most imposing forts situated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. It is located in the city of Bikaner also known as the “Camel City” or “Camel Country”. This magnificent fort was originally known as Chintamani Fort. It was renamed as “Junagarh Fort” or “Old Fort” in the early 20th century. It is an exception amongst all other forts of Rajasthan because it is not situated on a hilltop.
This magnificent fort was built by Raja Rai Singh Ji (the Sixth Ruler of Bikaner) in 1588 to1593 under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh Ji. The fort is very popular as an unconquered fort till date. The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats. There are 37 bastions guarding the fort with only two gates as the entrance pathway to the fort – the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. Just like the 37 bastions, there are 37 red sandstone marvels inside the premises of the fort, which include palaces with intricately carved windows, delicate balconies, towers and cabins, temples and pavilions.
The highlights are the Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace decorated beautifully with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels, the Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace, the Karan Mahal and definitely the multi-storied Anup Mahal, which was once used as the governance chambers for the rulers. Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal or Victory Palace, and Rang Mahal or Color Palace are also fine examples of the splendid architecture. The fort also houses a museum with an extensive collection of illuminated and rare scripts, jewellery, utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal belongings. It also features a beautiful temple, Hari Mandir, where the royal family used to worship.
5. Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state, is one of the largest forts in India.
The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.
Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons.A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning ‘victory’), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning ‘victory’) gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention even today.
Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun, for truly, it is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “ the work of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as the finest living example of a Hindu fortress.
Jodha’s fortress was ‘Chao Burja’ – a fort with four Bastions. The extremities of the original fortress fall within the limit of the second gate today. Of Jodha’s time itself, very little remains, the fort expanded beyond his outer gates within fifty years of his death but the spot where this gate stood is known as “ Rao Jodhaji Ka Falsa” ( Jodha’s outer limit of the boundary). In its Janampatri the fort is named Chintamani, after the Mythological gem worn by lord Ram which supposedly frees the owner of all worldly worry. Chintamani gave way to Mordhwaj, the flag of the peocock, presumably because the forts outer parameter suggests the fan like tail of a dancing peacock, It is at some point after this that the name Mehrangarh began to appear in chronicles and poems. “Mehr” is a Rajasthani word for the sun and it is not at all unlikely that the Suryavanshi Rathores would name their first citadel in their mythological ancestor’s honour.