Hill forts of Rajasthan :

The six Hill Forts of Rajasthan, spread across Rajasthan state in northern India, clustered together as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forts are mainly based in the Aravalli Range, and were built and enhanced between the 5th and 18th centuries CE by several Rajput kings of different kingdoms. They comprise:

1. Chittor Fort at Chittorgarh
2. Kumbhalgarh Fort at Kumbhalgarh
3. Ranthambore Fort at Sawai Madhopur
4. Gagron Fort at Jhalawar
5. Amer Fort at Jaipur
6. Jaisalmer Fort at Jaisalmer

1.Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh

One of the oldest forts in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh Fort is the origin of many stories of valor, courage and sacrifice. The impregnable fortress is one of the most significant places to learn the history of Rajasthan. The 7th century fort is the land of Meera Bai who drank poison than leave the love of her Lord Krishna, and, Rani Padmini and Karnavati who protected honor by jumping into the fire of Jauhar and the heroics of Gora Badal and Panna Dhai.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the breathing grounds of the romantic tales of Rajasthan. Sieged numerous times in various periods of history, a lot of stories lies within its boundaries. Check out the beautiful attractions of Rana Kumbha Mahal, Ratan Singh’s Palace, Badal Mahal, Rani Padmini’s Palace, Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal, etc. The Vijay Stambha and Kirti Stambha and several cenotaphs stand as memorials.
The temples of Kalikamata Temple, Adbuthnath Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, etc are worshipped by Hindus and Jains and still draw crowds. The seven gates of Chittorgarh deserves attention as they have lots of history associated with it.

2. Kumbhalgarh Fort :

The vast history of Kumbhalgarh Fort makes it a very important place to visit. Built during 15th century by Maharana Rana Kumbha atop the Aravali Mountains, the height of the fort is almost 1915 metres above sea level. The fortifications of the fort go up to 36 kms and is the longest after the “Great Wall of China”.
The seven gates of the 12 km long fort open up horizons of attractions. Almost three hundred and sixty things are there to check out. Explore the marvelous mansions, crumbling shrines, temples, wells known as ‘baoris’, and lush green parks. Do not miss the impressive ‘Badal Mahal’ and the Shiva Temple. The fortress has numerous stories to share. Walk through the remnants of a valiant era.

3. Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur :

Ranthambore Fort is housed in the wildlife sanctuary of the same name in Sawai Madhopur. Built in the 10th century by Nagil Jats, these are the oldest remnants of the royalty of Rajasthan. Built on two hills, the fort is mainly in ruins. Witnessing attacks of Mughals, British and ravages of time, few structures remain standing.
Attractions to check out are Hammir’s Court, Badal Mahal, Dhula Mahal, Ganesha temple, Jogi Mahal, Shiva Temple, Ramlalji Temple and temple of Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavanath. The roar of the Royal Bengal Tigers and the call of wild animals can be frequently heard. The calls are reminders that the fort is their territory.
Adventure is the allure of the fort. Now it is a free sanctuary of animals which was previously hunting grounds of the Royalty.

4. Gagron Fort, Gagron

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the hill fort of Rajasthan is a beauty. The Gagron Fort is a beautiful site of archaeological importance. This structure is the epitome of a “Jal Durg” as it is surrounded by water on all sides. Built for protection from armies, in 1195 A.D by King Bijaldev of the Parmara Empire, the fort draws visitors and devotes from all over. Here also lies the tomb of a Sufi saint, Pipa Baba. The glory of the fort has been faded with time but its charm still lives. The Rajputana glory lives in these structures forgotten in the chapters of history.

5. Amer Fort :

Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. The town of Amer was originally built by Meenas, and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh I (December 21, 1550 – July 6, 1614). Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the main source of water for the Amer Palace.
Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-i-Khas, or "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The palace was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. At the entrance to the palace near the fort's Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to Shila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult, which was given to Raja Man Singh when he defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal in 1604. (Jessore is now in Bangladesh).

6. Jaisalmer Fort : 

Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. The massive fortification atop the Trikuta hill overlooked the sand dunes of Thar Desert. The spectacular beauty was built way back in 12th Century by Rawal Jaisal. The yellow sandstone structure is the color of warm honey and is also called Sonar Quila. Within the walls of the forts there are houses, markets, restaurants, temples and every aspect of a chaotic urban town. The UNESCO heritage site has precious attractions to check out.

The walls of the fort are 3 tiered and maintain 99 bastions and two major cannon points for safety. The Royal Palace, The Shree Nath Palace, Vyas Haveli, Museums, temples of both Hindu and Jain faiths are attractions to visit.
 

                                     The Forts, Palaces, Mahals and Temples are reminiscences of the glories of the rulers. The forts built by these ruling clans are magnificent specimens of military strategy, splendid beauty and historical value. The sheer brilliance of the marvelous monuments will inspire awe within you. Every ruler clan of Rajputana, be it Rajputs, Jats, Gurjars, or others has made their contribution. Every fort of Rajputana has a unique charisma.