Background
The serial site includes six majestic forts at Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer. UNESCO says their eclectic architecture, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears witness to the Rajput princely states that flourished from the 8th to the 18th century; within the walls are urban centres, palaces, trading centres and temples that often predate the fortifications, and a courtly culture of learning, music and the arts.
The six are Chittor Fort, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amer Fort at Jaipur and Jaisalmer Fort. Wikivoyage says Kumbhalgarh, built from 1443 by Rana Kumbha over 15 years, has 36 km of winding walls wide enough for eight horses abreast, guarded by seven gates, and sheltered the Mewar rulers in times of crisis.
- 8th c.The Rajput states rise in the Aravalli hills
- 1443Rana Kumbha begins Kumbhalgarh
- 16th c.Amer Fort takes its present form under the Kachhwahas
- 2013Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1ChittorgarhThe largest of the forts, on a 180 m plateau.
- 2KumbhalgarhThe 36 km wall and the hilltop palace, 85 km from Udaipur.
- 3Amer FortThe fort-palace above Jaipur, with its mirror hall.
- 4Jaisalmer FortThe living golden fort in the Thar desert.
- 5Ranthambore FortInside the tiger reserve at Sawai Madhopur.
- 6Gagron FortThe water fort at the meeting of two rivers near Jhalawar.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 08:00Kumbhalgarh Fort3 hrsThe 36 km wall and the palace on top.
- 14:00Ranakpur Jain Temple2 hrsThe 15th-century marble temple nearby.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Dec–Jan. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Mar–Jun. Rainy season Jul–Aug.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
