Chittorgarh Fort

Hill Forts of Rajastahan: The serial site, situated in the state of Rajastahan, includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. The ecclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Enclosed within defensive walls are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings including temples that often predate the fortifications within which developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music and the arts. Some of the urban centres enclosed in the fortifications have survived, as have many of the site's temples and other sacred buildings. The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today.

Unesco: Hill Forts of Rajasthan
RR: April alternative RR
Date: April 15

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh, also known as the Great Wall of India, is a fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan state. The wall of Kumbhalgarh is one of the longest continuous walls in the world, spanning 36 kilometers. Kumbhalgarh has seven fortified gateways. There are over 360 temples within the fort, both Jain and Hindu Temples. From the palace top, it is possible to see Kilometres into the Aravalli Range. The Fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Unesco: Hill Forts of Rajasthan
RR: All about your country 
Date: March 8

Jaipur

A view of Jaipur with Galta Gate. Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or Pink City for its trademark building color.  Galta Gate leads to Galta Ji Temple, an ancient temple complex as well as a popular local Hindu pilgrim in Jaipur.

RR: Just Postcards RR
Date: Dec 21

Chittorgarh Fort

Within the State of Rajasthan, six extensive and majestic hill forts together reflect the elaborate, fortified seats of power of Rajput princely states that flourished between the 8th and 18th centuries and their relative political independence. This card shows Vijay Sthambh (Tower of Victory) at Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest fort of India spread over 700 acres and situated on a high hill near the Gambheri River. This massive fort has marked his own place for bravery and sacrifice of Rajputs. The fort has seven large gates, four palace complexes, many temples and several stepwells and ponds. Vijay Sthambh  is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god, one of the three main gods in Hinduism.

Unesco: Hill Forts of Rajasthan
Distance: 6,876 km
Travel time: 19 days