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Salher Fort to Vijaydurg Fort: 12 Maratha Forts Nominated For UNESCO Tag

0 Maratha Military Landscapes, the exemplary records of military prowess of the Maratha period, have been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List (2024-25). These landscapes consist of 12 marvellous Maratha Forts dating back to the 17th century, which were prominent during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha King. Here’s the list of forts nominated:  Salher Fort is the highest fort nestled in the Baglan region of Maharashtra. The Fort was historically known for the battle of Salher where Maratha troops won in the battle against Mughal. Lohgad Fort is also known as Lonavala Iron Fort for its magnificently strong iron gates. The Fort was used to keep the loot of Surat. Raigad Fort, situated in Raigad District of Maharashtra, was historically prominent for being the capital of Shivaji Maharaj’s Kingdom The mountain fort nestled in the Satara district of Maharashtra,  is known for the battle of Pratapgad, where Marathas rose victorious against Bijapur troops of General Afzal Khan  Panhala, the monument of Maratha, is a picturesque place for history enthusiasts. The Fort is also known as “Fort of Snakes”.  Sindhudurg Fort located in the Kurte island was engraved in history as the Naval Headquarter of the Marathas. The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji and art gallery showcasing his life are the main attractions. This 17th century military Fort was the birthplace of Maratha King, Chhatrapadi Shivaji Maharaj. There’s a two storey structure with the cradle of Shivaji. Khanderi Fort is another prominent island fort. The two main attractions of this Fort are the tomb of Daud Pir and the temple of Lord Vitthal.  Rajgad, one of the huge Indian forts, was historically significant for being the capital of the Maratha empire for two years.  Suvarnadurg was the birthplace of Kanhoji Angre, one of the brave military leaders of Marathas. He earned the title of Sarkhael, by serving as the head of Maratha Naval Force. The Fort located in the Villupuram district of TamilNadu, is a mixture of Dravidian and Maratha architecture. The Fort is breathtaking with nature’s beauty and magnificent ancient ruins. Vijaydurg or Eastern Gibraltar, was also known as the Fort of victory. Shivaji conquered the Fort from Adil Shah. Rameshwar temple inside the Fort is one of the main attractions.

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Majestic Bengal: Top 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Explore in West Bengal!

0 West Bengal’s culture is both fascinating and extensive. Several monarchies, including the Palas, Guptas, Senas, Mughals, and British governed Bengal’s area. Each of these kingdoms left an impression on the region’s architecture and civilization, which combined to create Bengal’s diverse legacy.  West Bengal’s rich artistic heritage demands extensive research from the state’s north to south. This state of India is rich in attractions, ranging from the snow-covered mountains seen from Darjeeling to Indo-Islamic buildings and terracotta shrines to the contemporary metropolis of Kolkata, which blends history and modernity. So, here are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore in West Bengal. Santiniketan, an internationally recognized educational hub, ranks among the top tourist destinations in West Bengal. Maharshi Debendranath Tagore constructed it in the 19th century’s second half, where individuals, irrespective of religion and caste, could visit and spend time comfortably indulging in meditation.  After a few years, Santiniketan was branched out by the Maharshi’s son, beloved & renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. He was the prime character of the Bengali Renaissance, whose idea brought forth Visva-Bharati, an educational hub today. The ashram region of Santiniketan includes the magnificent stained glass mandir, Dinantika, Patha-Bhavana, Singha-Sadan, and more. Nestled between the verdant tea estates of Kurseong and Kalimpong and the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling and its sister districts provide an outstanding exploration of West Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.  The first amazing toy train to catch the public’s attention was the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which debuted in 1879 and 1881. This toy train ride was made even more spectacular by the Indian Railway’s 2-foot narrow-gauge railway track.  Reaching more than 7,000 feet in altitude, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the globe’s oldest and longest railroad, making it one of the most popular things in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was inducted into the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1999. It’s a Tiger Reserve, and a leading Biosphere Reserve situated on West Bengal’s Ganges Delta. Being the most substantial estuarine mangrove jungle globally, along with India’s ancient and most prominent national parks, Sundarban National Park boasts a wide array of reptiles, birds, aquatic creatures. It was recognized as a National Park in 1984, but in 1987, it got the UNESCO World Heritage Site appellation. If you belong to West Bengal or are thinking about traveling here soon, these are the top 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to dive into the state’s culture. 

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