Kumbhalgarh Fort: Where History, Scenic Beauty, & Adventure Converge

Kumbhalgarh Fort: A Spectacular Rajasthan Getaway for All Seasons

Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second largest wall after the “Great wall of China”. It is situated on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand district near Udaipur of Rajasthan, Western India. It is situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur by road. It is built on a hilltop 3600 ft. above sea level on the Aravalli range, and its walls extend 36 km (22 mi), making it one of the longest walls in the world. The frontal walls are fifteen feet thick. Kumbhalgarh has seven fortified gateways.

There are 300 Jain Ancient temples and 60 Hindu temples are located within the fort. It was considered as most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh Fort in Mewar. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha during the course of the 15th century. His kingdom of Mewar stretched from Ranthambore to Gwalior. He had 84 forts in his dominion and 32 was built by him and Kumbhalgarh Fort is the hugest and most alluring one.

Mewar and Marwar are separated because of Kumbhalgarh and at times of danger, it was used as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar. A notable instance was in the case of Prince Udai, the infant king of Mewar who was smuggled here in 1535 when Chittaur was under siege. In 1535 the infant king of Mewar was smuggled here. In 1576, Akbar’s general has taken control of the fort, but it was retaken by Maharana Pratap in 1585. In 1818 to protect the fort an armed band of Sannyasins formed a garrison to protect the fort but was convinced by Tod and the fort was taken over by the British. At the end of the 19th century, it was returned to Udaipur State and is now open to the public and beautifully lit in the evening.

In 2013, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan. A three-day annual festival is organized by The Rajasthan Tourism Department in the fort in remembrance of the passion of Maharana Kumbha towards art and architecture. Sound and light shows are organized with the fort as the background. The events like heritage Fort Walk, turban tying, tug-of-war and Mehendi Mandana are also organised.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort?

When is the most appropriate time to visit Kumbhalgarh? Kumbhalgarh's climate is tropical, with summer temperatures reaching a high of around 42°C and winter temperatures ranging between a high of around 25°C and a low of around 11°C. The total annual rainfall is approximately 88 centimetres. The winter months (September-March) are ideal for visiting this location.

 Kumbhalgarh Fort Visiting Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 Cost of Entry for Indians: INR 15 per head
 Cost of Entry for Foreigner: INR 200 per head

Places to Visit near Kumbhalgarh Fort:

Mammadev Temple: The Mammadev Temple, renowned for its exquisite interior design and architecture, is situated just beneath the Kumbhalgarh Fort. This temple, which Rana Kumbha built in 1460 and displays beautiful sculptures, is without a doubt one of the best spots to visit in Kumbhalgarh. The temple contains two "chhatris," or cenotaphs, in honour of illustrious kings Rana Kumbh and Prithviraj Chauhan. Additionally, the temple contained four enormous blocks with inscriptions detailing the history and heritage of the Mewar tribe. However, the pillars were moved to the Udaipur Museum a few years ago. Additionally, the area has a sizable reservoir known as "kund."

Badal Mahal: On top of the fort, there lies a place called Badal Mahal. This two-story palace, which Rana Fateh Singh built, is divided between the Zanana Mahal and the Mardana Mahal, two separate but interconnected sections. With wall murals, the palace is exquisitely ornamented. The lattice or stone jalis from the queen's former viewing area may be found in the women's portion.

It was built inside the Kumbhalgarh Fort and is regarded as the tallest building. Massive apartments that were mural-painted in pastel colours made up the imposing Palace. A fascinating perspective of the inside and outside of the fort is provided by the Mahal.

The Kumbhalgarh Fort's Fateh Prakesh Palace, Ram Pol, Paghra Pol, Topkhana Pol, Bhairava Pol, Vijay Stambha, Hulla Pol, and Nimboo Pol are additional points of interest.

Vedi Temple: Rana Kumbha required a location for rituals following the completion of Kumbhalgarh Fort building. Rituals were performed by him at the Vedi Temple. Beautiful octagonal-shaped 36 pillars support the dome-like ceiling of the Vedi Temple, which has a magnificent architectural design. A double-story temple with a lofty platform as its foundation.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Tourists visiting Udaipur are drawn in large numbers by the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The Rajsamand district of Rajasthan is where this Sanctuary is located. On Udaipur-Pali-Jodhpur Road, Kumbhalgarh Park is located 65 kilometers from Udaipur. This is a wonderful location to visit if you enjoy wildlife. Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary surrounds the enormous fort of Kumbhalgarh and spans an area of 578 sq km. This park's name was borrowed from the same fort.

The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, which extends over the Aravalli Range, includes portions of the Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts. Numerous wild animals from endangered species call the sanctuary home. Numerous animals, including the wolf, leopard, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai, chausingha (the four-horned antelope), chinkara, and the hare, have natural homes in the sanctuary. In actuality, Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary in Rajasthan where you may observe wolves at work.

Parshuram Mahadev Temple: In Rajasthan's Pali district is where you'll find the Parshuram Mahadev temple. This well-known temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev. Here, 500 stairs lead to an ancient cave that must be descended in order to access it. In addition, the temple provides a breath-taking sight from its perch atop the Aravalli hills and a brief journey to its entrance. This location is regarded as one of the best in the Kumbhalgarh forest and offers visitors not just a sacred site but also lovely surroundings.

The Ganesh idol and nine kunds, which never dry out and are revered for their holiness and religiosity, can also be found in the temple. In close proximity to the temple, you can also travel here to the Kumbhalgarh fort.

Muchhal Mahavir Temple: Jain temple Muchhal Mahavir Temple is situated in Rajasthan's Pali District. Lord Mahavir is the subject of this Jain temple. It offers a wonderful mental break because it is situated amid the lush Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. The Muchhal Mahavir temple, which is 5 kilometres from Ghanerao, is well-known for its figure of the Hindu deity Shiva sporting a moustache.

Many people are drawn to the Muchhal Mahavir Temple by its beautiful architecture. Two elephant statues in the guarding position stand at the entrance to the building. Another attraction around this temple is the nearby tribal communities of the Garasia people. From a retail perspective, it is renowned for its exquisite traditional costumes in vibrant colours. Every year, on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month, a fair is held at the temple.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Images
 

 

 

Hotels and Places to Stay at Kumbhalgarh Fort:

Ramada Resort Kumbhalgarh: This beautiful resort is about 6.5 km away from Kumbhalgarh Fort. The Ramada Resort Kumbhalgarh is a beautiful luxury hotel and romantic getaway nestled in the Aravalli hills of Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, admiring the magnificent Kumbhalgarh fort.

The Kumbha Bagh: The Kumbha Bagh Hotel is around 7.3 Km away from the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Visit the Aravalli’s and have a great vacation. An excellent stay will result from the tasteful blending of old and modern elements. The Kumbha Bagh's landscape is one of its most notable aspects.

The Aodhi: This beautiful sanctuary-resort is about 3.5 km away from Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Royal Kumbhalgarh Villas, Kelwara, Kumbhalgarh: A deluxe resort may be found at Kumbhalgarh called The Kumbha Bagh and the Royal Kumbhalgarh Villas is around 5.7 km from the Kumbhalgarh Doctor.

The Wild Retreat: Amidst the well-known Aravalli hills, The Wild Retreat is a natural resort built on the edge of a small hill. The Wild Retreat Kumbhalgarh is around 4.9 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Mahua Bagh Resort: Kumbhalgarh Fort is located about 5.4 km from Mahua Bagh Resort. The Mahua Bagh Resort guarantees a great and restful stay. A variety of services and amenities are available to guests at the venue in order to make their stay comfortable and convenient. Your stay at the Mahua Bagh Resort in Kumbhalgarh will be unforgettable because to its friendly hospitality and beautiful setting.
 

How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Fort:

•  By Road: Through the well-organized network the Rajasthan state transport has built up, Kumbhalgarh city is well-connected by road and is also well-connected to the other target locations of the Rajasthan state. To enjoy the journey, one can hire a taxi to drive by road and take in Rajasthan's Aravalli Hills' picturesque beauty.
   
  • Udaipur – 86 Kms
  • Jaipur – 345 kms
  • Nathdwara - 53 kms
  • ahemdabad - 356 kms
  • Jodhpur - 175 kms
•  By Air:Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, located just 103 kilometres from Kumbhalgarh Fort, is the closest airport. From these airports you can take a cab or a public transport to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort.
  • Jaipur International Airport (352 Km)
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad - 303 Km
  • Jodhpur Airport (177 Km)
•   By Train: Kumbhalgarh is only 50 kilometres from Falna Railway Station, which is the closest station. The majority of Rajasthan is connected to Kumbhalgarh by it. The Falna railway station has a large number of express and passenger trains. To get conveniently to Kumbhalgarh City, the tourist can take a taxi from here.

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