KUMBHALGARH FORT – Pride and Gem of Rajputs
- Passageway to Kumbhalgarh Fort
One of the 5 most renowned hill forts (Approx. 3,700 ft.) of Rajasthan – the Kumbhalgarh Fort – is India’s best well-kept secret located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. This impregnable fort is surrounded by a massive wall protecting the hidden secrets in the deserts of India that is renowned for having the Great Wall of India extended to the length of 36 Kms (wide enough to take eight horses abreast). Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is definitely going to leave you amazed by its splendid beauty. The endless Aravalli Hill ranges surrounding the fort and the miles spread sandy desert of Mewar defines the pristine ambiance of this fort. Not just its beauty but its spectacular architecture displayed through more than 300 temples, enchanting palaces and architecture brilliance of the Rajput Era enclosed within seven massive gateways, is a visual delight to watch. It is believed that this fort got its name after the King Rana Kumbha who built it in the 15th century. Another interesting feature of this fort is its strategic settlement for protection from enemies or external forces. Simply put, a visit to this fort is a great idea to explore the mysterious and inspiring tales it boasts.
Making of Kumbhalgarh Fort
The site where Kumbhalgarh stands was a former bastion of the Jain descendant of Mauryan dynasty, in the 2nd century AD. Earlier, it was also used as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar in danger, as it was only once in the entire history that Kumbhalgarh was conquered when the combined armies of Raja Udai Singh II and Raja Man Singh of Amer, Emperor Akbar and Raja Udai Singh of Mewar attacked it.
During the construction of this fort, the King of Kumbhalgarh underwent repeated failures and later, upon consultation with a holy saint who advised the King to behead him and build a temple where his head fell. The saint also asked the King to build the wall where his body laid. Following his advice, the second-largest wall in the world came into existence.
Reasons to visit Kumbhalgarh
So if you’re wondering whether to visit this fort or not then below are all the right reasons on why you should plan a getaway to the Kumbhalgarh Fort soon.
1. Birthplace of King Maharana Pratap
- King Maharana Pratap
The historical past of this fort witnessed the birth of the legendary King Maharana Pratap – a brave-hearted Rajput King who was the son of the founder of Udaipur – Maharaja Udai Singh II. He was among the few Kings who caused much damage to the Mughal armies and had a heroic victory in the battle of Haldighat against the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Another interesting fact is that he always preferred to face his enemies in the battleground rather than backstabbing them. Also, he pledged to sleep on bed made of straw and eat on a leaf plate until he won back Chittorgarh Fort from the Mughals.
2. Scenic Road trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Road trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort
The road trip that takes you to Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur is incredibly beautiful. There is a single strip of road that whisk you away by the pristine nature vistas all over the journey. On the way, you will find rivers and dams where you can spend time clicking beautiful photographs. You will also visit the ‘Kathaar River’ and ‘Bageri Ka Naka’ dam (a popular monsoon spot to view the splashing milky-white water).
3. Spectacular temples in and around the fort
- Temple within the Kumbhalgarh Fort
The Kumbhalgarh fort has around 360 temples and surprisingly 300 of them are Jain temples and rest are Hindu temples. There’s a majority of Jain Temples as the place was earlier ruled by a Jain King. Located close to the fort is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as ‘Neelkanth Mahadev Temple’ that houses a gigantic Shivalingam (an abstract form of Lord Shiva).
4. Witness the spectacular Sound and Light Show at Kumbhalgarh Fort
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Sound and Light Show at Kumbhalgarh Fort
A 45-minutes Light and Sound Show is held every evening at 06:45 PM at this fort. It is a perfect amalgamation of narration, sound, light and music, displaying the secret history hidden behind the stone facade of this majestic fort. The blinking of light on this beautiful facade, in sync with the story-line and conjuring up images of war and valour, is a visual treat to watch. Post show, the fort remains illuminated for about an hour.
5. A Jeep Safari in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Safari
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Jeep Safari
Nearby the fort, is Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Safari where you explore wilderness on an exclusive jungle safari, especially in the winters. This wildlife sanctuary was a former hunting ground of the royals of Rajasthan that is a natural abode to creatures like Wolf, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Chausingha (four-horned antelope) and many more.
6. Soak in beautiful vistas from the Badal Mahal – Palace of Clouds
- Bird’s eye view from Badal Mahal
Badal Mahal is a notable palace within the fort built by Rana Fateh Singh (AD 1885-1930). It offers bird’s eye views from the hill top of the endless Aravalli hill ranges and it’s the highest point of this fortress. This palace is profusely decorated with 19th century wall paintings and attractive friezes. This 19th century palace comprises of two sections – the Zanana Mahal meant for the royal women and the Mardana Mahal meant for the royal men.
Note: The Kumbhalgarh Fort is quite a climb, so wear a comfortable pair of shoes and carry a water bottle along.
How to reach here?
The city of Kumbhalgarh is easily accessible from Udaipur in Rajasthan.
By Air: Book a flight to MAHRANA PRATAP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, also called UDAIPUR AIRPORT. On arrival, hire a cab for your onward destination.
By Rail: The nearest rail head is FALNA RAILWAY STATION, approx. 90 km away from Kumbhalgarh Fort. On reaching, book a cab for your onward destination.
