Kumbhalgarh Fort Travel Guide- Inside the Great Wall of India

              KUMBHALGARH   FORT                

Travel Guide To Explore the Great Wall of India

kumbhalgarh fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the majestic fortress located in Aravalli hill ranges of Rajasthan. This fort is  UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fort was built  by Maharana Kumbha. It is known for its massive walls often compared to the Great Wall of China. It is second largest wall after the China one. The walls stretches over 36 kilometers long over the hills, making it longest in India.

It was not a staying palace but acted as a refuge fort for rulers during wars. It includes around 300 temples, palaces and step-well built in hindu and jain style architecture.

How To Reach Kumbhalgarh :

By Air: The closest  airport to this fort is Maharana Pratap airport in Udaipur which is approximately about 85 kms away. Even if you visit Udaipur , you should make a visit here by any local transportation. 

By Train- Again, Udaipur railway station is nearest railway station from this fort about 80 kms away with major connectivity from other Indian cities. You can take a local transportation from there.

By Road-Kumbhalgarh is well-connected by road. From Udaipur, it’s a drive of about 2 hours through the winding roads of the Aravalli Range.

Stays near Kumbhalgarh Fort:

A lot of resorts and hotels are available near the fort area located within 0-5km range and they even provide vehicles to drive you to the fort. You can stay at any one of them according to the budget you have. They have all ranges from cheap to mid to luxury.

                                                             

Things to See inside the Kumbhalgarh Fort- 

1.    Badal Mahal :

                                                

Badal Mahal or the palace of winds is the top most palace inside the fort. In here you have to climb upon many floors to reach up here. Due to its height , you can see the breathtaking view of the aravalli ranges upto hundreds of meters. and also the walls of the fort that stretches out in aravalli.

2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

                                       

This temple is located on the east side of fort. The temple is of lord Shiv and has a 6-feet tall Shivling . The walls are intricately designed and one can see it through pillars as well. It is said that Rana was around 7 feet tall and that is the reason of 6-feet tall Shivling.

3. Bawan Devi Temple:

                                         

As the name says -Bawan Devi Temple or temple of 52 pillars. The carvings, so intricate and detailed, weave narratives from Hindu epics, showcasing gods, goddesses, dancers, and scenes from a world long past. The temple’s unique design elements highlight the blend of Indo-Aryan architectural styles and stand as an epitome of Rajput devotion and artistry.

4. Vedi Complex:

                                                  

                                                 

                                                                       

Constructed by Rana Kumbha, this Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. It’s unique in its architecture, octagonal, and is one of the very few structures built by the king that wasn’t defensive in nature. Once you enter in here you can see how old it is and you can feel as if you have reached back in 15th Century.

5. The Garden:

                              

                                                            

The garden which we can see and walk through when going up towards badal mahal. One can take a rest here for some minutes if they get tired while trekking up. Around it are the walls of badal mahal.

6. The Lake:

                                                            

Just near the fort is situated the lake, all in between the hills. Here you can have a very mesmerizing scenic view. Boating facility is provided and also proper place to sit and relax just beside the lake. Also there is a little tea shop so you can sit back and enjoy the tea along with the beautiful view.

History of Kumbhalgarh Fort:

                                               

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha, a ruler of the Mewar dynasty, between 1443 and 1458 AD. The fort was designed by the renowned architect Madan, and it was constructed on the site of an older fortress, believed to have been established by King Samprati, a Mauryan ruler, in the 2nd century BC.

The fort was strategically located atop a hill in the Aravalli Range, around 1,100 meters above sea level, offering a defensive advantage against invasions. Rana Kumbha constructed Kumbhalgarh as a defensive outpost and as a backup capital for the Mewar kingdom. It was meant to be a refuge during times of attack, particularly when the main Mewar capital, Chittorgarh, was under siege.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit the fort is during winters in month from november to february . Also monsoon season is best to visit here if you want to see the lush green beauty of the Aravalli hills surrounding the fort.

The Light and Sound show:

As day turns to night, the fort has a show, with lights and sound breathing life into its ancient walls. The Kumbhalgarh Light and Sound Show is an experience that takes you back in time giving you a marvelous experience.

Duration: The show runs for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. 

Timings: Usually, as evening shades begin to fall, the show commences between 6:45 PM and 7:45 PM in the colder months, and from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the warmer seasons. Notably, these schedules might vary due to seasonal adjustments or special events, so prior verification is recommended.

To know more about Rajasthan itineraries , you can check out :

Udaipur full day travel guide and inside places

Top 15 most happening place in Jaipur. 

Also check out:

Chittorgarh - top 10 places to visit Chittorgarh

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