Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,914 meters above sea level and is known for its magnificent architecture and the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The wall surrounding Kumbhalgarh Fort is known as the Kumbhalgarh Wall or the Great Wall of India. It is 36 kilometers (22 miles) long and encircles the fort, making it one of the longest walls in the world. The wall is about 15 feet thick, and the height varies from 15 to 25 feet, with some sections rising up to 40 feet. The wall has seven fortified gateways, and there are over 360 temples located within the fort complex.
The Kumbhalgarh Wall was constructed in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, the king of Mewar, who wanted to create an impregnable fort that would protect his kingdom from the enemies. The wall is made of lime mortar, and the stones used for its construction were transported from the nearby Aravalli Hills. It is said that the construction of the wall took over a century to complete.
Apart from the impressive wall, Kumbhalgarh Fort is also known for its magnificent architecture, including the Badal Mahal, the Kumbha Palace, and the Vedi Temple. The fort has several water storage facilities, including the Aret Pol, which is a step well that can store up to 4 million gallons of water.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Kumbhalgarh Fort and its wall:
The Kumbhalgarh Wall is the second-longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. The wall is so thick that eight horses could run side by side on it. The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha, who was also known for constructing several other forts in Rajasthan, including the Chittorgarh Fort.
The fort's Badal Mahal, or Palace of Clouds, was named so because it is situated at a height where it is always surrounded by clouds. The Kumbhalgarh Fort was attacked only once in its history and that too, unsuccessfully. The fort was attacked by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, but he had to retreat after a long siege.
The fort complex has over 360 temples, including the Kumbha Shyam Temple, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and the Ganesh Temple. The fort's walls are also home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, wolves, and hyenas. The Kumbhalgarh Wall has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list along with five other hill forts in Rajasthan, including the Chittorgarh Fort and the Ranthambore Fort. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is also known for its light and sound show, which takes place every evening, narrating the history of the fort and its rulers. The Kumbhalgarh Wall was so strong that it never needed any repairs, even after several centuries of its construction. Inside Kumbhalgarh Fort
Inside the Kumbhalgarh Fort, visitors can explore several fascinating structures and attractions. Here are some of the key highlights:
Badal Mahal: Located at the highest point of the fort, the Badal Mahal is a stunning palace that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The palace is also known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Kumbha Palace: This palace was built by Rana Kumbha and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The palace has several rooms and courtyards, each with its own unique design. Vedi Temple: This temple is located inside the fort complex and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and carvings. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: This temple is located outside the fort complex and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful location and scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Ganesh Temple: This temple is located inside the fort complex and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Hanuman Pol: This is the main entrance to the fort and is named after the monkey god Hanuman. The entrance is decorated with beautiful carvings and intricate designs. Paghra Pol: This is the second entrance to the fort and is named after the Rajput warrior Paghra. The entrance is decorated with beautiful frescoes and carvings. Visitors can also explore the various pathways and walkways inside the fort complex, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Overall, a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking to experience the beauty of Rajasthan.
Other Top Attractions
Here are some other top attractions in and around Kumbhalgarh:
Ranakpur Jain Temple: It is a famous temple located about 50 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful carvings. Haldighati: It is a historical site located about 40 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh, where a famous battle between Maharana Pratap and Mughal emperor Akbar took place. Nathdwara: It is a famous pilgrimage site located about 70 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The town is known for its beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a popular wildlife sanctuary located near Kumbhalgarh. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals, including leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wolves.
Kankroli: It is a small town located about 30 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The town is known for its beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish. Muchhal Mahavir Temple: It is a famous Jain temple located about 50 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and a unique statue of Lord Mahavir with a mustache. Sajjangarh Palace: It is a beautiful palace located in Udaipur, about 100 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The palace is known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and lakes. Eklingji Temple: It is a famous temple located about 60 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. These are just a few of the many attractions that one can visit while in Kumbhalgarh. Each of these places has its own unique charm and history, making for an enriching experience for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is from October to March, which is the winter season in Rajasthan. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the fort and its surroundings. The winter months also coincide with several festivals and events in Rajasthan, such as the Pushkar Camel Fair and the Jaipur Literature Festival, which can add to the overall experience of your trip.
The summer months from April to June can be very hot, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C, making it difficult to explore the fort during the day. However, if you plan to visit during this time, it is recommended to carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
How to Reach
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and is well-connected to major cities in the region by road. Here's how to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh Fort is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, which is about 100 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbhalgarh Fort. By Train: The nearest railway station to Kumbhalgarh Fort is the Falna Railway Station, which is about 80 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbhalgarh Fort. By Road: Kumbhalgarh Fort is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, or Jaipur to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort. Once you reach Kumbhalgarh Fort, you can explore the fort and its surroundings on foot or hire a local guide to take you around.