History Of Kumbhalgarh - The kingdom of Mewar extended straight from Ranthambore to Gwalior under the rule of King Rana Kumbha. There were also large tracts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the empire. There were about 84 fortresses defending Mewar from their enemies. Out of the 84, about 32 were designed by Rana Kumbha, himself. Of all the fortresses built by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh was the most impressive, famous and massive one, 36 km long, with a wall. The fort is about 90 km from Udaipur in the northwest. It is situated at around 1914 m above sea level and is, after Chittorgarh, the most important fort.
The site where Kumbhalgarh once stood was a bastion that during the second century AD belonged to the Jain descendants of the Mauryan emperors of India. It also separated Mewar and Marwar from each other and was also used as a refuge at times of danger for the rulers of Mewar, especially Prince Udai, the baby king of Mewar. When the combined armies of Emperor Akbar, Raja Udai Singh of Amber, along with the armies of Raja Man Singh of Amber and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar invaded the fort of Kumbhalgarh, it was only once in the whole history that Kumbhalgarh was taken or could not protect or break its defence. That happened, too, because there was a shortage of drinking water.
The same place that Prince Udai was smuggled to in 1535 is Kumbhalgarh. When Chittaur was under siege, this occurred. The founder of Udaipur City also became Prince Udai, who later became the heir to the throne. Kumbhalgarh was also the birthplace of the famous Maharana Pratap, who fought against the army led by Akbar in the battle of Haldighati in 1576.
In the 15th century, Rana Kumbha, who discovered the Kumbhalgarh Fort, founded it. One of the very few forts in history that were never captured was Kumbhalgarh Fort. The violent or hostile landscape of the fort is one of the most important reasons listed for this. This impressive fort is protected by a thick wall that is 36Kms long. It is believed that the wall's perimeter is the longest after the Great Wall of China. Via the Aravali Mountains, the wall extends. The fort is about 1100 m high from the level of the sea and provides a wonderful view of the surrounding area. The fort's main attractions consist of mesmerising palaces and around 360 different types of temples within it, with the Jain temples being 300 and the Hindu temples being the remainder.
The fort of Kumbhalgarh is surrounded by 13 mountain peaks, 7 enormous gates guard the fort, and immense watchtowers reinforce it further. Right at the top of the fort is the Badal Mahal Palace. The palace has magnificent rooms and is decorated in green, white and turquoise colours, thus giving the raw and gritty fortress a fascinating contrast. Kumbhalgarh is also the site where the legendary Maharana Pratap, the great warrior of Mewar, was born.
In the 19th century, Maharana Fateh Singh restored and expanded the Mewar Fortress in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan once again. Now it is open as a museum to the public and visitors. The fort is easily accessible and is only about 60 km from Udaipur city.
The Maharana of Kumbhalgarh is also said to have struggled to construct the fort's wall many times. Then later, after a pilgrim had been consulted on this subject, he advised them to behead him and to create a temple wherever his head fell. He also asked them to build the wall on which his body lay. The wall, which is the second largest wall in the world, was constructed following his advice.
Kumbhalgarh - Location
Its location has always been the biggest benefit of Kumbhalgarh. Since it was practically inaccessible in the 15th century, this great defensive fortress was built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar on a 3,500 feet (1,100 metres) high hill overlooking Ajmer and Marwar approaches. Today, Kumbhalgarh is an enticing destination, precisely because it is within easy reach of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Pushkar-still off the well-trodden tourist routes.
Best Time To Visit
The climate of Kumbhalgarh is tropical with the mercury climbing up to a maximum of around 42°C during summers while winters are a bit colder with the temperature hovering between a maximum of around 25°C and a minimum of around 11°C. The annual total rainfall is around 88 centimeters. Winter months (September-March) are the best to visit this place.
How to reach Kumbhalgarh
By Air : Udaipur airport is nearly 84 km from Kumbhalarh.
By Train : Phalna railway junction is well served by trains and connects to all major cities of Rajasthan.
By Road : There are plenty of bus services available to reach Kumbhalgarh from nearby cities of Rajasthan.
