Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur in Rajasmand district, Kumbhalgarh Fort is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort derived its name from the same factor.
Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it more magnificent.
On your way to Kumbhalgarh fort, a few kilometers before, you will find yourself on a zigzag road going through deep ravines and thick forests. This way would take you to the Arait Pol, where you can trace the watch-tower and then Hulla Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Bhairava Pol, Paghra Pol, Top-khana Pol and Nimboo Pol will come across your track.
The impregnable Fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with one another with designed walls toughened by curved bastions and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the Fort made it unbeatable till date. The hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side. There are not less than 360 temples inside the complex of the Fort. Amongst all of them, Shiva Temple is worth visiting that comprises a huge Shivalinga (Phallic form).
The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise and white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of being wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town.
In the late 19th century, Rana Fateh Singh once again took the initiative to rebuild this remarkable palace. In the times of dissension, the fort also offered refuge to the rulers of Mewar. Even, the baby king Udai Singh was kept here safe during the time of battles. The large complex of the Fort offers ancient remnants to explore and one can spend a pleasurable evening while strolling through the ravines of Kumbhalgarh Fort.
History of the Attraction
The brilliant Kumbhalgarh fort is said to be the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. The fort further consists of inscriptions on the foot of idols in Hanuman Pol that provides details of construction of the fort. The Badshahi Bavdi is a stepped tank that was built by the general of Akbar to provide drinking water to the army troops in 1578. The fort initially faced many problems during construction but was resolved by performing a human sacrifice and the main gate of the fortress which is the Hanuman Pol, contains the shrine and a temple to thank and remember the great sacrifice of a warrior.
Architectural pride of Mewar – Kumbhalgarh fort
Extending from the Aravali mountain range in northwest to Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region in the southeast, encompassing regions in Gujarat and Rajasthan, lied the majestic kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Rajputs for many centuries starting from 530 AD. To defend herself over these many centuries, Mewar had an impressive collection of 84 fortresses. The crown jewel amongst these and one of the most massive forts ever built was Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand near Udaipur. Built on the highest hill in Rajasthan, equipped with the second longest fort wall in the world. After the Great Wall of China, this 15 feet wide 36 km long fort wall of Kumbhalgarh has earned the moniker of – The Great Wall of India.
Imposing a menacing presence on its surrounding, standing high and mighty at 1100 m (3600 ft) above sea level, this formidable testament to rich Rajput history is a UNESCO World Heritage site under the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Listed as one of the seven unknown architectural wonders in the world by bbc.com in 2015, this is the second largest fort in India after Chittorgarh Fort that served as the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Kumbhalgarh fort served as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar at times of danger, like when their capital Chittorgarh Fort was under siege.
