Kumbhalgarh-The Grand Fort of Rajasthan

 Kumbhalgarh-The Grand Fort of Rajasthan

Tucked deep in the rugged hills of the Aravalli Range, **Kumbhalgarh** stands as one of Rajasthan's finest and historically relevant landmarks. For its colossal fortifications, exquisite architecture, and breathtaking vistas, Kumbhalgarh Fort is an architectural marvel in military engineering. Few people consider visiting Kumbhalgarh simply because of overshadowing it has received at the hands of popular counterparts such as **Amber Fort** and **Mehrangarh**.

If you’re looking to explore the off-the-beaten-path beauty of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh promises a captivating journey into the state’s royal heritage and natural splendor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes **Kumbhalgarh Fort** and its surroundings an unforgettable destination.

### The History of Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is known for its **fort**, built over 500 years ago. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by **Maharana Kumbha**, ruler of the kingdom of **Mewar** in the 15th century, as a means to secure the region against invaders and neighboring kingdoms. Its location within the **Aravalli hills** provided the fort with natural defense and challenging accessibility for invaders.

The fort has been one of the very important parts in the history of Rajasthan, mainly in the context of the **Mewar** kingdom. It is also the birthplace of **Maharana Pratap**, one of the most celebrated Rajput kings in Indian history. The fort never was captured. It is one of the biggest examples of the Rajput strength and military strategies.

### Kumbhalgarh Fort: A Marvel of Architecture

**Kumbhalgarh Fort** is a masterpiece of architecture, which consists of several grand structures, including huge gates, intricate temples, and beautiful palaces. The grandeur of the fort lies in its unique blend of Rajput, **Mughal**, and **Hindu** architectural styles, creating a stunning visual experience for visitors.

#### **The Great Wall of Kumbhalgarh**

One of the most remarkable features of Kumbhalgarh Fort is its **wall**, often referred to as the **Great Wall of India**. Stretching for over 36 kilometers (22 miles), it is the world's second-longest continuous wall, after the **Great Wall of China**. The fortification's strength is greatly provided by the immense height and the wall's massiveness. A number of **watchtowers**, **bastions**, and **gates** have also been constructed upon the wall for tourists to enjoy a bird's eye view and access different sections of the place.

The fort encloses an area that houses several **temples**, **palaces**, and **water reservoirs**. Visitors can take a walk along the fort's ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the **Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary** and the surrounding hills.

#### **The Fort's Palaces and Temples**

Inside the fort, there are many **palaces** that had been the home of the royal family. Of these, **Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds)** is one of the most famous; it has a beautiful **frescoes** and intricate stone carvings and elegant architecture. The interior of the palace is very bright, which contrasted with the rugged exterior of the fort.

It is also the seat of many **temples** that are constructed in the names of Hindu deities and goddesses. One of the famous temples inside the fort is **Kumbheshwar Temple**, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The carvings and calmness of the temple make it a must visit for those who are interested in the spiritual history of Rajasthan. Another important temple is the **Neelkanth Mahadev Temple**, which is historical and religious in nature.

#### Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The **Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary** is a haven surrounding the fort with a tranquil atmosphere amidst nature. It covers an area of over 600 square kilometers and houses a variety of wildlife, such as **leopards**, **wolves**, **sloth bears**, and **jackals**. It is a haven for those who love nature and taking pictures as this presents an opportunity to experience the region's biodiversity.

Visitors may enjoy **trekking**, **bird watching**, and nature walks through this sanctuary, that is covered by dense forests and rugged hills accompanied by small lakes. The wild life and vegetation of the sanctuary make it one of the ultimate destinations for an adventure-seeker and wildlife admirer.

### Kumbhalgarh Light and Sound Show

The most interesting activity at Kumbhalgarh is the **Light and Sound Show** performed every evening at the fort. It narrates the history of the fort, its construction, its importance in the Rajput history, and much more about this association with **Maharana Pratap**. The colorful lights and sound effects make an eye-catching and enchanting atmosphere that brings the fort's history alive.

The **Light and Sound Show** is a great way to wind up the day at the fort, giving the visitor a much deeper understanding of the rich heritage and significance of the fort in Rajasthan's history.

### Nearby Attractions

While Kumbhalgarh Fort is the main attraction, there are several other places nearby that are worth visiting:

#### **Ranakpur Jain Temples**

Situated some 40 km from Kumbhalgarh, the **Ranakpur Jain Temples** are among the most beautiful and intricately designed temples in India. They are popular for their **marble carvings**, **elaborate architecture**, and peaceful environment. These temples are an important pilgrimage site for Jain devotees. The main attraction is the **Chaumukha Temple** dedicated to **Adinatha**, featuring stunning 1,444 marble pillars, each carved uniquely.

#### **Haldighati**

This historic site, Haldighati, about 60 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh, is known best for the **Battle of Haldighati**, which was fought in 1576 between **Maharana Pratap** and the Mughal forces led by **Akbar.** The battle site and the **Maharana Pratap Memorial** at **Chetak Samadhi** remind every visitor of the valor and sacrifice of the great Rajput king and his legendary horse, Chetak.

### Best Time to Visit Kumbhalgarh

The best season to visit Kumbhalgarh is during the **winter months**, from **October to March**, as it is quite pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During the **monsoon season** (June to September), the area may look quite lush and green, but the humidity and rainfall may make it difficult to travel across.

### How to Reach Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is well connected by road to nearby cities. The nearest major city is **Udaipur**, about 85 kilometers away, which is easily accessible by road. The **Kumbhalgarh Fort** is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Udaipur, making it a popular day trip destination from the city.

The nearest railway station is **Rajsamand**, located 50 kilometers away, while the closest airport is **Maharana Pratap Airport** in Udaipur.

### Conclusion

Kumbhalgarh is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the majestic history, architecture, and the beauty of nature in Rajasthan. The imposing fort, stunning wall, historic temples, and serene wildlife sanctuary - an altogether different configuration, which makes this a place of culture, adventure, and heritage to observe. It is not a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts or nature lovers, as everyone needs to experience the quiet side of Rajasthan.