Kumbhalgarh Fort: A Magnificent Reflection of Rajputana Architecture

Rajasthan is famous for numerous historical places, including some spectacular forts spread across the state. However, the Kumbhalgarh fort surpasses many other forts in Rajasthan because of its unique traits.  The Kumbhalgarh fort in Rajasthan has the second longest wall in the world after The Great Wall of China. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in India today.

Know the history and importance of the fort in this post.

About Kumbhalgarh

Situated at a distance of 84.1 Km from Udaipur city, Kumbhalgarh fort is a magnificent Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills. Built during the 15th century by the legendary Rajput King Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh is now one of the most famous forts in India today. Mandan, the chief architect of the fort, documented his work in his text, Rajvallabh.

Kumbhalgarh fort is built on a hilltop 1,100 meters above sea level on the Aravalli range. It is encircled by a network of perimeter walls that extend 36 Km, making it the second longest wall in the world after The Great Wall of China. The fort has seven fortified gateways, and its frontal walls are fifteen feet thick. 

The Mewar rulers used this fort as a refuge at times of danger. The fort is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. For a long time, it remained impregnable against direct enemy assault.

Important Structures Inside Kumbhalgarh 

• Ram Pol

While there are many gates in the Kumbhalgarh fort, Ram pol (Ram gate) is considered an architectural specimen. You can see most of the fort's buildings from this massive main entrance.  

• Badshahi Bavdi

Situated just after Halla Pol, Badshahi Bavdi is a stepped tank built after the invasion of Mughal forces in 1578. Shahbaz Khan, the general of Mughal emperor Akbar, built the tank to provide water to the troops. 

• Hindu Temples

The fort complex has more than 70 temples. Some important ones are listed below. 

• Ganesha Temple

Built by Rana Sanga, the temple is situated on the left of Ram Pol.   

• Chaturbhuja temple

Situated on the hill slope on the right side of the Ganesha temple, the Chaturbhuja temple is dedicated to the four-armed goddess. 

• Neel Kanth Mahadeva Temple

The Neel Kanth Mahadeva temple was built in 1458 CE. Inside the temple is the beautiful Shiva Idol made of black stone. Lord Shiva is depicted with 12 hands in this idol.  

• Jain Temples

Apart from the Hindu Temples, you can find numerous Jain temples inside the fort. Some of them are 

• Parsvanath temple
• Juna Bhilwara temple
• Pital Shah Jain temple

Best Time to Visit Kumbalgarh

The fort itself is huge and takes at least 2-4 hours to explore. Thus, the winter season is the best time to visit here when the weather is milder, and you can walk and explore the castle during the day. The fort is open between 9 AM to 6 PM.

Where to Stay in Kumbhalgarh?

You can check into the majestic Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh resort. However, it is recommended to have a longer itinerary that includes Udaipur. 

Club Mahindra Udaipur is one of the best resorts in Udaipur. There are many exciting places to visit in Udaipur that you can cover during your stay here. Once you're done sightseeing in Udaipur, hire a car to reach Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh and begin exploring the Kumbhalgarh fort and the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding the fort.