Kumbhalgarh Fort has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, 82 kilometers from Udaipur. It features a 36-kilometer wall, the second-biggest after China's Great Wall. This huge wall was built near the Aravalli ranges. The majestic Fort is nestled in lush forest surroundings and has now been declared a wildlife sanctuary. In this guide, you will learn about Kumbhalgarh Fort: Information, History, Timing, Entry Fees, the best time to visit, and travel tips.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Information

Kumbhalgarh Fort is the best Fort of all the Mewar Forts, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 15^th-century Fort was completed between 1443 and 1458 AD. The Fort exhibits Rajput Military Hill Style architecture and is built at 3600 ft. above sea level.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh Fort Entry Fee: INR 10 for local Indians, INR 100 for foreign tourists, and INR 25 for carrying a video camera.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Timings: Kumbhalgarh Fort open time is from 9 am to 6 pm

Kumbhalgarh Fort History

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in 15 years under the skilled guidance of Mandan, the legendary architect of Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is beautifully positioned between 11 peaks of the Aravalli mountains. You can guess that it was solely built for military purposes and to prevent enemy attacks, seeing its tactical location. Its position at such a height made it impregnable, and it is considered the 2nd best Fort in India after the famous Chittorgarh Fort.

Ahmed Shah of Gujarat invaded the Kumbhalgarh fort in 1457 but couldn't conquer it. The villagers thought that the presence of the Banmata deity in the Fort preserved it when Ahmed Shah I destroyed its temple. Mohammad Khilji made other efforts in 1458 and 1467. In 1576, Shahbaz Khan, Akbar's general, took control of the Fort. The Marathas eventually took it over.

The Kumbhalgarh fort was never conquered in war. However, it was once captured by deception when the Mughal army poisoned the Fort's water supply and won the tactical battle. Kumbhalgarh Palace being the birthplace of the renowned Maharana Pratap, is especially significant in Rajput history.

Places to see in Kumbhalgarh Fort

Here are the best Kumbhalgarh fort places to visit in one day inside and near the historic Fort.

Kumbha Palace

The Kumbha Palace is a two-story structure built in Rajput architecture with a stunning blue durbar hall. The ventilation system in the toilets allowed fresh air to circulate while they were in use. Fateh Singh built this beautiful palace, and it was named after Rana Kumbha. Beautiful paintings and carvings cover the palace walls. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Fort and its surroundings from the palace. During the monsoon, the view from above is breathtaking, with lush mountains stretching as far as you can see.

The Great Wall of Kumbhalgarh

The Great Wall of Kumbhalgarh is 36 km long, making it second only to 'The Great Wall of China.' Moreover, people also call it "The Great Wall of India," rightly so. Interestingly, the wall is 15 meters wide, which allows eight horses to walk side by side. The Kumbhalgarh Fort wall is built of stone bricks and stretches through the Aravali hill valley before reaching the hilltop. Unfortunately, a few parts of the wall have deteriorated over time. The wall is one of India's hidden treasures.

Hindu and Jain Temples

The Neelkanth Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important shrine in the Fort. The temple is an unrivaled architectural marvel, with its massive spherical dome, beautifully carved ceiling supported by 24 giant pillars, and a spacious courtyard. Maharana Kumbha never started his day without praying in this temple. The Parsvanatha Jain temple, the Vedi temple, the Bawan Devi temple, and the Ganesh temple are famous temples in and near the Fort.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Travel Tips

• Because the hike within the Fort is a lengthy and steep one, you must wear appropriate shoes and keep water bottles to keep you hydrated.
• Every evening at 6:45 pm, the light and sound show is a captivating spectacle that you should attend. This 45-minute show brings the Rajput dynasty of Mewar and the history of the Fort to life.
• Because the light within the Fort is inadequate, you should carry a torch.
• Following the event, the entire Fort is lit up for an hour. It is an excellent time to get those breathtaking images with your family and friends.
• Attend the Kumbhalgarh Festival, which is one of the most significant and culturally promoting events held in this place, coupled with the country's finest artists' performances.

Best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort

The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort depends upon the time window you are comfortable with. The winter months from November to February are indeed the best time to visit the Fort since the weather is nice and cool and the sky is clear. The monsoon months and rain make the Fort's surroundings lush and beautiful to look at. So, you can visit the Fort anywhere in the winter or rainy months. But you should avoid a trip to the Fort during summer as the scorching heat won't let you do much out there.

How to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort

The Kumbhalgarh Fort in the Rajsamand district is 84 kilometers from Udaipur. You can reach the city by all transportation modes. Bus services are widely available. The Rajasthan State Government operates regular and deluxe buses that stop about 50 kilometers from the Fort.

Moreover, you can take a cab from the bus stop center to Kumbhalgarh Fort. You can also get along with the annual trekking trip organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India. This tour lasts 5 days and 4 nights and covers 41 kilometers, including Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conclusion

Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is an icon of Rajput cultural and architectural heritage. It testifies to the tactical and military might of the Rajput. You must visit the Fort if you ever go to Rajasthan for a trip. The altitude at the Fort is built and its enormous walls will surely impress anyone who's never seen such a marvel before. Happy touring!