Kumbhalgarh Fort, 84 kilometres from Udaipur, is second
most important fort to Chittaurgarh Fort. Udaipur in the
northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. The fort city is
well connected to the other parts of Rajasthan by road.
Rana Kumbha constructed in the 15th century the most imposing
fort known as Kumbhalgarh. Situated at 3500 ft. above sea
level, it holds the distinction of being uncounquered and
the birth place of Maharana Pratap. It also served the rulers
of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. The fort also served
as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of
sentimental significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar's
legendary King Maharana Partap. The Badal Mahal or Cloud
Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding
country side. Closeby is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sancutuary
with a rich variety of wildlife.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall and over
25 feet thick, has seven kajestic gates and seven ramparts,
one within the other.The second longest continuous wall
in the world. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers
strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an
impregnable structure. Much of its glorious architecture
is in ruins.
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History
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Cradled amidst a cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the
Aravali range, the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh
stands a wary sentinel to the past glory of its kings and
princes. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1,914 m above the
sea level, the fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana
Kumbha (AD 1419-63) and is the principal fort after Chittaurgarh,
lying 90 km northwest of Udaipur. A unique fact about Kumbhalgarh
fort is that it was taken by the Mughals only once in its
entire history. And even at that time, it took the combined
armies of Delhi, Amber, and Marwar to breach its defense.
This was the place where the rulers of Mewar retreated during
times of danger.
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Main
Attraction
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Badal Mahal, on the upper most terrace, is splendid,
commanding spectacular views of forests in the wildlife
sanctuary lying below. Kumbhalgarh Fort remains a marvel
of 15th century Rajput architecture. The hill ranges are
dotted with grand ancient temples.
Mandalgarh Fort is yet another fort built
by Kumbha. The fort is a vast area of ruins without much
human population. The lake and the town lie below the ramparts.
Achalgrah
Fort near Mount Abu was also built by Kumbha for
the defence of Mewar. This great ruler is credited with
nearly 32 forts in Mewar.
Haldighati
is the scene of the famous battle of 1576 fought
between Rana Pratap, the heroic son of King Udai Singh,
and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. A beautiful
chhatri or canopy with white marble columns dedicated to
Rana Pratap stands here.
Kumbhalgarh
Wildlife Sanctuary ( 586 sq km ) is also a place
worth a visit. A rich variety of wildlife like the panther,
sloth bear, wild boar, four-horned antelope, and scientifically
bred crocodiles in the lake within the sanctuary are the
major attractions of this sanctuary. During winters, the
sanctuary becomes home to birds like flamingoes, cormorants,
spoonbills and egrets, which stay there through the winter
months and fly back once summer arrives.
Places
to visit around it
Kali temple and the Mamadev Kund, as one
move to eastern side, with royal Chhatris can be seen. Another
notewothy temple, a little further enshrines a fine black
marble lingam. The mandap or the hall of the temple has
beautiful pillars, finely fulted and having a tapering shape.
Ranakpur
Temple are situated around 50 km from Kumbhalgarh.
These beautiful Jain temples are a fine example of the north
Indian style of temple architecture, especially the Jain
style, which stresses on extensive use of marble and elaborate
decorative carvings.
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Fairs
& Festivals
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There is a big celebration of the Gher Ghoomer festival
before the Chamunda Devi Temple has been a tradition of
the local tribes for the last six centuries. As part of
the traditional celebrations, in one circle, young men belonging
to the tribes inhabiting the region like the Bheels, Garasias,
and Rawats dance to the mesmeric beat of huge drums. In
another circle, village girls of these tribes spray and
splash each other with colored water, singing songs replete
with double entendres.
Best
time to visit
Winter months (September-March) are the best to visit this
place.
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