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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