Kumbhalgarh is a hill fort located in Rajendranagar tehsil of Kumbhalgarh Fort district in Rajasthan. It’s a well-known tourist destination and the only hill fortress in the whole of Rajasthan state that has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the 12 surviving Hill Forts of India. The ancient hill fort is renowned for its magnificent wall, or rather a series of walls, which encircles it. Each wall has a gate and in some places, there are double walls as well. At present, Kumbalgarh Fort is a manmade marvel with more than 20 main gates and several secret tunnels that have been carved into the natural rocks. The history of KumbalGarh goes back to the 15th century when Rawala Surendra Singh Chauhan established this fort to protect his people from marauding invaders.
The location of the fort was strategic as it offered protection against enemies who wanted to attack them easily by controlling all entry points into their land. This article will provide you with detailed information about Kumbhalgarh Fort so read on…
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Why Should You Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a famous tourist destination located in Rajasthan. There are many reasons why you must visit this place. First, it has a great history. The fort was built by Mewar King Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. You will be amazed to know that the wall of this fort is 30 feet high and 13 feet wide. The second reason is its architectural design and creativity.
The wall is made of red sandstone that has been cut and placed in such a way that it looks like a huge piece of art. The third reason is that this fort has a beautiful garden inside it. This garden is famous for its bougainvillea flowers. There are many other things that you can see in Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan like temples, architecture, and many more. So, if you are a history lover or are interested in architecture, you must visit this place.
The History of Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the most popular historical places in Rajasthan. It was built by Mewar King Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century to protect his people from marauding invaders. It is one of the best examples of Rajput architecture and is referred to as the pride of Mewar. The history of Kumbhalgarh Fort lies in the fact that in 1498 when Mewar was ruled by Maharana Rana Udai Singh (r. 1489-1515), Bahadur Shah of Gujarat’s Mahmud Khan arrived with a large army and conquered Chittor. Udai Singh was obliged to take his family to the mountains and reside in the hill forts of Jaijor and Kumbhalgarh. Consequently, Maharana Udai Singh built Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Activities at Kumbhalgarh Fort
Visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the most amazing experiences. Every wall and gate at this amazing fort can be explored. You can wander through the temples and then dine in the lovely garden where you can admire the bougainvillea blossoms. You can also enjoy breathtaking vistas from the fort’s various vantage points. Apart from visiting the fort, you can enjoy various other activities such as trekking, rock climbing, adventure sports, etc. So, choose the activity as per your convenience and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Facilities Available at Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort offers facilities to all travelers irrespective of their age, gender, and health condition. Tourists can reach the fort by train, bus, and car. If you are a first-time visitor, you can explore the fort on foot. Once you reach the fort, you can explore the following places: The Wall – The Wall is a huge structure that is 30 feet high and 13 feet wide. The Wall has a number of gates and stairways that lead to the top. The Garden – The garden inside Kumbhalgarh is famous for its bougainvillea flowers. You can see these red flowers at their best from November to February. Temples – Kumbhalgarh Fort has a number of temples that are dedicated to various deities. These temples are worth visiting. Some of the temples are Lakshminarayana Temple, Narsingh Temple, and Renuka Temple. Other attractions at Kumbhalgarh include the watch towers, water reservoirs, and the museum.
Tips for Travellers Visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort
There are a few things that you should keep in mind while visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort (Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan). Firstly, the best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is from October to March. Secondly, you can visit the fort either on foot or by hiring a pony or a camel. Thirdly, you can take the assistance of a guide if you want to know more about the history of the place. Fourthly, you can visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort on a weekend. If you are visiting the fort in winter, make sure that you are well-dressed. You can also wear gloves and warm socks to avoid getting cold.
Discover More In Kumbhalgarh: Places to Visit
Kumbhalgarh Fort – As mentioned earlier, this is the most popular tourist destination in Kumbhalgarh. It is a stunning example of excellent architecture and design. The wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort is 30 feet high and 13 feet wide and is one of the largest fort walls in India. Kesar Mahal – This is a beautiful palace that is worth visiting. This palace has been built using red sandstone and represents the Rajput art and architecture in its best form. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – This wildlife sanctuary is home to various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. You can spot leopards, wild boars, and other animals here. Kumbha Jatia Temple – This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can also find the footprints of Lord Krishna on a rock inside the temple premises.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh?
You can reach Kumbhalgarh by train, road, or air. By Train – You can reach Kumbhalgarh by taking a train to Udaipur. From here, you can take a bus or cab to Kumbhalgarh. The distance between Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh is around 180 km. If you are traveling by bus, you can take a bus from Udaipur or Chittor. You can also take an overnight bus from places like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, etc. From here, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Kumbhalgarh. If you are traveling with your family or a group, it is better to hire a taxi from the airport to reach Kumbhalgarh as it is easier than taking public transport.
Stay and Food at Kumbhalgarh Fort
There are plenty of hotels in Kumbhalgarh that offer comfortable rooms and good food. You can choose any hotel as per your convenience and budget. If you are traveling in a group, you can book hotels that offer group discounts. As far as food is concerned, you can find many restaurants where you can order your favorite dishes. You can also carry packed food if you are traveling on a budget. However, you should remember to carry the necessary food items required while traveling such as nuts, fruits, dry fruits, biscuits, etc.
Conclusion
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a popular historical place in Rajasthan. The fort was built by Mewar King Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. The history of Kumbhalgarh Fort lies in the fact that in 1498 when Mewar was ruled by Maharana Rana Udai Singh (r. 1489-1515), Bahadur Shah of Gujarat’s Mahmud Khan arrived with a large army and conquered Chittor. Udai Singh was obliged to take his family to the mountains and reside in the hill forts of Jaijor and Kumbhalgarh. Consequently, Maharana Udai Singh built Kumbhalgarh.