Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Been there recently?
Have you visited the great wall of India? Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a wall that runs for more than 35 kilometres circling the fort. You would be thrilled and amazed looking at the sturdiness and architecture of the wall as you take a stroll on them, which at some sections are 15 feet thick. To get a feel of what a fort is and how it should look, visit the Kumbhalgarh fort and you will know. The massive fort, standing atop a hill at more than 3500 feet above sea level, has temples, gateways, and palaces apart from other structures. Rana Kumbha, one of the famous Rajput warriors this great country has given birth to, built this awe-inspiring fort during the 15th century. It is also the fort where the greatest Rajput warrior ever, Maharana Pratap, was born. A walk around the fort would educate, enrich and enlighten the visitors on various aspects of life and culture of the dynasties and Rajput clans who lived in the fort and have left behind a wonderful heritage and legacy. From September to February is the ideal time to visit the fort. Kumbhalgarh is about 47 kilometres from Rajsamand, the district headquarters, and about 340 kilometres from Jaipur. Udaipur railway station is about 83 kilometres away, and Falna railway station is about 80 kilometres away. Udaipur is the nearest air link.
Nearby Places to See
This palace, known as Badal Mahal, was constructed atop the tallest tower in the fort. It was constructed in the 19th century and features a separate area for women to sit in on court proceedings while also being able to observe. The area with pierced windows and natural ventilation is where the women watched.
Inside the fort walls is where you’ll find the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Inside the sanctum is a massive Shivalinga that was erected in the middle of the 16th century.
This two-story structure, located on a bluff overlooking the fort, is also known as the Vedi Temple. Both levels feature elegant column art in the same design.
Parshuram Mahadev Temple
Nearby, in a cave at the base of a sizable hill, is the revered Parshuram Mahadev Temple, a natural shrine held in high esteem by the locals. The temple is named after the sage and warrior Parashurama because legend has it that he paid a visit to the shrine dedicated to Shiva. Approximately 1.5 kilometres away from the parking lot, up nearly 500 steps.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
This protected forest area covers roughly 600 square kilometres of the Aravali Mountains and is located only about 3 kilometres from the fort. What was once used for hunting is now protected habitat for various species. Over 200 different species of birds and flowers can be found at the sanctuary, along with a leopard, hyena, wolf, sloth bear, and other animals.
Ganga Govardhan Museum
Known for its extensive collection of coins, the Ganga Govardhan Museum can be found not far from the fort. This is a coin collector’s dream, with coins from ancient times to the present day.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Footwear, Pottery, Handicrafts, Jewellery.
Foods to Relish
Pyaaz Ki Kachori, Bajra Roti, Dal Baati Churma, Kalmi Vada, Badam Halwa.
-
Destination