Kumbhalgarh Fort

In this article you’ll get to know all the facts related to the Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Named after Rana Kumbha its creator, this fort holds a lot of historical significance in the Mewar History. Situated 64kms northwest from Udaipur, this fort must be added to one’s ‘Must visit’ list. As the tales of the Mewar rulers can be heard in the chirp of birds, walls of the fort or some guides that convey the heroic pieces associated to the fort.

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Kumbhalgarh Fort

History

• It is believed that Rana Kumbha did not actually build the Kumbhalgarh Fort, there are evidences that prove the fort’s existence before 15th century when it is claimed to be built by Rana Kumbha.
• According to the evidences, it is asserted that the early fort was built by King Samprati of Maura Age in the 6th century and was named Machhindrapur.
• The current form that is present is believed to be built by Rana Kumbha the ruler of Mewar dynasty; he belonged to the Hindu Sisodia Rajput caste.
• Rana Kumbha had a huge kingdom stretched in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat as well. It is believed that he constructed 84 forts all around his kingdom.
• The Rajput Hero: Maharana Pratap was born in the Kumbhalgarh Fort.

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• Whenever there were any attacks on the Mewar kingdom, the fort was used as a safety measure and the royalties used to migrate to this fort; as the fort is surrounded by 13 mountains, 1,914 meters high from the sea-level, and a wall extended to over 38kms.

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• The fort bore various attacks including Mirzas of Gujrat, Mughal Emperor Akbar, Raja Udai Singh of Marwar, Raja Man Singh of Amer, Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat, Mahmud Khilji, Shabhbaz Khan and other rulers over years.
• Later the Marathas took over the fort and renovated the destructed buildings and temples, but the actual fort built by Rana Kumbha was intact.

Framework of Kumbhalgarh Fort

• The Kumbhalgarh Fort is around 3600ft. above the sea-level, seven gates, a huge wall extending 38 kms, surround by 13 mountains, over 360 temples and a lot more.
• The wall of the fort is considered as the second longest wall of the world after ‘The Great Wall of China’.
• As the fort is raised above the sea-level, the distant Aravalli range and desert sand dunes are visible form the fort.
• Hindu Temple and Jain Temple, there are over 360 temples present in the fort campus. The Hindu Temple is believed to be the oldest temple in the premises; it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jain Temple whereas, was built in 1513 and is considered as one of the important temples in the fort.

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• Lakhola Tank was built by Rana Lakha, for fulfilling the water needs of the fort. The tank is 40ft deep, and is suffiecient to store water for days.

Additional Information

• A 3 days annual fest is organized each year in the Kumbhalgarh Fort by the Rajasthan Tourism; in the fest various activities take place. Also, Light and Sound shows are organized.
• Best time to visit the fort is between the months: October to March, as the weather is favorable in these months.
• Wear comfortable footwear, and wear hats for convenience if you plan to visit the fort.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Entry Fee

• Rs 5/- for Indians
• Rs 100/- for Foreigners

Kumbhalgarh Fort Timings

• From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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