The Great Wall of India is the other name for the Kumbhalgarh fort. It is located in Rajsamand district 84kms north of Udaipur. The fort was built in the fifteenth century AD by Rana Kumbha. The giant fort is 3600 ft tall and developed at a height of 1,100 m (3,600 ft), this fringe divider runs for 38 km straight. Because of its height, it additionally got the name of cloud fort, as it was for the most part covered by clouds. The whole construction, including the great exterior, required around 15 years to finish.
History
The fort was built under the reign of Mewar Kings in Rajasthan in the 15th century. The site where Kumbhalgarh stands used to be a stronghold belonging to the Jain descendent of the Mauryan emperor of India during the second century AD. Kumbhalgarh Fort was one of the forts, which never got conquered.
The fortress is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, one of the most remarkable kings of Mewar.
Badal Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Jain Temples, Baoris, Chhatris, water supplies, and Brahmanical are a portion of the primary structures inside the enormous fort. The view from the top is phenomenal, you can see the Aravalli range, The Thar Desert, and the great wall.
How to reach the Kumbhalgarh fort
The best way to travel to the Kumbhalgarh fort is to book a one-day tour to the Kumbhalgarh fort. If you travel enroute Nathdwara you can visit Haldighati, Moti Magri and Rakt Talai. Visiting these places might make you curious along with help you in understanding the history of the fort. If you travel directly from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Fort it will take around 2.5 hours to reach. Expect the price of booking a taxi to be around Rs.2400 to Rs.3500
Other than this, you can also travel in your own vehicle.
If budget is a concern for you then you can travel through local bus transport from Chetak Circle in Udaipur to Kelwara village near the fort which will cost you around Rs. 50. The bus will drop you at Kumbhalgarh circle in the village and from there you can book a jeep to visit the fort.
No direct bus and rail services are available. The nearest airport is in Udaipur.
Local Cuisine
Kumbhalgarh does not particularly have a famous local cuisine but offers every cuisine which you might want to eat. It has a great variety of options available from South Indian to continental, Punjabi, and whatnot.
While visiting Kumbhalgarh one must try the street food there as it has a touch of Rajasthan.
If you are a history lover or a traveler who loves to travel for grandeur then Kumbhalgarh is a place for you. Kumbhalgarh might not have its cuisine instead it has many luxurious and peaceful resorts which offer a variety of wellness sessions.
Accommodation
Once you are back from the exhausting travel you can attend some relaxing yoga sessions and regain your energy back in the ‘Kumbhalgarh Fort Resort’. This resort is about 4kms away from the fort. The toll for this resort starts from somewhere around Rs.4600 a day.
‘Hotel Kumbhal Castle’ is the best option for you if a historical location vacation is what you like. With its budget-friendly prices, this is the best option for you near the fort. Its toll for a day starts from around Rs.2500 per night.
If you are looking for a low-budget hotel for a comfortable stay ‘Jaigarh Palace’ might be the right one for you. The toll here starts from around Rs.1300 per day.
Do’s & Don’ts
- Do carry a water bottle while you set out on your walk to the top of the fort. As water is only available at the entrance of the fort.
- Keep your belongings guarded as you will find a lot of monkeys in different areas of Kumbhalgarh.
- Do not wander alone in secluded areas, dark regions, and roads of Kumbhalgarh. As you might encounter a wild animal.
- Try to return before the sunset or stay some near the fort if you are late. Leopard and panther seeing is very common during the nighttime. Therefore, it is safe not to travel after sunset.
- Do not travel on a two-wheeler vehicle as the condition of the roads leading to Kumbhalgarh is not good and also the due seeing of wild animals.
Suggestions for travelers
- The best time to visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort is in the winter season from November to February. As the temperature is not high and one can easily visit the fort and roam around.
- Do visit the following temples when you visit the Kumbhalgarh fort: Neelkanth Mahadeo temple, Mammadev temple, and Muchchal Mahavir temple.
- If you are staying overnight in Kumbhalgarh then do attend the light and sound show which takes place near the fort in the evening. You might have to enquire about it while visiting as it is not a daily show.
- You can also go to ‘Kumbhalgarh Safari’ in Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary as it is the second most visited place in Kumbhalgarh after the Kumbhalgarh fort. The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary has a wide variety of animals such as wolves, Nilgais, sambar, sloth bears, and more importantly several leopards and panthers. Many scarce species of birds are also found here. Although spotting a leopard or a panther during the day is rare, you will be able to see several other animals.
Conclusion
Planning a weekend getaway along with your friends or your family Kumbhalgarh Fort is the right place for you. If you are an avid traveler and like trekking, you should visit this fort. This place might not be the right choice for you if you get tired easily. Then you might find it difficult to make it to the top from where the real view can be seen. So, don’t forget to keep it on your travel list while exploring Rajasthan.
Also Read: Khandi Waterfall in Pune
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