Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan India

The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh, situated at a distance of eighty four kilometers to the north of the 'City of Lakes', is perhaps one of the most spectacular sites that adorns the history laden landscape of Udaipur. A testimony to the ingenuity of the legendary Maha rana Kumbha, it draws as much accolades as the formidable fortress of Chittorgarh.

It was constructed between the years 1445 and 1458 and is said to have been raised on the ruins of Samrapati's palace, a Jain king who lived in the 2nd Century B.C. In fact, the remnants of a Jain shrine found in the spectacular fortress indicates at such state of affairs.

The mammoth fort, situated at a height of 1100 meters, snakes through a the hills of Aravali, stretching up to a distance of twelve kilometers. It is fortified by a towering bulwark of thirty six kilometers. Crenellations, observations towers, citadels abound the fort.

You can troop to this inviolable piece of architecture by opting for a drive, from Kelwara, through the seven magnificent 'pols' or entrances. The last of these entry points called the 'Nimboo Pol', has the legends of history associated with it. The fort went through a complete overhaul during the reign of King Fateh Singh in the nineteenth century.

You can also make a dash for the numerous( about three hundred and sixty) elegant mansions, dilapidated shrines, 'baoris', and verdant parks that dots the length and breadth of this breathtaking beauty. Head towards the 'Badal Mahal' and catch a spellbinding panoramic view of the surroundings.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur in Rajasmand district, Kumbhalgarh Fort is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort derived its name from the same factor.

Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it more magnificent.

On your way to Kumbhalgarh fort, a few kilometers before, you will find yourself on a zigzag road going through deep ravines and thick forests. This way would take you to the Arait Pol, where you can trace the watch-tower and then Hulla Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Bhairava Pol, Paghra Pol, Top-khana Pol and Nimboo Pol will come across your track.

The impregnable Fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with one another with designed walls toughened by curved bastions and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the Fort made it unbeatable till date. The hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side. There are not less than 360 temples inside the complex of the Fort. Amongst all of them, Shiva Temple is worth visiting that comprises a huge Shivalinga (Phallic form).

The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise and white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of being wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town.

In the late 19th century, Rana Fateh Singh once again took the initiative to rebuild this remarkable palace. In the times of dissension, the fort also offered refuge to the rulers of Mewar. Even, the baby king Udai Singh was kept here safe during the time of battles. The large complex of the Fort offers ancient remnants to explore and one can spend a pleasurable evening while strolling through the ravines of Kumbhalgarh Fort.

 Kumbhalgarh, a small town in district Rajsamand is known world wide for its great history and architecture. Here lies the great Kumbhalgarh fort which was built during 15th century by Maharana Kumbha. Enlarged during 19th century, this fort is also the birth place of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. This almost invincible fort is the highest and most formidable in the state of Rajasthan. Even the mighty mughal couldn’t capture it alone and it took the combined armies of Delhi, Amber and Marwar to breach its defences. Standing majestically on 1180m high ridge and representing the past glory of the Rajput rulers, the Fort also provides a panoramic view of the countryside from the top. Thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali range protect this impregnable fortress. Seven huge and imposing gates stand like sentinels at the approaches and seven ramparts, one being folded within another with crenulated walls strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watch towers, make this an impregnable mountain fortress. It's serpentine 15 kilometres long wall is thick and broad enough for eight horses to ride abreast. This wall is second longest only to the 'Great Wall of China'. This grand fort also has 360 temples within the walls.