India
Fort de Kumbhalgarh
The majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort is 84 km north of the city of lakes, Udaipur. Associated with the legendary Maha Rana Kumbha, the building receives a lot of praise from boaters traveling to the city. Its walls stretch for 36 km, making it the second largest fort in the country.
History
Kumbhalgarh Fort was built between 1445 and 1458 by Rana Kumbha, under the supervision of the famous architect Mandan. In order to obtain a strategic position against the attacks of the enemy, it was erected on a hill at an altitude of 1,914 m. At the end of the 19th century, the complex was renovated by Rana Fateh Singh and obtained its current structure. Also, it was the birthplace of the great king and warrior of Mewar, Maharana Pratap.
Legend has it that attempts by the Kumbhalgarh Maharana, Rana Kumbha, to build the wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort failed repeatedly. The Maharana then decided to consult a preceptor. He advised him to make a human sacrifice, but no one volunteered. One day, a pilgrim devoted himself and according to the ritual, he was beheaded. Today, the main gate of the fortress, called Hanuman Pol, contains a shrine and a temple commemorating this great sacrifice.
In 2003, Kumbhalgarh Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort
As the second largest fort in the country, it is a key part of India's architectural heritage. Built on a hill of Aravalli, the monument is surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape. In the distance, you can see the sand dunes of the Thar desert. The entire site is framed by a stone wall measuring 36 km in length.
Kumbhalgarh Fort includes a number of historic buildings, including Kumbha Mahal, Badal Mahal, water reservoirs and gateways. The fortifications, palaces and temples of the complex are breathtaking. Seven large doors serve the fort. Count also seven ramparts folded on themselves, with walls reinforced by curved bastions and gigantic watchtowers. More than 360 temples nestle in the places, including the Shiva Temple which stands out for its huge Shivalinga. Unlike the dark color of the fort, the palate mixes green, turquoise and white hues.
Each year, the site hosts a three-day festival in honor of Maharana Kumbha. Sound and light shows and concerts are on the program. Do not miss the "Heritage Fort Walk" animation, the turbans' teams, the firefighting competitions and the "mehendimandana".
Schedules and entrance fees
Kumbhalgarh Fort welcomes the public every day of the week from 9am to 6pm. The entry price is as follows:
For Indians: 15 RS
For foreigners: 200 RS
How to get there ?
Kumbhalgarh Fort is easily accessible from the main city. To reach Kumbhalgarh by plane, the nearest airfield is in Udaipur. It is a major domestic airport with scheduled flights connecting Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai. From the airport you can rent a taxi to reach the fort.
However, the cheapest way to reach Kumbhalgarh is the bus. The state government of Rajasthan runs regular and luxury buses that stop about 50 km from the fort. You can do the rest of the trip by taxi.
What to do ?
Indulge in photography
Admire the sunset from the top of the fort
Attend the sound and light shows, etc.
