You might have heard about the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. This is where the Kumbhalgarh Fort is located. You will be surprised to know that this architectural marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is popular for its historical importance. Also, it is known for its stunning landscapes. You can gain some insights into the glorious past of India from this fort.
In addition to being a grandeur destination in Rajasthan, it is also an affordable spot for tourists on a budget. You might be a photography enthusiast. Otherwise, you might be a history buff. Even if you are just a wanderer, Kumbhalgarh Fort will offer an enriching experience to you and your family. You can gather every detail you need before you plan your visit to this fort.
History & Story Behind Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. During the Mewar Rule here, this fort was functioning as an important defensive stronghold. Several attempts were made to construct this fort. Every effort turned out to be a failure. Thereafter, a local sage suggested that human sacrifice was the only solution to finish the fort’s construction. Following this, a voluntary sacrifice contributed a great share to the construction. This story connected with the fort makes it a mystical wonder in Rajasthan.
The fort is popular as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. He was a powerful Rajput King to stood against the Mughal Empire. Over its years of existence, this fort has witnessed a lot of battles. It stands as a symbol of the valour of Rajputs and resilience today.
Second Largest Wall in the World
Do you how Kumbhalgarh Fort has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It is because it carries an interesting aspect. Yes, the fort’s wall has a massive perimeter. So, it is often referred to as India’s Great Wall. It spans over 36 km and so it is the second largest wall in the world following the Great Wall of China.
The strategic design and sheer scale of the wall, which encompasses crenellated ramparts and watch towers make this wall an architectural wonder. The wall was built in a massive size to protect the rulers from invaders. Due to this wall, the fort can accommodate an entire army within its huge wall. With a trek along the wall, you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. You can understand the engineering brilliance of ancient India.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Fort?
You will be thinking about the nearest and most popular city near Kumbhalgarh Fort. Udaipur is the city you can choose to land. From Udaipur, the distance to the fort is around 85 km. However, you can easily reach the fort by choosing one of the following modes of transportation:
By Bus
Not only to Udaipur, but many private and state-run buses connect the fort to major cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. So, if you are travelling from other states, you can reach one of these cities by bus. After that, you can take another bus to reach the fort.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Kumbhalgarh Fort is Falna Railway Station. This railway station located a
round 80 km from the fort is connected well to cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Ajmer and Mumbai. From this station, you can hire a taxi to reach the fort. Udaipur Railway Station is also located around the same distance. You can book trains from your city or one of the major cities in Rajasthan. Then, you can travel by train to reach Falna Railway Station.
By Flight
The Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh Fort. This airport is located around 95 km away from the fort. Regular flights connect Udaipur from Jaipur, Mumbai Delhi and also other major cities. From the airport, you can hire a cab to reach the fort.
By Car
If you are thinking about self-drive and if you are travelling from Udaipur, you can expect a scenic drive. The route connecting Udaipur with the fort is well-maintained and it will take around 2-3 hours to reach. You will drive through the Aravalli Hills, which will surely be a pleasant experience.
Key Attractions & Things To Do
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in Kumbhalgarh, which is a quaint, small and marvellous Mewar Fortress town. The scenic Aravalli Hills surround this town. People from Udaipur choose this place for a day trip to explore Kumbhalgarh Fort. Here are certain things you can do in this fort:
Walk Around The Great Wall
You can spend some time walking around the second-longest wall in the world. When you do this, you can soak in the panoramic views of the Aravalli Ranges. If possible, make sure to plan your trip to the fort either during the sunrise or sunset. During these times of the day, the huge walls and the views it offers will be very satisfying to watch.
Explore the Badal Mahal or Palace of Clouds
When you visit the top of the Kumbhalgarh Fort, you can see the Badal Mahal. It is otherwise called the Palace of Clouds. At this palace, you will understand the royal architecture. Also, you will be impressed by the stunning view of the surrounding landscapes.
Visit the Temples Within the Fort
You can find more than 360 temples inside the fort. This includes around 300 Jain temples and the rest are devoted to Hindu gods. The temples are part of the architecture of the fort. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is a popular temple within the fort complex.
Explore Wildlife At the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Located close to the fort, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of wildlife. Yes, you can spot wolves, sloth bears and leopards in this sanctuary. At this sanctuary, you have the option to trek through the verdant terrain or you can also explore the sanctuary by taking a safari ride.
Take Part in the Sound and Light Show
You can watch the sound and light conducted at the fort every evening around 6.30 pm. The show time is around 40 to 45 minutes. You can learn about the hidden history of the fort through this show. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has organized this show to help visitors learn about the history and key highlights of the Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Enjoy Trekking and Take Stunning Photos
The grandeur of the fort along with its natural surroundings make it a paradise not only for trekking enthusiasts but also for photographers.
If you love trekking, check out my post on Chittorgarh Fort: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Majestic Citadel.
Best Time & Season To Visit
The ideal time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is between October and March, which are winter months. These are winter months in the Kumbhalgarh. The weather during this season is enjoyable and comfortable with temperatures that range from 100C and 250C. The climate during this season is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing the fort and sightseeing. Also, during this season, you will have better chances to spot wildlife in the sanctuary.
The summer months between April and June can be very hot. The temperatures can range up to 40 degrees Celsius. So, sightseeing will be less comfortable during this season. The monsoon season between July and September can also give you a unique experience. The reason is that during this season, the landscapes get green and lush.
Duration to See
You can spend 4-5 hours in Kumbhalgarh Fort. However, if you plan to explore nearby attractions like the wildlife sanctuary or if you want to stay for the light and sound show, you can consider dedicating a whole day.
Entry Fee and Ticket Prices
The entry fee to the fort is Rs.10 for Indians. For foreign nationals, the entry fee is Rs.100. For the light and sound show, the ticket cost for Indians is Rs.150 and for foreigners, the fee is Rs.300.
FAQ
When Does the Kumbhalgarh Fort Open and close every day?
The fort remains closed to visitors on Sundays. From Mondays to Saturdays, the fort opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm. After 6.30 pm, the light and sound show is conducted.
Should I Buy Tickets in Advance?
No, there is no requirement to buy tickets in advance. You can go directly and get the ticket at the ticket counter available at the fort entrance.
In What Language Is the Sound and Light Show Conducted?
The show is conducted in Hindi. The show lasts for 45 minutes. It starts at 6.45 pm every day.
Conclusion
Kumbhalgarh Fort is more than just a historical monument. It is a getaway to the glorious past of the state of Rajasthan. It is a combination of nature, history and culture. Its affordability and uniqueness make it one of the must-visit destinations for travellers on a budget. So, buckle up to explore the royalty of the fort. You can imagine how this fort protected the kings in its yesteryears.
Check out my other posts on Rajasthan:
Bhangarh Fort, Visit to the most haunted place in Asia!
25 Places to visit in Udaipur you should consider
7 offbeat destinations to consider for your next trip to Rajasthan
A Crisp Guide to Jaipur – Sights, Shopping and Food
Things to do in Jaipur | 20 Recommendations from my experiences