Drive Away to Kumbalgarh

One of the many forts built by Rana Kumbha (r 1433–68), under whom Mewar reached its greatest extents, this isolated fort with a derelict palace is perched 1100m above sea level, with hazy views melting into the distance. The journey to the fort, along twisting roads through the Aravalli Hills, is a highlight in itself, while the crumbling empty palace complex within the fort hardly justifies the foreigner entry price.

Kumbhalgarh was the most important Mewar fort after Chittorgarh, and the rulers, sensibly, used to retreat here in times of danger. Not surprisingly, Kumbhalgarh was only taken once in its entire history. Even then, it took the combined armies of Amber, Marwar and Mughal emperor Akbar to breach its strong defences, and they only managed to hang on to it for two days.

The fort’s thick walls stretch about 36km; they’re wide enough in some places for eight horses to ride abreast and it’s possible to walk right round the circuit (allow two days). They enclose around 360 intact and ruined temples, some of which date back to the Mauryan period in the 2nd century BC, as well as palaces, gardens, step-wells and 700 cannon bunkers.

If you’re staying here and want to make an early start on your hike around the wall, you may still get into the fort before 9am, although no one will be around to sell you a ticket.

A Light and Sound Show is conducted at the fort every evening at 6.30pm 

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Kumbalgarh

  Drive from Udaipur Airport [100 kms.] or Ahmedabad [350 kms.]
  
  Check in at hotel for 2 nights stay
  
  Rest in the afternoon
  
  Evening visit the Fort for Light & Sound Show
  
  Every evening at 1845 hrs., a light and sound show is conducted at the fort.
  
  The lighting effect is spectacular and the show gives you a glance in the glorious past of Rajput Kings.
  
  After the show the whole fort is illuminated for an hour.
  
  Overnight at Kumbalgarh

• Day 2

  Kumbalgarh / Sightseeing & Excursions

  Day at leisure to relax or for local sightseeing of Kumbalgarh & surrounding places
  
  Kumbalgarh Fort
  
  This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana 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.
  
  Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary - Jeep Safari
  
  Sprawled in an area of 578 sq km, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary encircles the massive fort of Kumbhalgarh.
  
  Bordering across the Aravalli Range, Kumbhalgarh sanctuary covers parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur and Pali districts. The sanctuary makes home to many endangered species of wild-life. The sanctuary provides natural abode to many creatures like Wolf, Leopards, Sloth bear, Hyena, jackal, Jungle cat, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chausingha (the four horned antelope), Chinkara and Hare.
  
  In fact, Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where you can trace wolf engaged in its activities.This sanctuary inhabits more than forty wolves in number. In the summers, one can easily find pack of wolves strolling around water sources in the sanctuary.
  
  If you find your interest in birds, then here you can see a nice variety of birds too. In the park, you can see Grey Jungle Fowl, which is usually inhibited. Peacocks and Doves also gain attention by their own charm. Apart from this, birds like Red Spur Owls, Parakeets, Golden Oriole, Bulbul, Dove, Grey Pigeons and White Breasted Kingfisher are traceable near the water holes.
  
  Ranakpur Temples
  
  The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
  
  There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
  
  Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains.
  
  Haldi Ghati
  
  The pride of Rajsamand District, “Haldighati”in known across the globe for the chivalrous deeds of the great Maharana Pratap. 45 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh. It is nestled in the middle of the Aravali range. This narrow turmeric coloured mountainous region which played a stellar role in defending the honour of Mewar dynasty, is known as Haldighati.
  
  When Mughal commander attacked this region but had to beat retreat having been licked by the forces led by Maharana Pratap. Employing the guerilla warfare technique, the Rajput forces pushed the Mughals from the royal camp at Badshah Baag to open plains of Rakt Talai (Village Khamnor). Accustomed to warfare in open plains, the mughal forces fought with Pratap but the outcome was indecisive. Maharana Pratap, astride his favourite stead “Chetak”attacked Man singh with his spear killed the mahout while Man Singh managed to escape. During the encounter, one of Chetak’s hind legs was wounded from sword held in the elephant’s trunk creating an emergency.
  
  Evening at leisure for happy hours
  
  Overnight at Kumbalgarh

• Day 3

  Departure from Kumbalgarh

  Morning at leisure
  
  Departure from Kumbalgarh by 12 noon

Notes

Round the Year Destination ... Extention available to Ranakpur, Udaipur, Jodhpur & other destinations at Rajasthan

Hotels

Mahua Bagh Kumbalgarh

Kumbhalgarh

The Kumbha Bagh Kumbalgarh

Kumbhalgarh

Kumbalgarh Safari Camp Kumbalgarh

Kumbalgarh

Wild Retreat Kumbalgarh

Kumbhalgarh

Fateh Safari Lodge Kumbalgarh

Kumbalgarh

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