The state of Rajasthan is dotted with forts, fortresses and citadels. Lore has it that the two most common things in that part of the country are the camels and the forts. The most popular forts that we all know about are the ones at Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Amer Fort(Jaipur) but very few people actually know about the fort of KumbhalGarh.
This fort is situated on top of the Aravali ranges at a height of 1994 meters high from the sea level. The citadel stands testimony to the triumphant history of the Ranas of Mewar.
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Location:- This fort is situated 90 km north west of Udaipur and is cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali ranges. The inaccessibility of the fort and the tough terrain made it a very formidable bastion to conquer for any ruler during its heydays.
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History beckons KumbhalGarh fort has a glorious past to say the least. It was built in 15th Century by Maharana Kumbha(1419-63A.D) and served as the principal fort after the Chittorgarh fort. Its unique geographical location and in hospital terrain made it an ideal place to retreat for the rulers of Mewar in times of peril. So much so that it was conquered only once in its entire history and took the combined forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar along with the rulers of Ambar and Marwar to vanquish it. It has Asia’s second largest rampart wall after the great wall of China, which runs 36 kms and is dotted with watch towers and is surrounded by a moat. All these made it an impregnable citadel.
Legend has it that the infact UdaiSingh was smuggled from Bundi by his faithful maid to save him from his rapacious uncles and hidden in this fort until he came of age.
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How to get there, it is well connected to other parts of Rajasthan now a days. When we went there like 8 years back it was a tough task to get there in the first place. We had to take a jeep from Udaipur to the famous Jain temple of Ranakpur and from there take a rickety state transport bus which left us on the main road from where we had to walk 2 kms to get to the fort I believe. One can also find private buses that ply at specific intervals. Hired cabs, jeeps etc can also be used to get here.
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Best time to visit since KumbhalGarh is located in the heart of Rajasthan the climate here is tropical during the summers with temperatures as high as 43C while during the winters it gets a bit chilly. The best to go there one recommends would be September-March when its neither too hot nor too cold.
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Tourist Attraction the fort offers a panoramic view of the countryside from the top. The rampart wall adds an aura of invincibility to this place. What struck me more then anything was the way the fort has been constucted.As one approaches the fort the road is made in such a way that it is not visible at all, one feels as if he going in the correct direction. After walking for almost 1km from the main km, all of a sudden as the mountains take a bend, one catches the first glimpses of the behemoth. It is indeed an awe inspiring sight. The rampart wall is dotted with watch towers and seven majestic Darwajas.The chambers inside the fort are masterpieces of fine craftsmanship with ornate depicting and masonry. Much of it is in a neglected state now, thanks to the **ASI.
Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds is the highest of all the structures inside the fort and has delicate mural work.
Haldighati the famous battleground where Rana Pratap waged the historic battle against Mughal emperor Akbar is also not far from this fort.
Some of the temples inside the fort date back to the Mauryan ruler Ashoka’s times. There are temples for Goddess Kali and Durga inside along with temples eulogizing Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Rana Kumbha was a Shiva devout. The pillars of these temples are ornate work of craftsmanship.
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Legends and fables Legend has it that the deepak that used to be lit at all times on top of the fort could be seen from the Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur as well as the Chittorgarh fort. Another legend says that the fort has a tunnel(surang) which led straight to the Chittorgarh fort and it is through this tunnel that the Ranas used to come and go when in danger.
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Places around the Jain temple of Ranakpur is very close to this place and is a must visit. The temple built completely in white marble is a fine example of north Indian temple architecture. The temple is built like the Brihadeshwara temple where no matter at what angle the sunlight comes the shadow doesn?t fall on the ground. A sight to behold for sure.
Kankroli with its Hindu temple and the wonderful palace on top of the hill is also a must visit for anyone who ventures that side of the country.
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It is a must visit for anyone who is interested in the forts and citadels of India. This fort ensconced in the Aravalis has a rich history and a glorious past to boast of. Also when should not miss the Gher Ghoomer festival in front of the Chamunda Devi temple inside the fort. This has been a tradition for the last 6 centuries with the local tribes.
The color, splash and tradition of the tribes untouched by the vagaries of the corruption of commercialization is joie de vivre personified.