Kumbhalgarh Fort, The Great Wall of India
Sindhu Murthy
Nestled amidst the lush green forest and surrounded by the mighty hills of Aravallis, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort after Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is also the 2nd largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh fort. This UNESCO world Heritage Site has secured a place for itself in many record books because of its massive wall often referred to as The Great Wall of India. Read on to know some very interesting facts about this beautiful citadel.
The Kumbhalgarh fort gets its name from Maharana Kumbha who built it during 15th century AD. It took over a hundred years to build it. It was renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh during the 19th Century.
The Fort has been the place of refuge to kings of Mewar during many occasions. This was the place where the King Udai Singh was hidden during his childhood after he was rescued from the attack of Balbir in Chittorgarh. This fort is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the greatest king and warrior of Mewar region.
The impregnable Fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with one another with designed walls toughened by curved bastions and huge watchtowers.
This grand fort also has over 360 temples within the walls believed to have been built by the Mauryans. About 300 temples among them are considered to be Jain temples while the rest are for Hindu Deities.
The fortification wall of Kumbhalgarh is about 36 kilometers long and is thick and broad enough for eight horses to ride abreast. It is second longest in the world, first being the ‘Great Wall of China’.
Kumbhalgarh National Park surrounding the fort is an abode of a great variety of flora and fauna. It provides shelter to a number of endangered species of Indian wildlife. It is famous for panthers and leopards. Other wildlife in this national park is Hyena, Toddycats, Wolf, Neelgai, Sambhars, Junglefowl, Peacocks, Wild boars, Beers etc.
The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of the structure. This beautiful palace is known as ‘Badal Mahal’ or the Palace of Cloud. The palace offers a panoramic view of the thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali range that protect the fort of Kumbhalgarh.
Standing majestically on 1180m high ridge, this almost invincible fort is the highest and most formidable in the state of Rajasthan. It was never been conquered by direct assault. It fell only once to the combined armies of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Raja Mansingh of Amber, and Mirzas of Gujarat due to the shortage of drinking water.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located at around 90 Km from Udaipur and can be covered on a day trip from Udaipur. Sound and Light Show is arranged every evening after sunset which depicts the stories from the glorious past of the massive fortress. For those willing to stay back in Kumbhalgarh after sunset, there are many jungle lodges and heritage properties in the vicinity. The adventurous ones can also try trekking in the Kumbhalgarh National Park. During our visit to Kumbhalgarh, we stayed at the Royal Palace of Ghanerao which is located at a driving distance of around 50 Kms from Kumbhalgarh. While in Kumbhalgarh, you can also plan to visit the world famous temple of Ranakpur which is known for its magnificent marble sculptures.
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Awesome post cards with Great description of The Glorious Fort.
Its very dreamy and The Fort have those interesting details, that the Great Wall is missing (aside from the fail reconstruction of some parts).
Wow never heard this place before! It’s a great place to explore together with its amazing history to go with. A perfect place for a day out and great views around.
It is one of the best forts of India . I am glad it has got its recognition and place in UNESCO list. It has spine shilling stories though.
The majestic might and the whole saga of Kumbhalgarh is so mesmerizing and humbling! It is one of the best forts of India and deserved to be a part of UNESCO! 🙂
I am a Sri Lankan and it is my first time hearing about the great wall of India.
Seems it is well preserved and think it is a must visit destination in India.
Can’t believe I haven’t heard of this place before. I am also keen on visiting the Great Wall of China but have always felt reluctant due to the large number of daily visitors there. This Kumbhalgarh fortification wall seems like a great alternative with less crowds of tourists. Noted!
This is so awesome, I had no idea that India had its own wall, 36 km long. I have visited Rajasthan but I didn’t know the existance of this fort, I would have loved to visit it. The views of it are so beautiful.
First of all, I admire your photos. The aerial views are fantastic. Thank you for sharing them. Speaking of the Kumbhalgarh Fort, I can easily see why it became a UNESCO world Heritage Site. It looks enormous. No wonder, it took hundred years to build. I am curious what was the size of its garrison?
Great shots! I love all the vibrant pictures you got here. And the place looks majestic. Wish to see this with my own eyes one day. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
I had never heard of this fort and wall before! It looks beautiful and with great surroundings, I hope to get there one day. Thanks for sharing
I never knew India had a Great Wall, very cool! You captured some beautiful photos… I might have to visit one day
These facts together with the pictures trully certify its title as “The Great Wall of India”!
You captured the sites beautifully! So mant great pictures. 360 temples, though? That’s insane that there are so many! And still so well preserved! Great post.
I didn’t even know there was a Wall of India! That fort is simply fantastic, is it free to enter?
I had no idea that they even had a wall there? Does it cost money to go in? I cant wait to see that next visit to India!
Your pictures are amazing – what camera do you use? I had no idea this place existed, especially being such a historical place! It also looks like one of the best preserved forts from what I can gather, despite being so old!
Watching the sunset from the Badal Mahal is another amazing thing here. I missed the light and sound show but am sure that was amazing too. Kumbhalgarh is indeed a lovely destination.
Beautiful pictures! Loved reading about Kumbhalgarh Fort. Thanks for the info.
I love your pictures. … I didn’t know about this place so far but it seems to be amazing! I will add kumbhalgarh fort to my list for sure 🙂
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never heard of the great wall of India! It looks like a beautiful place and I’ll definitely add it to my must-see list for my India trip. Hope to get there within the next couple of years!
Woah! I have actually never heard of this before but what an amazing sight! A must for anyone in India for sure! Your pictures are beautiful 🙂
I enjoyed your high quality images of the fort! India truly has some really incredible destinations that I’m just finding out about thanks to Indian travel bloggers!
Thank you for sharing amazing story together with so many excellent photos. I never knew that there is Great Wall of India. Your post makes me want to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This indeed is a very informative article. I feel proud about the varied and rich culture, architecture and heritage of India on seeing places like the magnificent fort of Kumbhalgarh, which is second only to the Great Wall of China.
Thanks Sandy and Vijay.
Another beautiful post. I never knew it is 36 km long and that wide. What an amazing architectural marvel kumbalgarh fort is? I missed it earlier but definitely going to check it on my next trip.
Hello, I have read so many articles on this website and they have been very great Blog posts.
Really informative. Keep up the good work. formative and very well put together.
I really enjoyed reading this article! Your blog is designed very well. The pictures are looking great.
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