Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh

Chittaurgarh was the pride of the Sisodias, Kumbhalgarh is the crown with which they earned themselves merit. Raised by Rana Kumbha, this impregnable fortress perches itself on top of 13 mountains peaks in the Aravallis. Battlements 36 km long gird its fierce looking bastions overhung with steep walls from which decorative windows project. A steep climb up a narrow road leads to the entrance. It was here that Prince Uday, smuggled out of Chittaurgarh by his nursemaid Panna Dai, found refuge, and it was from here he ruled before going on to establish the new capital of Udaipur.

Though inhabited briefly, it also afforded refuge to the Mughal prince, Jehangir, from his estranged father, Emperor Shah Jehan. Within the fort, Badal Mahal is particularly noteworthy for its exquisite interiors and its soaring height over other structures. Also found here are ancient Jain temples dating back to the Mauryan period. Medieval Hindu temples with fluted pillars, and a few chhatris or cenotaphs are also memorable. The buildings at Kumbhalgarh, unlike at Chittaurgarh, are mostly intact.

Kumbhalgarh is 105 km from Udaipur, from where it can be reached by a good motorable road. There is a quaint heritage hotel close by, but most other facilities are best at Udaipur.

Forts of Rajasthan

Rajasthan In Details