Ready to embark on a journey to Kumbhalgarh Fort? Let’s unlock the secrets of this captivating historical landmark! Discover the charm of Kumbhalgarh Fort, known for its fascinating history and remarkable architecture. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: entry fees, fun facts, travel tips, light and sound show timings, directions, main attractions inside the fort, notable temples, and nearby sights. Experience why Kumbhalgarh Fort is a top destination for history lovers and travelers.
1. Kumbhalgarh Fort: History and Specifications
Where Is Kumbhalgarh Fort?
- Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Aravalli Range in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India.
How old is Kumbhalgarh Fort?
- The original fort is believed to date back to the 6th century, making it around 1,400 years old. However, the fort as it stands today was built in the 15th century, which makes it about 600 years old.
Kumbhalgarh Fort Built By:
- Rana Kumbha
Kumbhalgarh Fort Built In Which Year:
- 15th century AD
Why Was Kumbhalgarh Fort Built?
- The fort was built to provide a safe refuge for the rulers of Mewar during times of threat or danger. Its strategic location made it an important stronghold in the region.
- According to local legends, Rana Kumbha faced many challenges while building the fort and almost gave up. A holy man told him that these problems would end if a pure-hearted person willingly sacrificed their life for the fort’s construction. Disappointed, the king was surprised when the holy man sacrificed himself. After this, the construction went smoothly. The main entrance to the fort is said to be where the holy man’s head fell.
Elevation:
- Around 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level.
Length of Fort’s Wall:
- Approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles).
Height of Fort’s Walls:
- Up to 15 meters (49 feet).
Historical Significance: Kumbhalgarh Fort has played a crucial role in the region’s history. Many important events took place here, such as the birth of Maharana Pratap. The fort also provided shelter to the young Prince Udai of Mewar when Chittor was under attack. Despite being attacked many times, the fort was only conquered once, in 1576, by Mansingh I, a general of Emperor Akbar. Later, the fort was controlled by colonial rulers before becoming part of the state of Rajasthan.
2. kumbhalgarh fort : facts
Here are some interesting facts about Kumbhalgarh Fort:
- Massive Wall: Kumbhalgarh Fort features the second-longest continuous wall in the world, stretching over 36 kilometers. Only the Great Wall of China surpasses its length.
- Strategic Location: Situated on the Aravalli Range at an elevation of 1,100 meters, Kumbhalgarh Fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its strategic position provided a strong defense against invading forces.
- Architectural Marvel: Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, the fort showcases impressive architecture and design. It features numerous palaces, temples, and water reservoirs within its complex, reflecting the grandeur of the Rajput era.
- Birthplace of Maharana Pratap: Kumbhalgarh Fort holds historical significance as the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, one of the most celebrated rulers of Mewar, known for his bravery and resistance against Mughal rule.
- Invincibility (impossible to defeat): Despite facing several attacks throughout its history, Kumbhalgarh Fort remained unconquered for the most part. It fell only once, in 1576, to the forces of Emperor Akbar under the command of Mansingh I, a Mughal general.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kumbhalgarh Fort is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2013. This recognition highlights its cultural and historical significance, contributing to its global acclaim and preservation.
These facts really show how special Kumbhalgarh Fort is, making it a place you absolutely have to visit if you love history or just want to explore the amazing heritage of Rajasthan
3. How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. Here’s how you can reach it, including approximate travel times:
By Air
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur |
| Distance from Kumbhalgarh Fort | Approximately 95 km |
| Transport from Airport | Taxi or Bus |
| Travel Time by Taxi | Around 2 to 2.5 hours |
2. By Train
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Nearest Railway Station | Udaipur Railway Station |
| Distance from Kumbhalgarh Fort | Around 85 km |
| Transport from Udaipur | Taxi or Bus |
| Travel Time by Taxi | Around 2 to 2.5 hours |
3. By Road
a) Personal Vehicle
| From | Distance | Travel Time by Car/Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Udaipur | About 85 km | Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Jodhpur | Around 200 km | Approximately 4 to 5 hours |
| Jaipur | Approximately 345 km | Around 6 to 7 hours |
Parking Information:
- Upon arrival, park your vehicle at the designated parking point.
kumbhalgarh fort parking charges : INR 35/-
b) Buses
Traveling from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Fort:
There are two main options to reach Kumbhalgarh Fort from Udaipur, and since there are no direct buses to the fort itself, we will look for buses going to Sayra (Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary).
Option 1: Udaipur Bus Stand (near Railway Station)
- Catch a bus: Look for buses departing towards Sayra. These buses typically run every hour and depart from the Udaipur bus stand near the railway station. The first bus might be at 8:30 AM, but confirm the schedule directly at the bus stand to avoid any last-minute surprises. Expect to pay around Rs. 75 per person.
- The Journey: The ride to Sayra should take approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Be aware that some buses might be older models.
Option 2: Chetak Circle
- Alternative Starting Point: If the bus stand is inconvenient, you can also consider catching a bus from Chetak Circle, located about 3-4 kilometers from the railway station. Buses to Sayra might be less frequent here, so plan accordingly and inquire about departure times.
Reaching Kumbhalgarh from Sayra:
- Connecting Bus: At Sayra, you’ll need to transfer to a different bus for Kumbhalgarh. These buses are reported to be older models, so be prepared for a slightly less comfortable ride.
- Bus Frequency: Luckily, these connecting buses run more frequently, approximately every half hour.
- Last Bus: The last bus from Kumbhalgarh back to Udaipur or Sayra might be earlier than 4 PM, so plan your return trip accordingly. Confirm the exact timing at the bus stand in Sayra.
Reaching the Fort:
- Kumbhalgarh Circle: Regardless of your starting point (Udaipur bus stand or Chetak Circle), you’ll arrive at Kumbhalgarh Circle. This is where you’ll disembark.
- Reaching the Entrance: Here, you have several options to reach the fort entrance, located approximately 2 kilometers from the circle:
- Taxi/Jeep: The most convenient option is to hire a taxi or jeep. These are readily available at the circle and should take you directly to the fort entrance in 10-15 minutes. This option is ideal for comfort and with luggage.
- Shared Taxi/Rickshaw: For a budget-friendly option, you can find shared taxis or rickshaws at the circle. However, these might not take you directly to the entrance and might require a walk uphill (be prepared for some effort).
Popular bus booking platforms like MakeMyTrip , redBus etc can help you find and book bus tickets.
4. Best time to visit kumbhalgarh fort
- The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather during this period is pleasant and comfortable for exploring the fort and its surroundings. Specifically, the months of October, November, February, and March are ideal because the weather is cool and dry, making it suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer or the monsoon rains.
- It’s advisable to avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June) due to the scorching heat, and the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall which may affect your travel plans and sightseeing activities.
5. kumbhalgarh fort : Travel Tips
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The fort complex is vast, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must.
2. Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
3. Hire a Guide: To fully appreciate the history and architecture of the fort, consider hiring a local guide.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort Guide charges : INR 700 to 800 /-
4. Respect the Sites: Many of the temples and structures are still active religious sites. Be respectful of the local customs and practices.
5. Photography: The fort offers numerous stunning photo opportunities. However, check for any restrictions, especially inside temples.
6.Places to visit in kumbhalgarh fort
Hanuman Pol
- As you pass through Hanuman Pol, you will find a parking area and a ticket counter. After purchasing your tickets, you proceed through the main gate to enter the fort.
2. Ram Pol
- As you pass through Ram Pol, you will find three paths ahead of you. The path straight ahead leads to the fort, while the paths to the right and left lead to the temples. Let’s take the path straight ahead and visit the fort.
3. Bhairav Pole
- Now we are entering the fort, which requires quite a bit of climbing, but it is manageable, so you can easily do it. After walking for a while, you will reach Bhairav Pol.
- When Mandan Ji and Maharana Kumbha first arrived at this site and chose this hill to build the fort, they encountered significant problems. As the walls of the fort were being constructed during the day, they would repeatedly collapse at night. This happened five to seven times, causing Maharana Kumbha to worry about why the walls kept falling. Upon consulting with the local people, they learned about a sage named Bhairav Muni who resided in these hills and practiced intense meditation.
- Maharana Kumbha and Mandan Ji approached Bhairav Muni to seek his advice on why the walls were collapsing and how to successfully construct the fort. Bhairav Muni explained that the hill was under the influence of a powerful divine force, making it difficult to build the fort. When Maharana Kumbha requested a solution, Bhairav Muni suggested that a voluntary human sacrifice was the only way to ensure the fort’s construction. However, no one was willing to volunteer for the sacrifice.
- Ultimately, Bhairav Muni himself volunteered. He explained that he would start climbing the hill, and wherever he stopped first, the main gate of the fort should be built. Wherever his body fell would mark the place for the final construction. Bhairav Muni began climbing the hill and stopped at a certain point, where Bhairav Pol (Bhairav Gate) was later constructed. After moving a bit further, Bhairav Muni’s head was severed, and a small temple was erected at the spot where his head fell.
- Despite being beheaded, Bhairav Muni’s body continued to move and eventually fell approximately 700 meters up the hill. This final spot was where the main structure of the fort was built.
4. Watchtower
- As you walk a little further, you will come across the fort’s watchtower. In the past attacks, soldiers used this very spot to keep a vigilant eye on the enemies.
5. Chaugan Pol
- Now, another gate comes into view, which is Chaugan Pol. After passing through this gate, you will see the Canon House on the left side.
- As you move a bit further up, you will come across a water reservoir. This reservoir was built to conserve water, as the forts were constructed at great heights, making it difficult to access drinking water. The inhabitants would store rainwater in these reservoirs and use it for their daily needs.
6. Pagda Pol
- The next gate is Pagda Pol. After passing through this gate, you will see the rooms in front of you. These rooms used to be the stables for horses during that time, where Maharana’s horses were kept.
7. Kumbha Palace
- After walking a little further, you will reach Kumbha Palace. Inside the palace, you can still find the idol of Navadurga Mata, who is worshipped as the Goddess of Power in Mewar.
8. Birthplace of Maharana Pratap.
- Now, let me show you the birthplace of the brave king Maharana Pratap. The area you see in front of you is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. It is restricted to enter this part of the fort, but I can show it to you from the outside. Maharana Pratap, the son of Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, and Maharani Jaywanta Bai, was born here on May 9, 1540.
9. Badal Mahal
- Now, we are heading towards Badal Mahal. It is called Badal Mahal because it is the highest part of the fort and during the rainy season, this palace gets enveloped by clouds from all sides.
- This is a palace which Maharana Fateh Singh Ji built in the 19th century. It has two storeys, with the first floor known as the Zenana Mahal where only the queens used to reside, and the second floor known as the Mardana Mahal where the Maharana used to reside.
7. Kumbhalgarh Fort Timings
Kumbhalgarh Fort Opening Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
kumbhalgarh fort timings sunday : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
8. Kumbhalgarh Fort Ticket Price
Kumbhalgarh Fort Entry Fees: INR 40/- For Indian & INR 600/- For Foreigner
9. Kumbhalgarh Fort Light and Sound Show : Timing and Ticket Price
- Timing: 6:45 pm to 7:30 pm
- Ticket Price: INR 100/- per person
10. Kumbhalgarh Fort: Temples
Kumbhalgarh Fort is renowned for its impressive array of 360 temples, out of which 300 are Jain temples and 60 are Hindu temples. While most of these temples are now inactive, a few stand out for their historical and architectural significance.
1. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Significance: This temple is one of the most important within the fort.
- Dedication: Lord Shiva
- Features: Houses a six-foot-high Shiva lingam and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
2. Vedi Temple
- Significance: Built by Rana Kumbha for performing rituals and ceremonies.
- Architecture: Features a three-storied structure with beautiful Jain architectural elements.
Other Notable Temples
Mammadev Temple: Located near the Kumbha Palace, contains stone inscriptions detailing the history of Mewar and cenotaphs of Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan.
Parsva Natha Temple: Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, known for its exquisite carvings.
Bawan Devi Temple: Named for its 52 shrines of various Hindu deities, highlighting Hindu religious practices.
Ganesh Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, strategically positioned and actively worshipped.
Charbhuja Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing intricate architecture and sculptures.
Overview
As I told you that, kumbhalgarh Fort is filled with numerous temples, most of which are now inactive. Only a few temples, such as the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Ganesh Temple, are still actively used for worship. The rest are mainly structures without murtis (idols) and do not hold regular worship ceremonies. Visitors can explore these architectural marvels to appreciate the historical and cultural heritage they represent.
11. FAQs about Kumbhalgarh Fort.
1. What is Kumbhalgarh famous for?
Ans. Kumbhalgarh is famous for its massive fort and the second-longest continuous wall in the world.
2. Is Kumbhalgarh Fort worth visiting?
Ans. Yes, Kumbhalgarh Fort is worth visiting for its historic significance and stunning architecture.
3. Can we go inside Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Ans. Yes, of course visitors can go inside Kumbhalgarh Fort.
4. How much time is required for Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Ans. Typically, 3-4 hours are required to explore Kumbhalgarh Fort.
5. Is it difficult to climb Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Ans. Climbing Kumbhalgarh Fort is moderately challenging but manageable for most visitors.
6. How many temples are there in Kumbhalgarh Fort?
Ans. Kumbhalgarh Fort houses around 360 temples.
7. What is the difference between Kumbhalgarh Fort and Chittorgarh Fort?
Ans. The main difference is that Kumbhalgarh Fort is renowned for its wall, while Chittorgarh Fort is famous for its historical battles and monuments.
8. Is it safe to travel from Kumbhalgarh to Udaipur at night?
Ans. Yes, it is generally safe to travel from Kumbhalgarh to Udaipur at night.
