Kumbhalgarh Fort

Quick Facts
Area : Jaipur, Rajasthan
Languages : Rs. 250 (Museum)
Best Time To Visit : July-March

Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered.

It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. The fort also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of sentimental significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap. The fort is self-contained and has within its amalgam almost everything to withstand a long siege.

The fort fell only once that too to the combined armies of Mughal and of Amber for scarcity of drinking water. Many magnificent palaces an array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque place is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds.

The fort also offers a superb birds view of the surroundings. The fort's thick wall stretches some 36 kms and is wide enough to take eight horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the 19th century. The fort's large compound has very interesting ruins and the walk around it can be very rewarding.

What to See:

» Dargah Ajmer Sharief » Mayo College

» Ana Sagar Lake » Adhai-din-ka Jhonpra

» Taragarh Fort » Akbar´s Palace

Where to Stay:

» Mansingh Palace » Hotel Regency » Hotel Embassy

» Hotel Sahil » Phool Mahal Palace » Hotel Ambassador

» Roopangarh Fort » Hotel Chitvan

Festivals:
» Urs Ajmer Sharif

Shopping:
Just like any other city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is also a shopper's paradise. There are numerous items in Ajmer that you will find worth buying. The most famous shopping items of Ajmer includes Antiques, Ornaments, Gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs, Bandhini (colorful tie-and-dye Saris), Embroidered Jodhpuri Jutis (footwear), Ittar (a special form of local perfume).

Accessibility:
By Air - Jaipur (132 km from Ajmer) is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Regular train services link Ajmer with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
by surface - There is a well-connected network of buses that ply to and fro from Ajmer connecting it to major towns and cities in north India.

Suggested Itineraries : Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Tours | Living Culture Tour of Rajasthan