Travel destination in India, Kumbhalgarh

 

General Information about KUMBHALGARH


Kumbhalgarh :
Area : 586 Sq Km
Altitude: 1914 metres
Languages : Hindi, English and Rajasthani
Best Time to Visit : October to February
State : Rajasthan
STD Code : 02954
About Kumbhalgarh

Its location had always been Kumbhalgarh's greatest advantage. Because it was virtually inaccessible in the 15th century, Rana Kumbha of Mewar built this great defensive fortress on a 3,500 feet (1,100 meters) high hill overlooking the approaches from Ajmer and Marwar. Today, precisely because it is within easy reach of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Pushkar-yet off the well trodden tourist routes-Kumbhalgarh is an attractive destination.

In Kumbha's time the kingdom of Mewar spread from Ranthambore to Gwalior, including vast tracts of present-day Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Mewar's rulers became patrons of all that was best in Indian martial and fine arts, architecture, and learning. Of the 84 fortresses defending Mewar, 32 were designed and built by Rana Kumbha. Of these, Kumbhalgarh with its 36-kilometer long wall and soaring towers is the most impressive. Kumbhalgarh stands on the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the second century AD belonging to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. It defined the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar and became a refuge for Mewar's rulers in times of strife. Its steel gray ramparts encircle the fertile Shero Mallah Valley, with ancient monuments cenotaphs, ponds and flourishing farms. Kumbhalgarh fell only once in its history, to the combined forces of Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : Nearest airport Udaipur (84 kilometers), and Jodhpur (102 kilometers).

By Rail : Phalna is the nearest junction through which trains from Mumbai. Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer pass.

By Road : Many Rajasthan Roadways passenger and deluxe buses pass through Kumbhalgarh from Ajmer, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KUMBHALGARH

Kumbhalgarh Fort : Perched atop the Aravallis, The Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second principal fortress after Chittorgarh. Built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, the fort extends over 12Km and encloses many temples, gardens and palaces. Renovated in the 19th century The Kumbhalgarh Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

Haldighati : This is the place where the famous battle between Rana Pratap and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar was fought in 1576 AD. The Chhatri of Maharana's horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary : The Sanctuary supports a rich wildlife such as the panther, sloth bear, wild boar, scientifically bred crocodiles and the four horned antelope. The most famous attractions are the flamingoes, cormorants, spoonbills and egrets which can be spotted during winters.

Muchhal Mahavira Temple : situated about 5Km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary. The distinctive feature of the temple is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache.

Click here to view Hotels of Kumbhalgarh........
 
 
webmaster : aks