Kumbhalgarh fort – A Complete Guide to Explore One Of The Largest Forts In India

Second to The Great Wall of China as the continuous wall in the world, located 98 kms from Udaipur, lies the second-most important fort of the Mewar dynasty and a 15th century masterpiece built by Mewar king, Rana Kumbha – Kumbhalgarh Fort. Being interested in Indian history since school visiting this place was a natural choice when I toured Udaipur. The fort being one of the UNESCO heritage sites was just a bonus.

A Little History About The Fort

Originally settled by a Jain prince, Samprati, in the 2nd century BC, the potential of this site as a strategic fort due to the terrain’s natural outline was comprehended and harnessed by Rana Kumbha. This massive fort was built in a single process, retaining its architectural coherence apart from when the palace of Fateh Singh was added. Nestled in the dry, rugged Aravalli Range, the hostile and inaccessible topography made it impossible for the invaders to capture this mighty fort. The design of this fort is attributed to Rana Kumbh’s architect, Mandan, who was also an author and theorist at his court.

Folklore that's prevalent among the locals on the length of the wall surrounding the fort is awe-inspiring!! Apparently, it was impossible to construct a wall on the rugged terrain, many a kings tried but failed and so did Rana Kumbha. Then a wandering hermit paid him a visit and asked Rana Kumbha to decapitate him and the distance he walks headless will mark the outline of the fort and where his body collapses is where Rana Kumbha should start building the fort. After beheading, the hermit’s body walked headless for 36 kms!!! Fascinating, isn’t it!! Although my scientific mind started questioning the impossible biology behind the headless body walking for 36kms kms while my body gives up after 10, it was something that I couldn’t wrap my head around but left it at that.

Location of the Fort

The fort is located within Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Santuary, two to three hours from Udaipur.

About The Fort

At an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level the fort sits over a sprawling 268 hectares (662 acres)!! Compromising of seven gates or pols, fort palaces and 360 temples within its premises the 36 km long wall snakes over 13 hills.ver

Gateways or Pols

Flanked on both sides by huge doors, at every gateway or pol it was to prevent invading armies.

Ram Pol

The main entrance gate flanked by two enormous bastions

Arait Pol

The that marks the entrance to the fort in the south where is it believed that the hermit’s body collapsed. From this gate, mirror signals used to be flashed to all other gates in times of emergency.

Hulla Pol or Gate of Disturbance

This is the gate that defines the point where the invading Mughals had reached with their armies in 1567.

Hanuman Pol

This gate comes after Hulla Pol and contains an image of Lord Hanuman brought by Rana Kumbha.

Paghra Pol or Stirrup Gate

The gate where the cavalry used to assemble

Tope Khana Pol or Canon Gate

The gate where it is believed that it had a secret passage

Nimboo Pol

The last gate which has a Chamundi temple beside it, where Prithviraj breathed his last and where Udai Singh was saved by his faithful maid – Panna Dhai

Bhairon Pol

The gate through which you can reach the top.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Palaces

There are three palaces within Kumbhalgarh fort that can be reached by passing the Ganesh and Swami Narayan Temples and through the Pagda Pol, then walking up the slope that leads to all the successive palaces.

Kumbha Palace

Located close to the Pagda Pol, this was Rana Kumbha’s palace and the first one on the way. It is a two-storey building with a king’s blue darbar hall (court) with a corridor separating the men’s palace (mardana) from women’s palace (zanana).

Jhalia ka Malia

Believed to be the place where Maharana Pratap was born, this place is difficult to miss because of the signpost present.

Badal Mahal

Literally meaning “Palace of Clouds”, it is located as is depicted by its name – right at the top of the fort, on the highest point of Kumbhalgarh. In contrast to the other sections of the for that were built in the 15the century, this part of the palace that was an addition in the 19th century is painted in green, white and turquoise. In this section too, the men’s and women’s section are separated with carved stone windows that would allow the women to see the proceedings without being seen.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Temples

Although the fort complex has 360 temples, only a few are accessible to public. Many are in ruins and the rest have been cordoned off by authorities due to avoid miscreants.

Ganesh Temple

Located at the entrance of the fort, this temple was built during the time of Maharana Kumbha where the great king consecrated the image of Lord Ganesha.

Vedi Temple

As you enter the fort and before the climb begins you are welcomed by the Vedi temple, one of the most revered places in Kumbhalgarh. A Jain temple, dedicated to Goddess Vedi, the shrine was constructed by Rana Kumbha to honour the sacrifices of the pilgrims who visited this area.

Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple

Made with a single block of kasoti stone, this temple houses the famous 6-feet monolith shivling. A great devotee of Lord Shiva, this temple was renovated by Lord Sanga. As per legends Rana Sanga was so tall that when we sat to offer prayers, his eye would be at the same level as the shivling.

Mammadev Temple

Built by Rana Kumbha, this temple is located below Kumbhalgarh Fort. Earlier the shrine had four slabs, of which one was etched with the history from the period of Guhil, the founder of Mewar, the slabs are now preserved in a museum in Udaipur. This is also the place where Rana Kumbha was killed by his son while he was kneeling in prayer.

Parsvanatha Temple, Bawan Devi Temple, Pitalia Dev Temple

All are Jain temples with the images of different Jain Tirthankaras with intricately carved sculptures of gods, goddesses and celestial dancers.

What Not To Miss

Light and Sound Show At Kumbhalgarh Fort

It is a 40-minute show that starts at 7 pm and ends by 8 pm. It is always better to reach before time to get seats ahead. The grandiose of the fort comes alive at night when it is lit up and ready for the show!

Time Taken To Cover The Fort

You should keep a good three to four hours in hand to look around the accessible sections of the fort. If you are not so keen in knowing about the history of this fort you can take off without a guide. Or if history interests you, then there are guides available at the entrance of the fort who will charge around INR 300 to INR 400 depending on the group size.

P.S. - These days local tour guides have to complete guide training course and successful candidates would be issued Regional Level Tourist Guide Licence by the Regional India Tourism Office(s), Government of India. This licence would be valid for three years. When you hire a guide check his id card which will have Incredible India and MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA mentioned along with “Regional Level Approved” stated.

Things to Carry For The Walk Up The Fort

The walk up the fort is steep and hence pretty strenuous so you would need short breaks to energize.

• Carry a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated

• A hat because the sun gets harsh even during winters.

• Sunglasses

• Good walking shoes

Fort Timing

9 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee

Weekdays - INR 15 (Indians), INR 200 (foreigners)

Weekends – INR 100 (Indians), INR 600 (foreigners)

Pay separately for video camera

Best Time To Visit

During monsoon when the hills surrounding the fort turn green – July to August

During winters when it is cool – November to February

How To Reach

By Car

Since it’s a daytrip from Udaipur we had booked a car and started early morning around 7.30 am. There are quite a few travel agencies where you can hire a car with driver. For the entire day it might cost you somewhere between INR 2,500 – INR 4000 depending on the type of vehicle.

By Bus

If budget is a concern and timing is not an issue, you can take a bus. Buses ply every hour from Chetak Circle in Udaipur to Kelwara Village near the fort. Travelling from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Fort is as below:

Chetak Circle (Udaipur) to Kelwara by bus –> Kelwara to Kumbhalgarh Circle by bus –> Kumbhalgarh Circle to Kumbhalgarh Fort by jeep/taxi

Time taken to travel would be three hours and would cost INR 50 – INR 100.

By Train

Falna Railway station is the nearest railway station to Kumbhalgarh located 84 kms from Kumbhalgarh and it connects to trains from all major cities. Taxis can be hired from the station to reach the fort.

By Flight

Udaipur airport is the nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh, around 85 kms from Kumbhalgarh

Events That You Might Want To Attend in Kumbhalgarh

Every year Kumbhalgarh hosts the three-day colourful and vibrant Kumbhalgarh Festival from 1st December to 3rd December. It is a cultural potpourri of song and dance performances by local artists and various traditional competitions.

Places To Stay In And Around The Kumbhalgarh Fort

In case you plan to stay overnight at Kumbhalgarh there are a lot of stays that you can choose from.

Boutique Hotels

Budget Hotels To Stay

Parashuram Cave Temple

Located 3,995 ft from sea-level, this cave temple of Shiva is believed to have been built by the sixth avatar of Vishnu – Parashuram by cutting the rock with his axe. Around 10 kms from Kumbhalgar Fort this place remains a must-visit for all Shiva devotees.

Visiting Udaipur during January and then taking a daytrip to Kumbhalgarh fort was the highlight of our trip. Being a history buff since childhood, monuments of historical significance has always fascinated me. The enormous fort shrouded in mystery and myth is an ideal place to visit if your interest lies in learning about the history of monuments and your want is to be mesmerized by the enigma surrounding!! Well, I was, and so shall you!

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