Perched atop a rugged hill in the Aravalli ranges, the Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex stands as a sentinel of Rajasthan’s rich history and architectural heritage. The word “Kumbhalgarh” originates from “Kumbha,” denoting the ruler Rana Kumbha who constructed it, and “Garh,” meaning fort. This formidable fortress, built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, is a testament to the ingenuity, bravery, and cultural sophistication of the Rajput rulers. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex is a must-visit destination that promises to leave you spellbound and inspired.

Brief History

The Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex has a storied past, with its origins dating back to the 2nd century BC. However, the current structure was built by Rana Kumbha, the renowned ruler of Mewar, in the 15th century. Kumbha, also known as the “builder king,” constructed over 32 forts during his reign, with Kumbhalgarh being one of his most impressive creations.

Major Places to Explore Within the Fort Complex

  • – Kumbha Palace: The palace where Rana Kumbha was born, featuring intricate stone carvings and ornate architecture..
  • – Badal Mahal: A palace built by Rana Fateh Singh, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape..
  • – Vedi Temple: A temple dedicated to the goddess Vedi, featuring a unique blend of Rajput and Mewar architectural styles..
  • – Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, boasting an impressive 6-foot-tall Shiva lingam.

Directions by road from the nearest airport

Weather forecast

loader-image

Kumbhalgarh


2:45 pm,

Feb 14, 2025


temperature icon



29°C

clear sky


Humidity Humidity:


15 %



Pressure Pressure:


1012 mb



Wind Wind:


13 mph



Wind Gust Wind Gust:


14 mph



Clouds Clouds:

0%



Visibility Visibility:

10 km


Sunrise Sunrise:

7:11 am

Sunset Sunset:

6:28 pm

Getting there

Closest By Air

The nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh is Udaipur. This is an important domestic airport, located 85 km from Udaipur city, which is serviced by regular flights from several airlines from cities like: Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai.

Closest By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kumbhalgarh is Falna railway station and is about 49 km away. Udaipur railway station is 83 km away.

Closest By Road

The most convenient way to reach Kumbhalgarh is to book a private cab from Udaipur. en route to Nathdwara and Haldi Ghati(covering a distance of 102km in 1 hour 40 minutes approximately).

Golerao Temples

Jain Temple no 3


kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh Fort


hassan

Kumbha Palace


hassan

Nilkanthmahadev Temple


hassan

Ganesha Temple


hassan

Laxmi Narayan Temple


hassan

Trikuta Temple


hassan

Khedadevi Temple


hassan

Bawan Devri


hassan

Jain Temples


hassan

Vedi Temple


hassan

Parswanath Temple


hassan

Golerao Temples

Architecture and Layout

The Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex is an exemplary model of Rajput architecture, blending seamlessly into the rugged terrain. The fort’s design is a masterclass in military engineering, with:

  • – Impregnable walls: The fort’s walls stretch for 36 kilometers, making them the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
  • – Seven gates: The fort has seven gates, each with a unique name, such as the Ram Pol, Hanuman Pol, and Vijay Pol.
  • – Jalashay: A sophisticated water harvesting system, which collected and stored rainwater for the fort’s inhabitants.
  • – Palaces and temples: The fort complex features several palaces, including the Kumbha Palace, and numerous temples dedicated to various deities.
Legends and Folklore

The Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex is steeped in legends and folklore, adding to its mystique and allure. Some of the most fascinating stories include:

  • – The curse of the fort: According to legend, the fort was cursed by a saint who was mistreated by the rulers.
  • – The birthplace of Maharana Pratap: Kumbhalgarh Fort is said to be the birthplace of the legendary Maharana Pratap, the brave Rajput warrior who fought against the Mughal Empire.
  • – The treasure of the fort: Local legend claims that the fort holds hidden treasures, which have yet to be discovered.
Visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex

The Kumbhalgarh Fort Complex is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. Here are some tips for planning your visit:

  • – Best time to visit: October to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
  • – Getting there: The fort is located near the town of Kumbhalgarh, which is accessible by road from Udaipur (80 km) and Jodhpur (150 km).
  • – Tickets and timings: The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the site.
  • – Guided tours: Hiring a local guide can provide valuable insights into the fort’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Places to Stay

There are many accommodation options in the Udaipur city. Visitors can find many budget, mid-range hotels and cottage with modern amenities. Rajasthan State Tourism Department Corporation hotel is also a good option.

Restaurants

There are 3-4 average restaurants inside Kumbhalgarh fort complex. You will find a lot of restaurants serving usual Indian food around Kumbhalgarh.