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Kumbhalgarh
Brief
The formidable medieval citadel, Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, this mountain fortress in the wilderness, is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh. This massive fort encompasses a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watchtowers, offers a superb birds eyeview of the countryside, surrounding the fort. Most of the ruins within the fort, are of the temples, dating back to the Mauryan period and of Jain temples of various periods.
History
Maharana Kumbha, built this impregnable mountain fortress in the wilderness, in the 15th century AD. This is also where Prithviraj Singh Chauhan died and according to history, the infant Udai Singh, was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers, by his faithful maid Panna Dai ,to save him from the murderous intentions of his uncles, who desired the throne. Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar, with Kumbhalgarh, as his residence and later established Udaipur - the beautiful Lake City.
Culture
Within the fort, are many magnificent palaces and an array of ruined temples. The ancient ruins of the temples, within the fort, date back to the Mauryan period, built during the region of the grandson of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who belonged to the Jain community. Most of the ruins in Kumbhalgarh, are of the Jain temples of various periods. With its beautiful pillars, finely carved and fluted, it depicts the cultural and historical richness of Kumbhalgarh.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Kumbhalgarh is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, Kumbhalgarh commands a strategic position on the border between the Rajput kingdoms of Udaipur (Mewar) and Jodhpur (Marwar).
How to Reach
Kumbhalgarh is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, Maharana Pratap Airport of Udaipur at 105 kms, the nearest and convenient airport and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. By rail, Udaipur is the nearest and convenient railhead and has excellent connection with Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata. By road, Kumbhalgarh Fort is approachable by a good road ,and is connected via Udaipur to Delhi , Jaipur Ajmer and Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Roadways runs bus services throughout the state and its neighbouring districts.
Tourist Places
Ranakpur Temples
These beautiful Jain temples are a fine example of the temple architecture. Kankroli-Rajsamand are known for their scenic beauty. The exceptionally, beautiful Ranakpur Complex, 60 kms north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. It is tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravalli Range, and is certainly worth seeing. The main temple is the Chamukha Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, dedicated to .Adinath. This marble temple has 29 halls, supported by 1444 pillars, no two are alike. Within the complex are two other Jain temples to Neminath and Parasnath, and a little distance away, a Sun Temple, and the Amba Mata Temple is a km away.
Haldighati.
The scene of the famous battle of 1576 AD, fought between Rana Pratap - the heroic son of Udai Singh and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. A beautiful Chhatri, with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap stands here.
The Kumbhalgarh.
Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, this mountain fortress in the wilderness, is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh. This massive fort encompasses a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watchtowers, offers a superb birds eyeview of the countryside surrounding the fort. Most of the ruins within the fort, are of temples dating back to the Mauryan period and of Jain temples of various periods.
Other
BADAL MAHAL - The most picturesque of all palaces within the Kumbhalgarh fort, is the Badal Mahal or the Palace of the Clouds. The palace has got its name for being the highest of all the structures.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - KUMBHALGARH - The 586 sq. km. sanctuary supporting a rich variety of wildlife like the panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake, are the major attractions.
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