Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is most well known for its massive fort with winding snake like wall second only to the Great wall of China in size. The wall is so wide in parts that five horses could walk abreast on top of the wall. There are also many wildlife sanctuaries in this area which offer (rare) sightings of tigers and bears. This area also functions as a vacation retreat, especially for the neighboring Gujarat residents. There is no end of “luxury” resorts and hotels, with many more in the process of being built.

Cradled amidst a cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali range, the formidable medieval citadel of Kumbhalgarh stands 1,914 m above the sea level. The fort was built in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (AD 1419-63) and is the principal fort after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km northwest of Udaipur. A unique fact about Kumbhalgarh fort is that it was taken by the Mughals only once in its entire history. And even at that time, it took the combined armies of Delhi, Amber, and Marwar to breach its defense (and only after its water supply was poisoned) The Fort itself is just one part of the many structures on the grounds, but today much of the other buildings (and much of the fort itself) are in various states of disrepair and are not possible to visit. The view from the top does offer a fantastic view of the entire property and the sheer enormity of the entire area. My guide, Ajun spent a lot of time with me showing me the area, and I was more than ready to settle into my hotel this evening.