Lulled in a bunch of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, Kumbhalgarh stands proof of its past glories. Located 64 km from Udaipur, this mountain fortress built in the 15th century was renowned as the Eye of Mewar due to its close proximity to Gujarat and Marwar. Kumbhalgarh gives a commanding picture of the rugged landscape of the Aravalli hills. The Fort designed in proper Vastu Shastra treaties have a collection of beautiful temples and ancient ruined temples.


Location
The forgotten Fortress is close to Ranakpur in southern Rajasthan at a distance of 84 km from Udaipur. Jaipur lies 372 km south west of Kumbhalgarh while the national capital Delhi is 748 km from the place.

Adjoining the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the Kumbhalgarh Wild life Sanctuary.


Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit the place is in between October and March. Climate generally remains moderate with winters being a bit colder.


Major Attractions
Kumbhalgarh Fort - The Kumbhalgarh Fort named after Rana Kumbha is one among the 84 citadels built to defend the territory of Mewar. After Chittaugarh, it is the second most important Fort of Mewar covering an area of 12 sq km.

Rising from a prominent ridge around 2000 meters above the sea level the mansion was constructed in the 15th century. The Fort is significant for being the birth place of the great Maharana Pratap as well as a testimony to the murder of Rana Kumbha near Jhali Bao at the hands of his son Udai Singh. Seven ramparts reinforces the massive bastion with a watchtower to detect the movement of the enemy forces.

The mansion is fortified by a 36 km long wall having seven gates. Within the Fort are many palaces of which the Bada Mahal is the most prominent.

Kumbhalgarh Wild life Sanctuary - The sanctuary which stretches to a distance of 286 km preserves a rich variety of wildlife including the great panther. Other inhabitants of the place included the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Antelope as well as Flamingoes Cormorants, Spoonbills and Ergets that usually surfaces in the winter season.

Rajsamand Lake - On the precinth of the Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated the royal lake built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh from where the view of the dawn can be seen. The sunrise and sunset from the beautiful torans is exhilarating. The lake has a well laid out garden and a rest house on the embarkment presently held by the irrigation department.

Ranakpur Temples - At a distance of 50 km from Kumbhalgarh lies the Jain temples of Ranakpur.The Chaumaukha temple is in the form of Nalinigulam Vimana or a heavenly aircraft. Built on a high plinth with high boundary and spires rising above the walls, there are 20 cupolas that goes on to form the roof of the pillared hall.

The first temple belonging to Jain saint Adinath, also commonly called Rishabhadev is encircled by several other smaller shrines and domes, each having a roof of its own. This is probably one of the most complicated and extensive Jain temples in India and also the most complete for Jain sectarian rituals. With 29 halls it is believed to have 84 underground cells


Nearby Attractions
Haldighati - The place is a proof of the fierce battle fought between Rana Pratap, the heroic son of Udai Singh and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1576. A decorated 'Chhatri' with white marble columns dedicated to Maharaj Rana Pratap is seen at the place.