Kumbhalgarh Travel
Guide
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Cradled in the cluster
of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, 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, the fort was built in
15th century A.D. by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 A.D. ) and
is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying
90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has
seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the
other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers
strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an
impregnable structure,
Fascinating chambers
are built on the western side of the last gate - the 'Nimboo
Pol'. 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.
With in the fort are
many magnificent palaces and an array of ruined temples.
The most picturesque
of the palaces is the 'Badal Mahal' or the palace of the
cloud. The palace has got its name for being the highest
of all the structures. It offers a superb bird's eye view
of the county side surrounding the fort as well as to
other ruins within the fort. The ancient ruins of the
temples within the fort date back to the Mauryan period
built during the reign of the grandson of the Maurayan
Emperor Ashoka who belonged to the Jain community.
Most of the ruins in
Mumbhalgarh are of the Jain temples of various periods.
As one moves to the
East, Kali Temple and the Mamadev Kund with royal Chhatris
can be seen. Another noteworthy temple, a little further,
enshrines a fine black marble lingam.
The mandap or the hall
of the temple has beautiful pillars, finely fluted and
having a tapering shape.
General Information :
|
Climate : |
Mean Max |
Mean Min |
|
Summer : |
40.5' C |
26.8' C |
|
Winter : |
30.0' C |
10.0' C |
|
Rainfall : |
45
- 60 cms. |
|
|
Best Season : |
September - March |
|
|
Clothing : |
Summer |
light tropical |
|
|
Winter |
light woollen |
|
Languages : |
English, Hindi, Rajasthani. |
|
How
to get There :
Nagaur is
well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan by
road and rail. The nearest airport is Jodhpur (135 kms.).
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
:-
Udaipur 105 km is the Convenient Airport.
By Road :- Kumbhalgarh Fort is
approachable by a good road. No Train Connection.
WHAT
TO WEAR
Woollens during winter and cottons in summer months.
Prime Sites
Haldighati :-The
scene of the famous battle of 1576 A.D. fought between
Rana Pratap - the heroic son of Udai Singh and the massive
forces of the mughal Emperor Akber. A beautiful Chhatri
with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap stands
here.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife
Sanctuary :-
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.
The Sanctuary is also noted for flamingoes, cormorants,
spoonbills and egrets usually seen in winter.
Ranakpur Temples:-
(85 km
from Udaipur and 50 km from Kumbhalgarh)
These beautiful Jain temples are a fine example of the
temple architecture.
Kankroli - Rajsamand are known for their scenic beauty.
On the
way to Kumbhalgarh lies a magnificent dam - the Rajsamand
Lake. The royal lake, built in 1660 by Rana Raj Singh.
From here one can have a spectacular view of the sunset
with beautiful 'torans' or arches and chhaties adorning
the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the
Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The Rest
House has a beautifully laid out garden interspersed with
exquisite sculptures excavated from the ruins nearby.
The town of Kankroli nearby with a marvellous temple and a
pretty palace on the hill top offers a scenic experience.
