Under 140 Characters
Did you know that the Largest Wall after The Great Wall of China is in India? Yes, the Second Largest Wall (Over 38 Kilometers) is in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. It’s the Wall around the Kumbhalgarh Fort.
About Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort (or Kumbhal fort) is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, near Udaipur of Rajasthan state. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit each evening.
Built on a hilltop 1,100 m (3,600 ft) above sea level on the Aravalli range, the fort of Kumbhalgarh has perimeter walls that extend 36 km (22 mi), making it one of the longest walls in the world. The frontal walls are fifteen feet thick. Kumbhalgarh has seven fortified gateways. There are over 360 temples within the fort, 300 ancient Jain and the rest Hindu. From the palace top, it is possible to see kilometers into the Aravalli Range. The fort was never ever conquered in battle due to its walls & camouflage. However, the Mughals did manage to capture it briefly when they poisoned the water supply of the fort.
During the summer it gets unbearably hot so the best period to visit the fort is from Aug- Feb. There are some luxurious stays near the fort which would make you feel like royalty. You can experience the royal stay at the resorts at a cost of ₹ 3000-6ooo per head.
Read more: Taste Royalty At The Gogunda Palace In Rajasthan
How To Get There & Ticket Costs
Kumbalgarh is situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur by road. Taking a cab might cost you around 5000, also you can take a vehicle on rent which is a much cheaper and fun option. Vehicle rentals cost around ₹ 500-1000 per day and it takes around 2 hours to reach Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur. So gear up, take your vehicle and you are ready for the road trip to the fort.
Ticket Cost: Cost to enter the fort for Indian nationals is ₹ 40 and for Foreign nationals, it is ₹ 600. Parking facility is available and does not have a cost to it.
The Fort is situated on a height and involves an uphill route of 500 meters. The view from the top of the fort is breathtaking. The premises of the fort includes multiple temples and ancient tombs. The walls are rich with hand-carved sculptures and paintings. There is a Shiva temple which has a Shivling of height more than 5 feet. Enroute to the Fort one can witness the stone building of the wall, which still stands strong. The fort has a rich historical story and also has a local guide service at additional cost.
Light & Sound Show
Every evening there is a light & sound show that begins at 6.45pm & it is something you must not miss. the 45-minute show is an enchanting experience that brings alive the history of the fort. Cost for the show is additional at ₹ 100 for adults and ₹ 50 for children. Thes how starts at sharp 6.45pm & it gets pretty dark by the end so it’s advisable to keep a torch handy to make your way out. Post the show, the whole fort is illuminated and it’s absolutely spell-binding.
What Else?
There is a special 3-day festival during winters which have major cultural highlights. You can enjoy the festival and live the Rajasthani royal life during those days. Pre-booking for the festival is required.
Deets