Kumbalgarh

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The Mewar fortress of Kumbalgarh is a major fortified citadel in Rajasthan, India. Built in the XV century during the reign of Maharana Kumbha, it resisted all efforts by successive Mogul emperors to conquer it. Entrance to the fortress is possible through sever heavily fortified doors and it contains hundreds of temples, palaces and living quarters. It was last used in the XIX century.

Maharana Kumbha was the grand father of the Legendary Rajput King and Warrior Maharana Pratap of Mewar. The fort is built on top of one of the highest peaks of the Aravalli Range. It is about 3400 feet high. The fort wall extends 36 km and encloses the Kumbalgarh Wildlife sancutuary within its reach.

It is possible to view the sand dunes belonging to the Thar desert from the top of the fort. According to popular folklore, Maharana Kumbha used to burn massive lamps that consumed 50KGs of Ghee and 100KGs of cotton to provide light for the farmers who worked during the nights in the valley.

Kumbalgarh is situated 82 km from Udaipur and is easily accessible by road.

There are many luxury hotels situated enroute to the fort. Most notable is Hotel Aodhi, owned and maintained by the HRH Group of hotels.

[edit] Source

  • "Rajasthan" (Paris: Gallimard, 1999), p.260