Kumbhalgarh

Location of Kumbhalgarh had always been its greatest advantage and perhaps the only reason of it being where it is. Rana Kumbha of Mewar built this great defensive fortress on an 1100 m high hill overlooking the approaches from Ajmer and Marwar in 15th century. Today, precisely because it is within easy reach of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Pushkar- yet off the well-trodden tourist- Kumbhalgarh is an attractive destination.

In Kumbha's time the kingdom of Mewar spread from Ranthambore to Gwalior, including vast tracts of present-day Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Mewar's rulers became patrons of all that was best in Indian martial and fine arts, architecture, and learning. Of the 84 fortresses defending Mewar, 32 were designed and built by Rana Kumbha. Of these, Kumbhalgarh with its 36-kilometer long wall and soaring towers is the most impressive. Kumbhalgarh defined the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar, and became a refuge for Mewar's rulers in times of strife. Kumbhalgarh fell only once in its history, to the combined forces of Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar

Places To See:

Haldighati : The scene of the famous nattle of 1576 A.D. fought between Rana Pratap the eroic son of Udai Singh and the massive forces of the Mugal Emperor Akabar. A beautiful Chhatri with white marble columns didicated to Rana pratap stands here.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary :The 586sq. km sanctuary a supporting rich variety of wildlife the pather, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelop and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake, are the major attraction. The sanctuary is also noted for flamingoes, cormorants, spoonbils and egrets usally seen in winter.

Excursion:
Ranakpur Temples : (85km from Udaipur and 50 km from kumbhalgarh) These beautiful Jain temples are a fine example of the temple architecture. Kankroli-Rajsamand ar 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 sunser with beautiful torans or arches and chhatris adorning the embankment. The lake has a adorning th embankment. The lake has a rest House of the Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The rest House has a beautiful laid out garden interspresed 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

Rajsamand Lake : On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies the magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake. The royal lake, was built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh. From here, one can have a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and 'chhatris' 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 view

Climate
Location : 185-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Best Time : October-March