Surrounded among the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel - Kumbhalgarh is the epitome of the past glory of Indian royalty. Rising from a prominent ridge, the fort was built in 15the century A.D. by Maharana Kumbha and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 Km north-west of Udaipur.

Kumbhalgarh Fort :
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 walls of the fort marking 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.

Kumbhalgarh Temples :
Within 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. It offers a superb bird's eye view of the countryside surrounding the fort as well as of 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 Mauryan Emperor Ashoka who belonged to the Jain community. Most of the ruins is Kumbhalgarh 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.

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 Flamingos, Cormorants, Spoonbills and Egrets usually seen in winter. The sanctuary is famous for it's wildlife which includes- wolf, leopard, jackal and a variety of birds.

Places Around Kumbhalgarh :
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 Akbar. A beautiful Chhatri with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap stand here.
The Ranakpur Temples are situated around 50 km from Kumbhalgarh. These beautiful Jain temples are a fine example of the north Indian style of temple architecture, especially the Jain style, which stresses on extensive use of marble and elaborate decorative carvings.

Rajsamand
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 chhatris adorning the embankment. The Rest House has a beautifully laid out garden interspersed with exquisite sculptures excavated from the ruins nearby.

Accomodation in Kumbhalgarh
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