Kumbhalgarh is the second most important bastion in the Mewar region, after Chittorgarh. Where it now stands, was once the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the 2nd century AD. That citadel belonged to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. Rana Kumbha founded the fort of Kumbhalgarh in the 15th century. Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, India is one of the few forts in India that remain unconquered till date. One of the reasons behind this is the inaccessibility and hostile topography of the fort. Maharana Fateh Singh got the fort renovated in the 19th century.

The fort provided refuge to the rulers of Mewar in the times of conflict, especially Udai, the baby king of Mewar. It is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a legendary King of Mewar. The fort was made in such a way to protect it against the enemy forces. Encircling the fort is a 36 km long wall, with width thick enough to accommodate eight horses abreast. A self-sufficient fort, Kumbhalgarh was built with almost everything within its premises, with a view to endure a long siege. A number of palaces as well as temples inside the fort add to its appeal. Only once in its lifetime, the fort fell to the combined Mughal and Amber armies, that to because of a scarcity of drinking water.

Apart from this magnificent fort, Kumbhalgarh travel and tourism is known for a number of other attractions also. The Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place for the nature lovers. It is home to some of the exotic species of animals as well as birds. Then there is the Muchchal Mahavir temple, dedicated to Lord Mahavira and Haldighati, the venue of a famous historical battle. One thing is for sure, that you will not be disappointed with a visit to this fortress city.

PLACES TO SEE

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary -

Spread over an area of 578 sq km, the Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, nilgai, four horned antelope, chinkara, grey jungle fowl and a number of other animals inhabit this sanctuary. A birds watcher's paradise, the sanctuary serves as a habitat of peacocks, doves, red spur owls, parakeets, golden oriole, gray pigeons, bulbul, white breasted kingfisher, etc.

Kumbhalgarh Fort :

Rana Kumbha got the Kumbhalgarh fort constructed in the 15th century. One of the few forts in Rajasthan that have remained unconquered. Kumbhalgarh was also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, Mewar's legendary king. The attractions of the fort include a number of fascinating palaces and an array of temples inside it. The fort is enclosed by a thick wall, running up to 36 km and offers a splendid view of the surroundings.

Muchhal Mahavira Temple -

located in the premises of the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is this interesting Jain temple. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of architecture.