Introduction
Generally, it is perceived that Kumbhalgarh (also written as Kumbhalgadh) is a virtually inaccessible 15th century fort. Many of the travelers who visit Kumbhalgarh have this notion itched overwhelmingly in their mind and they expect an abandoned medieval structure. Fortunately this is not the case and you can find Kumbhalgarh as the hub of delighted activities within easy reach, yet off the beaten track, from well-known destinations.

KUMBHALGARH - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Altitude 1,914 m above sea level Language Hindi and English Religion Hinduism STD Code 02954

KUMBHALGARH - CLIMATE AND LOCATION
Climate
Kumbhalgarh has a tropical climate like any other place in North India. Mercury climbs to a maximum of around 42°C in the summers. Winters are pleasant with the maximum temperature hovering around 25°C and minimum temperature of around 11°C. Kumbhalgarh receives annual total rainfall of 88 centimeters. The climate of Kumbhalgarh is tropical with the mercury climbing up to a maximum of around 42°C during summers while winters are a bit colder with the temperature hovering between a maximum of around 25°C and a minimum of around 11°C. The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh is winter.

Location
Kumbhalgarh is a small fort town located some 84 km from Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. It is well connected to other important places in the region by all weather roads.

MOUNT ABU - HISTORY AND LEGENDS
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.

KUMBHALGARH - SIGHTSEEING
The town is most famous for the stunning Dilwara Jain temples, built between the 11th and 13th century. These intricately carved marble temples are amazing to behold-not an inch of space has been left uncarved; almost, as if, in a frenzy of inspiration, the artists carved and carved till they could carve no more! Mount Abu also has a pretty lake studded with little islets.

Kumbhalgarh Fort
Though little known, Kumbhalgarh has one of the finest examples of defensive fortifications in entire Rajasthan. Total length of the wall of this fort is 32 kilometers and there are excellent views from the top of the walls. Kumbhalgarh stands on the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the second century A.D., belonging to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. Its steel gray ramparts encircle the fertile Shero Mallah Valley, with ancient monuments cenotaphs, ponds, and flourishing farms. In addition, a stroll along the walls of the fort gives great panoramic views.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
A hazardous, barely jeep able track takes you to the 586 square kilometer Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The main attraction here would be panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four-horned antelope, or crocodiles. Crocodiles are "Scientifically Bred" in a lake in the Crocodile Farm. The Crocodile Farm has a guesthouse belonging to the Forest Department, and overnight stays are possible. Good forest cove, jungle berries, fruits and nuts, water grasses, algae sands of flamingoes, sarus cranes, spoonbills, painted storks, cormorants, purple heron, egrets, duck, and rosy pelican in winter. One also finds plenty of chakor partridge, crow pheasants, jungle warblers, golden orioles, gray jungle fowl, and the usual peacocks, parrots, pigeons, and doves.

KUMBHALGARH - EXCURSIONS
Ranakpur Jain Temples
The famous Ranakpur Temples are just 50 kilometers from Kumbhalgarh by the scenic route through Vanpura and Saira. The steep spiny ridges of the Aravallis were covered with brilliant orange Dhak and yellow Mahuwa flowers in late March.

Begun in 1438 by Rana Kumbha, Ranakpur became a strangely tranquil meditation center in frequently war-ravaged land. It also becomes a magnificent sculpture museum to which wealthy Jain merchants and ministers kept adding shrines and statues. The central Chaumukha Temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankar Adinath. With its 29 halls and 1,444 distinctly carved pillars, this is an astounding monument. The superb marble friezes and carvings should be enjoyed at leisure, and the legends treated with suspended disbelief.

Two temples dedicated to the Jain saints Parasnath and Neminath have beautiful erotic carvings very similar to those, which have made Khajuraho famous. And truly worth visiting is the much earlier probably 6th century Sun Temple close by, which has polygonal walls richly embellished with warriors, horses, and booted solar deities driving splendid chariots.

Ghanerao
Ghanerao, with its red sandstone havelis and a number of old temples, baolis, and marble chattris, is located just 5 km beyond the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. It was founded in 1606 by Gopal Das Rathore and demands a certain visit.

KUMBHALGARH - TRANSPORTATION
By Air
Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the nearest airport for Kumbhalgarh. You can take flights to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Mumbai from here. Delhi is the closest international airport.

By Rail
Udaipur is again the nearest railway station from Kumbhalgarh. You can take trains to Delhi, Chittor, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur from Udaipur.

By Road
Kumbhalgarh is directly connected with Udaipur and Jodhpur, the centers of Mewar and Marwar regions respectively. There are direct buses to both of these places from Kumbhalgarh.

Local Transport
Kumbhalgarh is not big enough to create a need for a vehicle to tour. To reach nearby places you can hire jeeps and tourist cars that can be rented here.