Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh is a name that people know well. An erstwhile fortified township, Kumbhalgarh is a prominent and must-visit place in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. This fortified township is known for the fort of Kumbhalgarh that was the royal residence of the Mewar rulers. This fort was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by thousands of visitors throughout the year.
Kumbhalgarh has an elevation of 3,600 feet above the sea level. It is located in the beautiful hillocks of Aravali. Due to its location, a major portion of its land is a jagged terrain. The climate of Kumbhalgarh Tourism is defined as arid in nature. The summers are searing as the median mercury levels scale between 32°C-41°C. During winters, the temperatures fall down below 22°C and provide a relief to all.
Kumbhalgarh is renowned for the alluring fortress that overlooks the whole town. This fortress stands on a 300-feet high hillock. After climbing atop the fortress, one can see the panoramic view of the Aravali Hills. There are Hindu temples inside the fortress that are devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
Kumbhalgarh Fort – An Architectural Wonder Of Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the five hill forts of Rajasthan that were declared the UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. Situated in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, around 82 kilometres from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second largest wall (38km) after the great wall of China. Constructed on the foothills of Aravalli ranges, it is surrounded by thirteen hill peaks of the ranges and is perched at an elevation of 1,914 m. The magnificent fort is situated in the middle of a forest which has been turned into a wildlife sanctuary. It is the second-largest and the most important Mewar fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh palace.
Under the reign of Mewar kings in Rajasthan, the majestic fort was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century between AD 1443 and 1458 under the direction of Mandan who was a very renowned architect of that time. The fort was constructed in the exact same place where an old castle existed which was attributed to Samprati who was a Jaina prince of the second century BC. Named after the King Kumbha, the Kumbhalgarh fort was cleverly designed on a hilltop to provide the strategic position to the Mewar kings to protect them against the attacks of the enemy.
The fort is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, one of the most powerful kings of Mewar. Also, Badal Mahal was constructed inside the fort by Rana Fateh Singh, who was one of the most famous builders of the time. Badal Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Jain Temples, Baoris, Chhattris, water reservoirs and Brahmanical are some of the main buildings inside the spectacular kumbhalgarh tourist attractions.
Mammadev Temple – A Tourist Place Worth Visiting
Mammadev Temple is loacted right below the Kumbhalgarh Fort and is known for its beautiful architecture and interiors. Built by Rana Kumbha in 1460, this temple boasts of intricate sculptures and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kumbhalgarh. The temple has two cenotaphs or ‘chhatris’ in memories of famous rulers Rana Kumbh and Prithviraj Chauhan. Moreover, there were four huge blocks in the temple with inscriptions of history and heritage of Mewar clan. But a few years ago, the pillars were transported to Udaipur museum. There is also a huge reservoir locally called ‘kund’ Kumbhalgarh Tour Packages.
In 1460, the Mammadev Temple and kund were built by Rana Kumbha. The temple is situated below the fort and originally consisted of four slabs. The slabs had inscriptions on them providing the history of Mewar, from the period of Guhil, the founder of Mewar dynasty till Rana Kumbha, who was a great builder of temples and forts Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
Presently, the slabs are preserved in the Udaipur Museum. The temple houses the image of Kuber, the God of Wealth and two cenotaphs or ‘chhatris’, in memory of Rana Kumbha and Prithviraj Chauhan, the famous warrior and knight errant of Mewar. A large reservoir or kund is situated close to the temple, nearby the cenotaph of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Badal Mahal – The Splendid Palace Inside The Fort
Badal Mahal is situated at the highest point of the fort. Built by Rana Fateh Singh in the 19th century, this 2 storeyed palace is divided into 2 inter connected but distinct portions – the Zanana Mahal(the section for the royal ladies) and the Mardana Mahal ( the section for the male members of the royal family). The palace is beautifully decorated with wall paintings. The women’s section has stone jalis or lattice from where the queen used to watch the court proceedings and other events
Built by Rana Fateh Singh (AD 1885-1930), it is the highest point of fortress. Once have to climb up to terrace through narrow stairs to reach this palace. It is a two storeyed building with the interior painted in pastel colours. Like Palace of Rana Kumbha, this palace is also divided into two interconnected distinct portions – Zanana and the Mardana palace. This palace is profusely decorated with wall paintings of 19th century style and some have attractive friezes. The stone jali screens in Zanana mahal was facilitated the queens to see the court proceedings and other events in privacy. From here one can get the view the jungle covered hillsides and across the deserts of Marwar towards Jodhpur.
Constructed inside the Kumbhalgarh Fort, it is considered as the highest of all structures. The majestic Palace was built of huge apartments, painted with pastel-colored murals. Interestingly, the Mahal offers an unforgettable bird’s eye view of the in and outside the fort Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Popular For Intricate Architecture
Neelkanth temple is famous for it’s monolith Shiva Linga and is one of the attraction within Kumbhalgarh fort. 6 feet shiva lingam is made out of the a single black Kasoti stone.
Built in 1458 A.D., Neelkanth temple is located to the east of Vedi temple within the fort wall of Kumbhalgarh. Open pillared mandapa of the temple can be seen from far away. Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva is placed in front of the garbhagriha Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
As per the stone inscriptions on the left pillar of the western gate of the temple, the temple was renovated by Rana Sanga. The unique temple has entrance from four directions making it Sarvatobhadra temple.
Vedi Temple – A Beautiful Jain Temple
Vedi temple of Kumbhalgarh is the only surviving remnant of all the sacrificial places of India. Rana Kumbha built this jain temple in AD 1457 to honor the sacrifice of the pilgrimage and to perform the rituals. The temple was further renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh.
Marvelous Vedi temple is a three storey is great example of architecture. 36 octangle shaped pillars add amazing beauty to the temple. Yellowish color of the temple is contrast to the earthly colored fort, makes it eyecatching. Erected on high platform and west facing temple is a place of the must visit Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
Kumbhalgarh is second prominent fort of Rajasthan and poses second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The mighty fort becomes important as it is a birthplace of great Mewar warrior Maharana Pratap. Situated among Aravali mountain range, the fort is accompanied by the lush green sanctuary.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – A Rich And Vibrant Biodiversity
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Covering a total surface area of 578 sq km and stretching across the Aravalli ranges, it encircles parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Pali. The wildlife sanctuary encompasses the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is also named after the fort. This hilly dense forest of Kumbhalgarh will definitely prove to be a pleasant surprise for those who consider Rajasthan a desert state. The green tract of the park forms a dividing line between the two different parts of Rajasthan; Mewar and Marwar.
The area where the Sanctuary is located was once a royal hunting ground and was converted into what it is today in the year 1971. Another charm of the sanctuary is the diverse topography that it boasts of. The eastern part is lined by the Aravalli ranges that looms over an altitude of 3,748 ft. River Banas also graces the sanctuary and is the primary source of water Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is famous for its 40 strong wolf pack, that is rarely found elsewhere. Apart from the wolf it also houses the various variety of endangered and rare animal species and almost 200 different species of birds. The monsoon in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary brings on the beautiful flora, and the autumn brings out russet colours. The sanctuary also offers provision for other activities such as jeep safari, horseback safari and trekking. Many Garasia and Bhils tribals can also be seen here, living in their traditional huts. The natural beauty of the sanctuary attracts tourists from far and wide.
Parshuram Temple – Seek Blessings
Parshuram Mahadev Temple is located at just 10 km away from Kumbhalgarh Fort on border of Rajsamand and Pali distirct of state of Rajasthan. This famous cave temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The ancient cave is the most famous here, you have to reach down through 500 stairs leading to the cave. Parshuram Mahadev Temple mesmerizes you with the amazing view from Aravalli Hills range. If you love trekking, this would be your best experience unless and until you reach the gate of Temple.
This is amongst the best places in Kumbalgarh forest, it has a beautiful surroundings to offer the best to the visitors. The past is quite fascinating and includes the various formations known as Kamdhenu. In the temple you will also notice the idol of Lord Ganesha along with nine Kunds. The most interesting thing about the Kunds which never dry out and also considered as pious and holy Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
Muchchal Mahavir Temple – With A Unique Deity Of Mahavira
Muchhal Mahavir Temple is a Jain temple which is located in the Pali District of the Rajasthan. This Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir. Located in the green environment of the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, it provides a great piece to the mind. Situated at about 5km away from the Ghanerao, Muchhal Mahavir temple is known for the statue of the Hindu Lord Shiva with mustache.
Beautiful architecture of Muchhal Mahavir temple attracts many visitors. Its entrance has two statues of the elephants which are standing in the guarding position. Nearby Garasia tribal villages are another attractions around this temple. From the shopping point of view, it is famous for beautiful traditional colorful costumes. At the temple, a fair is organized on the 13th day of Chaitra month every year Top 8 Places To Visit In Kumbhalgarh.
