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is well
connected to the other parts of Rajasthan by road. The
Kumbhalgarh fort was the second most important fort of the
Mewar kingdom after Chittorgarh.
This fort is rising from a prominent ridge
at a height of 1914 meters high from the sea level. The fort
was built between 1445 and 1458 AD by Rana Kumbha. Kumbhalgarh
Fort provides an excellent view of the countryside. The huge
stone bastion stands atop a hill and allows access through
spiked gates. The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long
wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within
the other which are ideal for nature trail. The wall of the
fort is about 25 feet thick and is the second largest
continuous wall in the world. Within its fortified ramparts
are palaces, temples, fields, water sources and farms. The
Last gate-the "Nimboo Pol" has fascinating chambers.
Kumbhalgarh fort has twenty one beautifully decorated
air-conditioned rooms with marble inlay and individual open
terrace with uninterrupted view.
History of Kumbhalgarh Fort
According to legends, the infant Udai Singh who later founded
Udaipur, was smuggled from Bundi and was hidden in the
chambers of "Nimboo Pol" to save himself from his murderous
intentions of his uncles. The fort has also witnessed many
heroic deeds of great warriors. This formidable fort fell only
once to the army of Akbar and that too because the water
supply was contaminated by the enemy forces. Kumbhalgarh also
has its significance of being the birth place of Maharana
Pratap.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh overlooks the 578 square km
Kumbhalgarh sanctuary. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is
spread over an area of 586 square km. The Aravallis hills,
which remain barren for most of the year, turn green during
monsoon and thus provide shelter to Sloth bear, Leopard, Deer,
Four-horned antelope and Flying squirrel. During winters, the
sanctuary becomes home to various migratory birds like
Flamingoes, Cormorants, Spoonbills and Egrets. Scientifically
bred crocodiles in the lake within the sanctuary are the major
attraction of this sanctuary. It is also the only sanctuary
where the Indian wolf is breeding successfully. The best time
to visit this sanctuary is from March to May and from
September to November. |
