A Journey To Kumbhalgarh Fort – The Great Wall Of India

One afternoon, I was out for lunch to Soda Bottle Opener Wala, quintessential Irani cafe with my school friends. Irani cafes all across Mumbai have their own set of interesting histories and legacies (I will deep dive into this interesting part of history in another post). While we were having a scrumptious lunch we were in conversation about Indian culture and its diversity. Randomly a girls’ trip of seeing a historical place was planned which led us to Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan. In exactly two weeks, we found ourselves consumed into this marvellous piece of history on top of Kumbhalgarh fort.

Rajasthan, with its majestic palaces, vibrant culture, and rich history, is like a living museum of India’s royal past. From the grand forts of Chittorgarh and Udaipur to the colourful folk dances and mouthwatering cuisine, every corner of Rajasthan exudes a sense of grandeur and charm. Amidst all this splendour, the rajputs reign supreme, their stories of bravery echoing through the sands of time. The Rajputs, with their valour and legacy, have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of this remarkable region, earning them a special place in the annals of Indian history. Welcome to Rajasthan, where every day feels like a royal adventure.

We touched down in Udaipur ready for a girls trip like no other! We hopped into a taxi, blasting our favourite tunes, as we embarked on a journey to Kumbhalgarh. It took us about two and a half hours to cover a distance of about 100 kms. Passing through the narrow village roads through hills and lush green landscape, the drive was extremely scenic and enjoyable. It was a feast for the eyes! Mid way we pulled over at a dhaba, craving some mouth watering Rajasthani and North Indian delights. With our stomachs full and spirits high we hit the road again, heading straight for club Mahindra, our cozy stay for the adventure ahead. Club Mahindra is the best option as the fort is only 10 minutes away from the hotel making the location impeccable. And the best part ? We were thrilled to have gotten 2 large connecting rooms for a great start to the girls’ trip! However, for those seeking a vibrant array of activities, Club Mahindra might leave them wanting as the location is quite remote with almost no other options for exploration. Additionally, the upkeep of the hotel falls short of expectations.

After a refreshing dip in the pool and a hearty breakfast, we laced up our shoes and set our sights for Kumbhalgarh Fort. It was the first week of September with the heat threatening to sap our energy so we were well aware of an early start. We armed ourselves with wide-brimmed hats, plenty of water to stay hydrated, and a sense of excite for the journey ahead.

History Of Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh Fort is located around 85 kms from Udaipur and it stands tall amidst the Kumbhalgarh wild life sanctuary. After Chittorgarh, it is the most imposing fort of the Mewar region. The 15th century fort was built by the King of Mewar, Rana Kumbh in 1443. The wall of this fort is 36 kms long. It is the second largest wall in the world and hence referred to as the ‘Great Wall Of India’. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort lies on a hilltop 1100 metres above sea level. It comprises of 7 gates and is surrounded with around 360 ancient Jain temples and a few Hindu temples.

Upon approaching the fort, the sites that greets us is nothing short of breathtaking – towering walls, intricate architecture, and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Arait Pol is the main entrance to the fort. One of the main aspects of the fort is that the long wall and the high viewpoints gave the soldiers a birds eye view of any approaching enemy and that made the fort impenetrable. The walk up the fort is pretty winding and steep. It took us around half an hour to get to the top of the fort. At the very top is Badal Mahal which feels like it is almost touching the clouds and hence does justice to its name.

The Battle Of Haldighati

The most prominent warrior in Rajput history was Maharana Pratap who was born on 9th May, 1540 at Badal Mahal. Most of the rooms in Badal Mahal are bare, barring a few which have intricate details of warrior elephants on the wall. The views from Badal Mahal give you a view of the wide expanse walls of the fort. Large shrines and a group of ancient jain temples are a wonderful sight.

According to historians, the Mughals repeatedly tried to conquer the fort and the only way they could penetrate was by poisoning the water supply. Maharana Pratap, the son of Udai Singh II was engaged in a long battle with the Mughals. This resulted in the battle of Haldighati in 1576. Akbar’s army was led by Man Singh with 80000 soldiers compared to only 3000 soldiers comprising of Rajputs, Afghans and Bhil tribals in the Maharana Pratap army. Although the Mughals won, Maharana Pratap managed to escape thanks to his brave warrior horse Chetak. Maharana Pratap returned after a few years and regained control of most of the lost territory.

Walking up the fort we explored the labyrinthine corridors and hidden chambers of the fort, we were transported back in time, imagining the lives of those who once called this fortress home. It was a journey of discovery and wonder, a testament to the enduring legacy of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

Capturing those ‘Dil Chats Hai moments sounded like a fantastic idea. With the picturesque arches and captivating curves of Kumbhalgarh Fort as the back drop. Our photos turned out fabulous. It is moments like these that become cherished memories, immortalised in snapshots of laughter and camaraderie amidst the timeless beauty of Rajasthan’s architectural wonders.

Do read my blog on Gogunda Palace an architectural masterpiece steeped in history and grandeur. This magnificent palace, bears witness to the coronation of none other than Maharana Pratap, a legendary figure whose valour and legacy echo through the chronicles of time.

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