Nestled in the rugged Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Fort stands as a majestic symbol of Rajput valor and architectural brilliance. Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the second-longest wall in the world, stretching over 36 kilometers. With its impenetrable defenses, grand palaces, intricately carved temples, and breathtaking views, Kumbhalgarh is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Whether you explore its legendary past, admire its stunning architecture, or experience the mesmerizing light and sound show, this fort offers an unforgettable journey into Rajasthan’s royal legacy.
History of Kumbhalgarh Fort
Rana Kumbha, one of the most prominent rulers of the Mewar dynasty, built Kumbhalgarh in the 15th century. However, historical records suggest that the site had fortifications as early as the 6th century.
Built between 1443 and 1458 CE, Kumbhalgarh was strategically designed to be impregnable. Its location on a high hilltop made it nearly impossible for invaders to breach. Despite its strong defenses, the combined forces of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, and the Sultan of Gujarat captured Kumbhalgarh only once in history.
The fort is famous as the birthplace of the great Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, the legendary king of Mewar who fought against the Mughals.
In 2013, UNESCO declared the fort a World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Architecture of Kumbhalgarh:
The Fort Walls
- Massive walls of Kumbhalgarh are 15 feet thick and 36 km long, making them one of the longest in the world.
- The wall is 15 feet wide at its thickest points, allowing eight horses to walk side by side at certain sections.
- The walls are designed in a zigzag pattern to prevent easy climbing and were heavily fortified with watchtowers.
- The walls rise to varying heights depending on the terrain, reaching up to 25 feet in some places.
- Local folklore goes that, human sacrifice was performed to ensure the stability of the walls.
- The wall is made of lime mortar, bricks, and locally available stone. They covered the outer surface with stone masonry and packed the inside with rubble and lime to strengthen it.
- Legends suggest that hidden tunnels and escape routes run through the wall, allowing Rajput warriors to flee during sieges.
Seven Pols of Kumbhalgarh fort
The fort has seven massive gates, known as pols, each designed to delay enemy advances.
Ram Pol (Main Entrance): It is the largest and most important gateway to the fort, constructed with massive stone slabs and reinforced with iron spikes to prevent elephant charges. Guards used this as the primary checkpoint, screening visitors and soldiers before allowing entry.
Aaret Pol: It served as a secondary gateway. Located after Ram Pol, it acts as a reinforced checkpoint. Designed with an angular layout to slow down enemies and force them into a vulnerable position.
Hanuman Pol: Named after a Hanuman temple, which is located nearby. The temple houses a stone idol of Lord Hanuman, and people believe that Rana Kumbha himself installed it.
Bhairon Pol: Named after Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. It forms a crucial inner gateway.
Halla Pol: The name “Halla” comes from uproar or commotion, referring to the warning calls given from this gate. Soldiers used this as the alarm checkpoint, raising warnings during attacks. The designers specifically crafted it to provide a panoramic view and serve as an early warning system for approaching invaders.
Nimbu Pol: Name comes from a sacred lemon tree (“Nimbu”) believed to have protective powers. Guards used it as a checkpoint before granting access to the inner royal areas. Doors were reinforced to withstand battering rams, along with a complex entry path to confuse intruders.
Topkhana Pol (Cannon Gate): As the name suggests, this gate served as the military access point for artillery movement. It connected to the fort’s military quarters, where soldiers stored cannons, ammunition, and gunpowder.
Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds)
Rana Fateh Singh (AD 1884–1930) built Badal mahal and was in use by subsequent rulers. It is the highest point in the fort, a stunning two-story palace offering a breathtaking view of the Aravalli Hills. At certain times of the year, cloud surrounds this place, giving it a heavenly aura and thereby earning it’s name
It was built in two sections – Mardana Mahal and Zanana Mahal.
Mardana Mahal (Men’s Quarters) – Used by the king and male members of the royal family.
Zanana Mahal (Women’s Quarters) – Reserved for the royal women and queens, featuring intricate jaali (lattice) windows for privacy.
Beautiful frescoes adorn palace walls, showcasing Rajput hunting scenes, battle depictions, and royal celebrations. The ceilings and walls have green, white, and turquoise-colored murals, the jaali (lattice) windows allow cool breezes to flow inside, providing natural air-conditioning.
Some rooms have whispering walls that carry even the softest voice clearly across the room.
The palace provides a strategic vantage point, allowing guards to spot enemies approaching from miles away. On clear days, one can see as far as Udaipur, nearly 85 km away.
Kumbha Palace
Rana Kumbha built this palace during his reign (1433–1468 AD), showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Rajputs by blending simplicity with functionality. Although in ruins today, Kumbha Palace still echoes stories of royal grandeur, battles, and historic events. Kumbha Palace holds immense historical importance, as many believe Maharana Pratap was born there in 1540 AD.
The palace follows a Rajput-style design with high walls, massive gates, and intricately carved pillars. The arched doorways, balconies, and domed structures showcase Mughal influences and built using lime mortar and sandstone.
The palace is divided into several interconnected chambers, courtyards, and corridors, offering privacy and ventilation. Each section had a specific function, such as the king’s quarters, royal meeting halls, and storage rooms. The wide courtyards were used for royal gatherings, celebrations, and military discussions.
Mardana Mahal: Reserved to be used by the king and male members of the royal family. It has durbar halls (audience chambers) where Rana Kumbha might have met with ministers, nobles, and military leaders.
Zanana Mahal (Women’s Section): The Queen’s Quarters were separated from the Mardana Mahal. The mahal had jaali (lattice) windows, which allowed royal women to observe events without being seen. The quarters also reportedly had private corridors and escape routes to ensure their safety during an attack. A small temple inside may have served as a place for the queens and princesses to offer daily prayers.
Kitchen and Dining Areas: Cooks used separate royal kitchens to prepare meals for the king and the royal family. Visitors can still see the large stone stoves and cooking platforms today.
Temples Inside Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh houses over 360 temples, including both Hindu and Jain temples. The most significant temples, surviving even today are –
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple :
Rana Kumbha, the Rajput ruler of Mewar, built Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the 15th century as a tribute to Lord Shiva’s Neelkanth (Blue-Throated) form. This centuries-old shrine remains a significant place of worship. The temple follows the Solanki (Maru-Gurjara) style of temple architecture, known for its intricate carvings and pillared halls. It is built from grey sandstone. The Shiva Lingam measures nearly 5 feet high, made of stone and retains a more natural hue. Stone carvings depicts mythological stories of Lord Shiva on the temple’s exterior. The temple has hexagonal layout with open-air design using natural light to illuminate.
Mahashivratri Festival (February–March) is celebrated with pomp and show.
Vedi Temple:
Rana Kumbha built this ancient Jain temple in the 15th century, and Maharana Fateh Singh renovated it in the 19th century. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains and protects the temple as a heritage monument. The temple has a unique octagonal shape, with three-tiered structure with each level decreasing in size as it ascends. It stands on a high platform supported by 36 intricately carved sandstone pillars. These pillars showcase fine Rajput and Jain architectural details, depicting lotus patterns, celestial figures, and religious motifs. Devotees primarily used the temple for Jain rituals and yagnas (sacrificial ceremonies).
Adjacent to the Vedi Temple, stands a triple shrine (Trimukhi Temple), which many believe is dedicated to Jain deities.
Parsavnath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, this temple showcases Mewar’s deep-rooted Jain heritage and the architectural brilliance of the 15th century. The Parshvanath Temple was likely built under the patronage of Jain traders and royal ministers, showcasing their devotion to Lord Parshvanath. The temple is made of white marble, with a domed shikhara (tower) above the sanctum. Inside, the temple houses a stunning black stone idol of Lord Parshvanath, seated in the lotus position (Padmasana). The idol features a seven-hooded serpent (Sheshnag) above his head, symbolizing divine protection.. A spacious mandapa (prayer hall) with elaborately carved pillars leads to the sanctum. Delicate carvings of Jain Tirthankaras, celestial beings, and floral patterns decorate the temple’s walls and pillars. The temple has an open courtyard where devotees can meditate and offer prayers in silence.
Every year, the temple hosts Mahavir Jayanti (March–April), attracting a large number of worshippers.
Lakhola Tank
The Lakhola Tank is an ancient water reservoir located near Hanuman Pol, built by Rana Lakha of Mewar in the 14th century. Subsequent rulers, including Rana Kumbha, later expanded and modified it. This massive artificial lake provided the fort’s residents, soldiers, and animals with a steady water supply, even during prolonged sieges. Sukh Mahadev River was dammed for construction of the Lakhola Tank . The tank is nearly 5 km in circumference, making it one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Rajasthan. Strong stone embankments prevent soil erosion and water leakage. Wide stone steps leads down to the water, allowing easy access. One could see several small temples and ghats (bathing platforms) around the reservoir.
Kumbhalgarh had an advanced rainwater harvesting system, and Lakhola Tank was its largest water conservation structure. The fort’s drainage channels and catchment areas were designed to direct rainwater into the tank, ensuring water availability even during dry months.
Best Time to Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort
Monsoon Season (July – September) – Lush Greenery & Refreshing
Temperature: 22°C – 30°C
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who enjoy a misty and lush green landscape.
The Lakhola Tank fills up with rainwater, enhancing the beauty of the fort.
Fewer crowds, making it a peaceful time to explore.
Downside: The pathways can be a bit slippery due to rain, and high humidity can add to discomfort.
Winter Season (October – March) – Best Time to Visit
Temperature: 10°C – 25°C
Cool and pleasant weather, perfect for long fort explorations without exhaustion
The clear skies offer breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills and surrounding landscape.
Perfect time for the Kumbhalgarh Festival (December), which features folk music, dance, and light shows.
Peak tourist season
Summer Season (April – June) – Harsh & Hot
Temperature: 30°C – 42°C
Scorching heat, making daytime visits uncomfortable.
Not ideal for long walks or climbing the fort’s steep slopes in the afternoon.
Limited greenery, making the landscape look dry and harsh.
Best to avoid visiting during these months.
Ticket Booking & Fees 1
Timing: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tickets : ₹40/- (Indian Citizens and Visitors from SAARC & BIMSTEC Countries), ₹600/- (Foreign tourists), Free for children below 15yrs.
Videography: ₹25/- (personal use)
One can purchase ticket from the fort’s entrance or online through the Archaeological Survey of India’s official booking portal.
Here is a step by step guide of how one can book Kumbhalgarh Fort tickets. There are two separate tickets. 1) for Kumbhalgarh Fort and 2) for Light and Sound Show
Light and Sound Show
Visitors can purchase tickets on-site at the fort’s ticket counter before the show begins. They can also book tickets online through the RTDC website.
Time: 6:45 PM
Held at: Hanuman Pol, one of the main entrance gates of the fort.
Ticket Prices: ₹100 per adult, ₹50 per child.
Language: Hindi
Duration: 45minutes
Conducted in an open-air setting, with the massive walls and structures of the fort serving as a stunning backdrop.
Parking Facilities
There is a designated parking area, available near the entrance. Parking charges are nominal. During peak tourist seasons, the parking area is generally with full of crowd. So it’s best to arrive early.
Kumbhalgarh Fort location
Kumbhalgarh Fort is in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. It sits on the Aravalli hills at 1,100 meters above sea level. The fort is 85 km from Udaipur and 48 km from Rajsamand. It lies inside the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by forests and rugged terrain.
The fort was built for defense. Its 36-km-long wall is the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. The Aravalli hills made it hard for enemies to attack. The nearest airport is in Udaipur, and the closest railway station is in Falna. Buses and taxis run from Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur to the fort.
here one can check its location on google map.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Fort
Take a long drive
Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh (85KM): One can cover the 85km distance in about 2hrs, navigating through NH58 and RJ SH32
Jodhpur to Kumbhalgarh (175 km): One has to take NH62 and NH58, to cover the distance and reach Kumbhalgarh in about 4hrs
Jaipur to Kumbhalgarh (345 km): One has to take NH48 and NH58, to reach by 7hrs.
Rajasthan State Transport Buses are available from Udaipur to Kelwara, the nearest town (6 km from Kumbhalgarh Fort). From Kelwara, take a Local Auto / Taxi, to reach the fort.
Ride a train
Kumbhalgarh does not have a railway station. The nearest railway stations are:
1.Falna Railway Station (Nearest – 49 km)
2.Udaipur Railway Station (85 km)
How to Reach from the Railway Station?
From Falna: Hire a taxi (~1.5-hour drive)
From Udaipur: Take a taxi or bus (~2-hour drive)
Take a flight
The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (95 km). From the airport, take a prepaid/local taxi or book a private cab to Kumbhalgarh (~2.5-hour journey).
