KUMBALGARH FORT

It is undoubtedly the most massive and imposing fort in Rajasthan. It is inscribed with 5 other state forts on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its 20-kilometre long wall would be the second longest ever built after the Great Wall of China. At the last moment, at the bend in the road, the fort appears to appear out of nowhere. A thick wall, where, it is said, 8 horses could stand upright, protects the fortress and the palace built on top of a rocky outcrop. From there, the view of the surrounding mountains is absolutely extraordinary. The fort was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, an added ruler who brought the Mewar to present-day Madhya Pradesh. The construction of the fort took 5 years, from 1443 to 1448.

Allow 2 hours to visit the palaces and two or three temples you will pass by on the way. We recommend that you use the services of a guide who will make the visit more interesting, especially concerning the palace of Rana Kumbha. Try to get here early. It is also possible to walk inside the fortress and visit the more distant temples or walk along the wall. You won't have too much of a day to go through all its nooks and crannies.

You enter the fort through Hanuman Pol, the first of the 7 gates that lead to the palace. This fort was taken only once and it took the combined forces of the armies of Marwar and Mughal Emperor Akbar to bring it down. They only had two days to savour their victory before being driven out for good. This is where the rulers of Udaipur took refuge in case of danger.

Many Jain temples and some Hindu temples remain. There would be 360 in total, intact or in ruins. Some of them date back to 200 years BC, attesting to the importance of Kumbhalgarh since time immemorial. The temples can be visited, but don't forget to take off your shoes before entering these sanctuaries.

The fortified palace stands on your left at the end of a long climb. It is built at an altitude of 1,100 metres. The highest palace is the newest one. It was built by Fateh Singh at the end of the 19th century. From the roof, the view of the Aravalli is absolutely breathtaking, and on a clear day, it would be possible to see the beginnings of the Thar Desert. The remains of the palace of Rana Kumbha are on your right as you go up the hill. Admire the Zenana, the women's quarter, with its sculpted columns reminiscent of a temple.