Kumbhalgarh Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Located in the Rajsamand District in Rajasthan, India, Kumbhalgarh Fort is ranked second (after Chittorgarh) among all the forts in the state in terms of importance. It is named after Maharana Kumbha, ruler of Mewar, who built the fort during the fifteenth century AD. The Kumbhalgarh Fort was opened for the general public to visit during the late nineteenth century and is now designated a World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations of the country with the entire area spectacularly lit every evening. The Kumbhalgarh perimeter walls are ranked in the second place as the largest walls in Asia.

The fort was originally designed and developed by the Maharana himself, who is believed to have designed about 32 of all the 84 forts within his dominion. Legends say that the Maharana had to consult a spiritual preceptor after repeated failures to build the perimeter walls. The consultant said that a voluntary human sacrifice is the only solution to the obstacle causing the problem. However, it was not easy to find a person who would voluntarily give his life for this cause. But finally, a pilgrim (or a sailor by some accounts) sacrificed his life and the fort was finally complete. The main fort entrance still has a shrine dedicated to this great sacrifice.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort Images

Kumbhalgarh Fort Pictures

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort Inside

Inside of Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort Inside Pictures

Kumbhalgarh Fort Inside

Kumbhalgarh Fort Lighting

Kumbhalgarh Fort Lighting Pictures

Kumbhalgarh Fort Lighting

Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall

Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall Images

Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall Pictures

Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall

Kumbhalgarh Fort Entrance

Kumbhalgarh Fort Entrance

Situated high on a hilltop, around 1,100 meters above sea level, the fort provides excellent view of the entire Aravalli Range along with the Thar Desert. The perimeter walls extend in an area of 36km and while the front walls of the fort are 15m thick. There are seven fortified gateways along with over 360 temples inside the fort. Around 60 of these are Hindu temples while the rest are dedicated to ancient Jain religion and architecture. Though first built in the 15th century, the fort has been restored and enlarged over the 19th century.