A Guide To Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

1. Things to do / Highlights

Kumbhalgarh Fort is an iconic landmark on the Avaralli range. Built in the 15th century, this magnificent landmark is one of the many attractions in the country that is listed as a World Heritage Site. Not only is it a place of stunning architectural beauty and picturesque sceneries, but it is also relevant to the history of the state as it is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap - the 13th king of Mewar a.k.a Rajasthan. If you are planning to swing by Kumbhalgarh Fort when you visit Rajasthan, here is a few things to do there.

Explore the fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort is enormous in size, covering 268 ha (662.2 acres) of land area, and has a 22 mi (36 km) perimeter. This landmark is recorded as the second largest wall in the world, next to the Great Wall of China. This being said, you have a lot of ground to cover if you wish to visit the marvelous Kumbhalgarh Fort. It might seem like too much cardio, but the architecture and the sceneries from above are worth every sweat.

Learn about its history

This magnificent landmark is not only a sight for sore eyes but it is also of historical relevance. From 1443 to 1458, the fort was built under the supervision of Mewar king Rana Kumbha and his architect, Mandan. The design of the fort shows a combination of Rajput medieval design and architectural innovations of that time. Historians claimed that the fort was originally home to Samprati - A Jain Prince, dating back to 2nd-century BC. Since its construction, there have been multiple attempts to conquer the fort.

Check out the fascinating temples in the fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort is home to a total of 360 temples. Most of these sacred places of worship belong to Jain deities. Passing through the main entrance alone treats you to a sight of a cluster of temples, and you can expect many of them scattered inside the fort. Aside from there temples, you’ll find three other palaces inside Kumbhalgarh Fort. If you wish to see the fort at its best and in vivid colors, during the sunset, the place is illuminated by the bright Indian sun. It is an unforgettable sight to behold.

Witness wildlife in its natural habitat

If you have more time in hand on your Kumbhalgarh Fort visit, you might want to spare some for a tour in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounding the fortress, this 610.5 sq km (236 sq mi) of land offers a lot to see for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. It guarantees an unforgettable jungle experience that is surely one for the books.

2. What to eat

Here are some fantastic restaurants that you should try on your Kumbhalgarh adventure.

Pangat

If you are a vegetarian or someone with a stricter diet, Pangat will surely excite you. It is an upscale dining spot that will impress you with its delicious culinary specialties and magnificent architectural design. Nesting in Ramada Resort Kumbhalgarh, this culinary haven specializes in Italian, Chinese, and Indian gastronomic offerings. Aside from the food, the ambiance and the stunning views are appreciable too.

Lassania

Craving for some palatable Italian fares? If so, be sure to book a table in Lassania. This dining spot is located in Beer Ki Bhagal. Lots of locals and tourists come to this culinary paradise for its famous pure vegetarian wood-fired pizza, lasagna, bruschetta, and other classic Italian dishes. Not to mention, their alfresco dining setting provides guests a relaxing time with fresh air and picturesque nature views.

Chowka at The Aodhi

Another excellent restaurant to try in Kumbhalgarh is Chowka at The Aodhi. This dining spot is perfect for tourists who wish to have a taste of traditional Indian specialties. You can find it in Kelwara, District Rajsamand, Kumbhalgarh. Besides their best-selling fish curry, the tropical vibes in the restaurant is another thing to love about it.

3. Travelers tips

Wear comfortable clothing

Kumbhalgarh Fort is vast in terms of land area, and it is nestled in the Aravalli range. If you are planning to check out this historical landmark, you should expect lots of uphill climbs and long walks, especially service vehicles are not allowed inside the fort. It would be convenient and comfortable for you to wear appropriate clothing, such as breathable tops and a pair of comfy jeans or walking shorts. Also, a pair of excellent rubber shoes is your life-saver. Another thing is, if you plan to enter temples inside the fort, you might want to opt to wear modest clothes that do not show lots of skin. Avoid wearing loud accessories that create so much noise.

Book a guide

Although you can explore the fort on your own, if you wish a more informative and in-depth tour experience, you might want to book a knowledgeable guide to show you around, tell you about its history, and take you to its hidden gems. Guides are available on third party tour packages online, but there are also guides you can book on-site, by the fort’s main entrance.

Parking space

Kumbhalgarh Fort does not have the best parking space, but there are vacant spaces by the main entrance that tourists can take advantage of on a first-come-first-served basis. Vehicles are not allowed inside the fort.

4. How to get there

Rent a car and a driver

Most tourists who visit Kumbhalgarh Fort are on a tour from Udaipur - the nearest city south of Kumbhalgarh. In Udaipur, there are lots of travel agencies that are scattered across the city, offering car service for tourists. Expect 37 USD - 48 USD for a full day rental, depending on the vehicle type.

Take the bus

If you want to experience an adventure like a local, you may take the bus to Kumbhalgarh Fort. In Chetak Circle, Udaipur, buses wait for passengers and they run on an hourly basis. These buses stop at Kelwara Village, which is 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) away from the fort. Fare is less than a dollar, and the travel time from these points covers more or less three hours. From there, you can ride a jeep taxi to Kumbhalgarh Fort’s main entrance.

5. How to book tickets

On-site

Tickets to Kumbhalgarh Fort can be purchased on-site at the main entrance.

Online

Ticketing lines on-site can be really crowded as the fort can sometimes be overly trafficked by locals and tourists. For a more convenient tour experience, it is best for you to book tickets online through the attractions official ticketing link.

Kumbhalgarh Fort Information

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Address: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325, India

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 1 USD (locals); 8 USD (tourists)

Department of tourism: Visit Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh Fort official website: Kumbhalgarh Fort