Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is a hill fortress and town in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. The fortress sits atop a hill in the Aravalli Range, near the town of Kumbhalgarh, about 64 kilometers north of Udaipur. Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of the Mewar kingdom, it developed into a major stronghold due to its rugged terrain and strategic position.

The fort complex contains palaces, temples, water tanks, and bathhouses, enclosed by a massive defensive wall that extends roughly 36 kilometers around the hill, one of the longest continuous walls in the region. The walls are punctuated by gateways and bastions, and the site provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The fort played a central role in the history of Mewar and remains a prominent example of Rajput military architecture.

Kumbhalgarh is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its collective significance and extensive fortifications. Within the fort precincts are numerous temples and water management structures. The surrounding area is home to the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected landscape that supports diverse flora and fauna. The site is a major tourist destination, accessible by road from Udaipur and other cities, with the nearest rail and air links in Udaipur. The fort is administered as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, while the sanctuary falls under state conservation authorities.